Santa Cruz County Public Works announced on Apr. 29 that chip sealing work will take place on Vereda Patria and surrounding roads throughout May as part of its annual road maintenance program.
The county is asking residents to keep the public right-of-way clear during this period by removing vehicles, trailers, and other obstacles from the roadway. Officials said temporary access delays may occur but thanked the community for their patience while crews complete the project.
Chip sealing is a method used to extend the life of existing pavement by applying liquid asphalt followed by small rock chips, which are then compacted into place to form a protective seal. This process helps prevent water intrusion, protects against UV damage, improves traction for drivers, and extends road lifespan at a lower cost than full resurfacing.
The announcement comes as Santa Cruz County continues efforts to maintain safe and reliable infrastructure for residents. While these improvements are underway, education data from recent years shows ongoing challenges in local schools. According to the Arizona Department of Education, 74.4% of students in grades 3 through 8 did not pass the mathematics section of the AASA during the 2022-23 school year, while 66.4% failed English in those same grades. Among high schoolers that year, 84% failed mathematics and 72% failed English on ACT assessments.
Recent results show some improvement: 18% of high schoolers passed mathematics on the ACT during the 2023-24 school year, while 23.6% of students in grades three through eight passed mathematics on AASA tests.
County officials said regular maintenance such as chip sealing helps preserve roadway conditions and reduces future repair costs. The Rio Rico area spring schedule was included with details about upcoming work.
