They do it all the time around here too. A year after they replace the asphalt they do chip and seal as evidently it prolongs the life of the road surface.

Anyway, it's always a drag to be on a skinny tired road bike and have to run these passages, the corners are brutal. Usually it lasts a couple weeks then they sweep up the excess. I'd suggest , If you have the option to run wider tires or a bike with wider tires during the chip and seal season.