Mill & Fill Hot Mix Asphalt Overlay

Mill & Fill overlays provide a new asphalt layer which effectively restores ride quality, seals the surface, and improves the structural strength of the road. This rehabilitative treatment extends pavement life and reduces costly repairs. It is generally applied to arterial streets which have higher volume traffic. Generally this treatment can extend the life of a road by up to 15 years.

Impacts to Residents

  • Traffic delays are expected during mill & fill operations.
  • During the mill & fill process, roads will be closed until the asphalt cools (typically 1–2 hours) Exceptions are made to allow emergency vehicles to pass through.

Resident Notifications & Parking Restrictions

  • Residents will receive notice at least 72 hours before the mill & fill treatment begins.
  • "No Parking" signs with construction times will be placed 72 hours in advance on affected streets.
  • Vehicles must not be parked on affected roads during construction but may be parked outside the work zone for use that day.
  • Consider using alternate routes to avoid delays.

Residents with special needs can contact the City in advance to coordinate accommodations. All work is scheduled in coordination with transit and waste providers to minimize service disruptions.

The Process

1. Pavement failure areas are dugout and repaired.

2. Where needed, a leveling course is applied to the road in order to restore proper profile and cross-section. 

3. Streets are cleaned of vegetation or debris.

4. Wedge grinding and conform grinding are performed and streets are swept.

5. Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is applied and compacted with a roller.

6. Days later, manholes and other utility valve covers are adjusted to final grade.

7. Two weeks later, permanent striping is replaced.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is mill & fill paving, and how does it differ from other paving methods?

It involves grinding (milling) off the top layer of old asphalt and replacing it with new asphalt, improving ride quality and durability.

How long does the process take, and when can I drive on the newly paved surface?

Milling takes 1-2 days, followed by asphalt placement. Streets typically reopen the same day or within 24 hours.

Will this treatment reduce noise or improve the overall ride quality of the road?

Yes, removing worn pavement and applying new asphalt results in a smoother, quieter ride.

Why isn’t the entire street being repaved instead of just milling and filling certain areas?

If the road base is still intact, full-depth reconstruction isn’t necessary. Mill & fill targets surface damage while preserving structural integrity.

How long does mill & fill paving last compared to a full street reconstruction?

Mill & fill typically lasts 10-15 years, while full reconstruction lasts 20-30 years.

Will the project cause dust or air pollution concerns?

Some dust and odors are expected, but contractors minimize impacts using water trucks and dust control measures.

Will there be detours or street closures during the milling and paving process?

Short-term closures may occur, but at least one lane is typically kept open for access.