Finish Paving Brings Vine Street Project to a Close
Street Paving Wraps Up on Vine
Workers finished laying the top layer of asphalt on Vine Street on Friday, completing a street improvement project that began last week with a new base layer. It’s one of several Uptown roads being repaved this fall, along with some connecting alleys that help link the neighborhood.
Before paving began, crews applied J‑Band, a special sealant placed under the area where two lanes meet. When hot asphalt is poured on top, the J‑Band rises and fills small cracks and gaps at the joint. This helps prevent water and air from entering and causing early damage. City staff say it’s a good way to extend the road’s lifespan before cracks appear.
Once the asphalt mixture was laid, workers used hand tools to smooth it out, especially near curbs and intersections. Two different rollers were used to compact it. First, a vibratory roller shook as it moved to expel air and settle the surface. After that, a heavier roller followed to give the street its final smooth finish.
During the work, traffic crews helped guide cars and pedestrians safely through the area. Friday’s paving was briefly delayed when an asphalt truck accidentally struck an overhead power line, bringing it down and stopping work until the line was cleared.
Once it was safe to resume, crews returned to finishing the final layer. By afternoon, the street was rolled, sealed, and ready for reopening with some minor repairs continuing next week.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
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