Pavement Preservation Projects Scheduled For Early August
Posted
Staff Report-
Indiana Department of Transportation announced pavement preservation projects are scheduled for the southwest and central sections of the INDOT Fort Wayne District that began Thursday. Chip seal operations began Aug. 1, along Ind. 124, between Ind. 15 and 9 in Wabash and Huntington counties and on Ind. 18 between U.S. 31 and Ind. 13 in Miami and Grant counties. Beginning the week of Aug. 5, chip seal operations will continue on the above-listed roads as needed, after which operations will move to the following state roads: Ind. 218 in Miami County, between U.S. 31 and Ind. 19; Ind. 13 in Wabash and Kosciusko counties, between Ind. 114 and Ind. 14; Ind. 205 in Whitley County, between Ind. 5 and the town of Churubusco; Ind. 5 in Huntington and Whitley counties, between U.S. 24 and Ind. 14. During these operations, traffic will be reduced to one lane, controlled by flaggers, as INDOT forces perform the chip seal operation to maintain the road surface. Crews will be present during daytime hours, and a reduced speed limit of 45 miles per hour will be in effect. This project is dependent on dry weather, and may be delayed if conditions aren’t adequate. The chip seal process consists of distributing a liquid asphalt emulsion on the roadway and covering the liquid asphalt with crushed stone to provide a new wearing surface. Once the asphalt has cured, any excess chips left on the roadway are swept from the surface. Chip sealing extends the life of a roadway by protecting it from moisture, ultraviolet degradation and any other damaging exposures. In addition to sealing the pavement, chip seal applications re-establish surface friction – improving safety for the motoring public. Of the pavement preservation methods employed by the state, chip sealing is perhaps the most cost effective, according to an INDOT press release. Studies show that every $1 invested in chip seal operations saves $6 to $14 in future roadway costs. Drivers should exercise caution in this area during the project. INDOT reminds drivers to use caution and consider worker safety when driving through a construction zone. For the latest news and information about INDOT, visit www.in.gov/indot Traffic restriction information can be found at www.trafficwise.IN.gov Contact the Fort Wayne District toll free at 866-227-3555.
