It should be noted that crack sealing would not improve the initial pavement rideability. The benefits are realized in 3 to 5 years when it becomes obvious that the pavement has not deteriorated. Roads and bridges that are crack sealed last longer than those that are not. Sealing prior to surface treatments and bituminous paving overlays enhances the treatment and further extends the pavement life. At a time when highway crew sizes are shrinking (along with funds to support road maintenance), crack sealing stands out as an economical maintenance technique. The overall successes of pavement maintenance systems that include crack sealing (combined with the generally low cost) make crack sealing a desired maintenance program. Crack sealing provides the most cost-effective use of the dollars over time when compared to other pavement maintenance treatments.