San Juan County announces resurfacing of 18 miles of roads this summer

Chip seal maintenance programs help preserve county roads

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

San Juan County’s Public Works Department is announcing its annual summer road resurfacing schedule to chip seal approximately 18 miles of roads on Lopez and San Juan Islands. Chip sealing is a pavement treatment that extends the life of the road surface. Learn more by visiting the County Roads Program webpage at https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/309/County-Roads and see the schedule and map below for a complete list of projects.

Sections of roads to be resurfaced this summer:

• June 1- June 12 on San Juan Island: part of Wold Rd and West Side Rd, Bailer Hill Rd, and the Fairgrounds.
• June 15–Mid-July on Lopez Island: Channel Rd, parts of Center Rd, Airport Rd, Shar Reef Rd, Richardson Rd, Mud Bay Rd, Vista Rd, and Islandale Rd.

Several Orcas Island roads were chip sealed during last year’s schedule. Orcas and Shaw Islands are not part of the 2026 chip seal program. Public Works will continue to monitor the condition of roads and address problems as needed.

This schedule is dependent on weather, among other factors, and may be subject to change. San Juan County asks drivers to exercise caution when traveling through construction zones and to plan extra time for their commute in case of delays.

Remember, please drive slowly on freshly surfaced chip seal roads: 

• For their safety: you are driving through an active construction zone-obey flaggers and posted traffic signs.
• For your safety: during the first week excessive speeds may kick up loose rock into oncoming traffic.
• It’s your road: chip seal overlays perform best when vehicle speeds are reduced while the pavement cures.

Wear and tear are natural for surfaces incurring regular traffic, harsh weather, and use by multi-ton vehicles. San Juan County develops and maintains a multi-year plan to preserve roads in the most cost-effective way and uses best practices to help keep rides smooth and safe for drivers.

2026 Chip Seal Road Maps:  

Contact:  Public Works, 360-370-0500

About San Juan County’s Public Works Department  

San Juan County’s Public Works Department constructs and maintains county roads. The department offices are located at 1609 Beaverton Valley Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Public Works Department, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/277/Public-Works.