A contractor for the city of Bainbridge Island has begun annual maintenance of city roads and drivers should expect delays, city officials have announced.

The road preservation work will occur in two phases.

Earlier this week, crews began patching roads to be chip-sealed. On Monday, Aug. 26 to Friday, Aug. 30 crews will begin the chip-sealing process, starting on the north end and heading south.

During the chip-seal process, there will be a temporary closure (with detours) along Sportsman Club Road between Finch Road and High School Road.

It is anticipated that crews will work 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the project.

While crews are working, roads will be reduced to one lane with flaggers.

Chip-sealing is the process of applying a coat of asphalt oil and finely crushed rock over the existing pavement, city officials said, thus restoring the street surface to protect the roadway from water and weather damage.

Chip-sealing is a cost-effective way to extend the life of a road and save significant funds on future road repair costs, according to city officials.

For the days of application and immediately after the project, the speed limit will be reduced to avoid vehicle damage from flying rocks. Drivers are advised to go slow and travel a safe distance from the construction vehicles.

Visit www.bainbridgewa.gov for a list of roads to be repaired.