To the Editor:
I am writing regarding the use of chipsealing roads in the Grafton, Westborough, and surrounding towns. Chipsealing is the process of putting down a layer of tar and overlaying it with “chips” of aggregate. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipseal.)
Chipsealing is, at best, appropriate for low volume roads. However, it is extremely unpleasant to drive, bike, or run on. The chips damage your paint on your car, wear out your tires, and are hazardous to bicyclists because frequently loose stone is pushed to the side of the roads. The town of Westborough has chip sealed some minor roads. I almost crashed when I turned onto one on my bike due to the gravel build up.
The town of Grafton decided to recently chipseal old Westborough Road. This is a major road for all traffic heading south west. I have never seen chipsealing used before on such a major road. Quite frankly, it is very cheap, low quality and seems highly inappropriate for a major road. As a motorist and bicyclist we deserve better from our local governments.
Carl Shimer
Westborough
