ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Road work season is ramping up in Tompkins County.
Every summer, crews hit the local roadways for dozens of miles of road maintenance, including chip sealing and paving.
This year, Tompkins County Highway Department Director Nick Ensign says they’re dealing with a sharp increase in material costs due to the rising price of oil. The unanticipated spike has pushed the county’s cost for chip seal projects about $100,000 above the budgeted amount, to date. The hit could mean the scope of work will be dialed back.
“Chip seal is going to start May 4,” said Ensign. “What is on our map is what we’re doing; that one will not be shrunk, but some of our paving could be, moving forward.”
Additionally, the Highway Department has already spent nearly half of its fuel budget for the year.
Click here to see which roads are scheduled for chip sealing and paving this summer.
