The City of Albert Lea Street Department announced that the annual road chip sealing program will begin on Monday. Chip sealing is a process in which a thin layer of oil and rocks are used to extend the life of the roadway.

The Street Department will begin with Plaza Street, west of Bridge Avenue and will then move to the downtown area — the southern boundary will be Main Street with the eastern boundary being the junction of Bridge Street and Clark Street, the northern boundary will be Fountain Street, and the western boundary will be the railroad tracks. The following streets are included: Clark, William, Water, Lake, Elizabeth, Newton, Broadway, Washington, St. Mary, West, Euclid, Ermina, Vine, Oak Lane, and Lakeview Blvd (Fountain to Vine). The job is expected to be completed by July 4, weather permitting.

The roadways will not be closed during the chip sealing process, the city of Albert Lea asks that people drive with care and use extra caution on these streets when the chip sealing operations are occurring. There may be minor delays and disruptions in parking.

If there are any questions or concerns contact the City Engineer and Director of Public Works Steven Jahnke at 377-4325. For more information on the chip sealing process, visit http://www.cityofalbertlea.org