23077 - 2025 Paving Project - Rubberized Cape Seal

Overview

The Rubberized Cape Seal Project is part of the City of Richmond’s ongoing Pavement Management Program to preserve and extend the life of local streets.
This two-phase project combines localized base repairs and a rubberized cape seal surface treatment to improve pavement condition, enhance safety, and promote environmental sustainability through the reuse of recycled tire rubber.

Project Map

To view a detailed map of specific locations visit the link here: 2025 Paving Project - Rubberized Cape Seal

Construction Updates

For weekly updates, visit the City Manager’s Weekly Report.

Upcoming Work:

Week ending 12/19/25 is tentatively scheduled to include 6" road base repairs on streets in Point Richmond.

Current Work

Week Ending 11/12/25

Crews are performing 6” road base repairs on streets in the North & East, Belding/Woods, and Point Richmond Neighborhoods
Work will continue through winter, weather permitting.
Phase 2 surface treatments are anticipated for Spring 2026.

Previous Work:

Week Ending 11/28/25

Week between 11/10/25 through 12/2/25 is on hold due to inclement weather.
6" road base repairs in the Richmond Annex, Coronado, and East Richmond Heights Neighborhoods are tentatively scheduled to resume 12/3/25.
Work will continue through winter, weather permitting.
Phase 2 surface treatments are anticipated for Spring 2026.

Week Ending 11/7/25

Crews are performing 6” road base repairs on streets in the Fairmeade/Hilltop area.
Work will continue through late fall, weather permitting.
Phase 2 surface treatments are anticipated for March–April 2026.

Week Ending 10/31/25

Crews are performing 6” road base repairs on streets in May Valley area & Fairmeade/Hilltop area.
Work will continue through late fall, weather permitting.
Phase 2 surface treatments are anticipated for March–April 2026.

Contact Information

For project questions or accessibility accommodations:
Dan Santos, Assistant Engineer
Public Works Department – Engineering Division
Phone: (510) 620-6645
Email: dan_santos@ci.richmond.ca.us

Project Goals

Extend Pavement Life: Restore surface condition and prevent costly future reconstruction.
Improve Ride Quality & Safety: Provide smoother, skid-resistant travel surfaces.
Promote Sustainability: Reuse California waste tire rubber as part of the final seal treatment.
Enhance Neighborhood Streets: Focus on residential and collector roads with moderate wear and aging.

Project Schedule

Phase 1 – Base Repairs (Fall 2025)

Crews will repair isolated pavement failures (“digouts”) and perform localized tree trimming to prepare streets for final treatment.

Duration: October–December 2025
Work type: 6-inch base repairs, limited excavation, and paving restoration
Typical impacts: Short-term lane closures, localized parking restrictions, and temporary driveway interruptions

Phase 2 – Rubberized Cape Seal (Spring 2026)

In early spring, crews will apply the rubberized cape seal treatment on selected streets.

Duration: March–April 2026
Work type: Rubberized chip seal followed by slurry seal finish
Typical impacts: Short-term street closures during curing (4–6 hours), detours, and “No Parking” zones posted in advance

What to Expect

Advance Notification: Door hangers and mailed notices provided at least 72 hours before work begins on each street.
Access & Safety: Emergency access and ADA access will be maintained at all times.
Traffic Controls: Flaggers, signage, and temporary lane closures will guide motorists safely through work zones.
Driveway Access: Temporary closures may occur during active work; normal access restored the same day.

Environmental Benefits

The Rubberized Cape Seal process uses recycled tire rubber to create a flexible, durable, and environmentally responsible surface treatment.

Diverts thousands of tires from California landfills each year
Reduces road noise and improves traction
Extends pavement life by 6–10 years depending on traffic and use

Additional Performance & Sound Benefits

Beyond its environmental value, rubberized asphalt offers measurable improvements in ride quality and neighborhood sound levels. The recycled rubber binder helps absorb tire noise and vibration, reducing roadway noise compared to traditional asphalt or slurry seal surfaces. The result is a smoother, quieter ride for drivers and residents alike, with enhanced skid resistance and flexibility that help prevent cracking and extend pavement service life.

Project Funding

This project is funded by a combination of:

SB1 – Road Repair and Accountability Act
CalRecycle Rubberized Pavement Grant Program

Frequently Asked Questions - Pavement Management

How are streets selected?
Why is my street receiving a certain type of treatment while a nearby street received a different repair?
Why are some streets repaired sooner than others?

Answers to these questions and more are found at the following hyperlink: FAQ Pavement Management | Richmond, CA - Official Website