Why Would Crews Grind Down a Brand-New Road?

Reader Question: Why does the newly paved stretch of Dexter-Chelsea Road have sections with grooves that look like the new pavement was ground down?

Drivers on Dexter-Chelsea Road may have noticed some stretches of the newly paved roadway that appear rougher than the surrounding pavement, almost as if the fresh asphalt was ground off shortly after being installed.

According to the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC), the grooves are the result of corrective work.

“Staff noticed some bumpy sections on Dexter-Chelsea Road, so the contractor came back to smooth out the surface,” said Tiffany Oliphant, communications manager for the WCRC.

The process, known as pavement grinding or milling, removes small amounts of asphalt to eliminate uneven spots and improve ride quality. While it may seem unusual to grind a road that was just paved, it is a common practice when contractors need to correct imperfections and ensure the finished roadway meets specifications.

The road isn’t finished yet, either.

Oliphant said WCRC still plans to apply a chip seal treatment to Dexter-Chelsea Road during the 2026 construction season, as originally scheduled. Chip sealing is a protective layer that helps shield the pavement from water, sunlight, and everyday wear, extending the life of the road.

So, while the grooved sections may look unfinished, they are actually part of the effort to deliver a smoother ride now and a longer-lasting road in the years ahead.

Featured photo: Freshly paved sections of Dexter-Chelsea Road show areas where contractors returned to grind down and smooth bumpy spots identified after paving. The Washtenaw County Road Commission says the roadway is also scheduled to receive a chip seal treatment in 2026 to help protect the pavement and extend its lifespan.Photo by Doug Marrin.