As resurfacing work continues along County Road 48 between Silverhill and Fairhope, the Baldwin County Commission is offering residents a closer look at the detailed process behind roadway improvements and the steps crews take before and after paving begins.

While fresh asphalt is the most visible part of the effort, county officials said in a news release that resurfacing involves a series of coordinated steps aimed at improving safety, protecting public investment and extending pavement life.

Work begins well before paving with a focus on drainage. Crews inspect pipes and drainage structures along the roadway, replacing any that are damaged or outdated. Completing these repairs early helps avoid cutting into newly paved roads later, which can shorten pavement life, increase costs and create uneven driving surfaces.

Planning also plays a key role in determining whether additional improvements are needed. Officials review traffic counts, crash data and vehicle speeds to assess whether widening lanes or adding paved shoulders is necessary. As traffic increases, these upgrades are often included to improve safety the release said.

During construction, crews may temporarily remove shoulder material and place it along the roadway edge. Though this can affect nearby ditches maintained by residents, the material is later reprocessed and returned once paving is complete. This step helps support the new pavement edge and prevents drop-offs between the road and grassy shoulders.

Before asphalt is applied, crews prepare the surface to ensure a smooth and durable finish. This may include asphalt leveling to correct uneven areas and improve drainage during rainfall. A tack coat is then applied, creating a sticky surface that bonds the new asphalt to the existing roadway.

Motorists are urged to follow traffic control guidance in work zones, as driving on fresh tack coat can cause it to adhere to vehicle tires and may require professional cleaning.

Once preparation is complete, crews lay a new layer of asphalt across travel lanes and widened shoulders, improving ride quality and extending the roadway’s lifespan.

After paving, temporary striping is installed to guide drivers while the asphalt cures. During this period, natural oils rise to the surface, preventing permanent markings from properly adhering. Officials said this curing process typically takes at least two weeks.

Following curing, crews install permanent striping and pavement reflectors, providing the long-term visibility and guidance drivers rely on.

County officials said the careful planning and step-by-step construction process helps ensure resurfaced roads remain safe, durable and cost-effective for years to come.