INDOT Announces Chip Seal Projects

Last updated on Thursday, April 27, 2017

(UNDATED) - The Indiana Department of Transportation announces short-term road closures for chip seal operations across southwest Indiana, beginning on or around May 3.

INDOT maintenance staff have identified nine different state highways for preservation through chip sealing. Operations will commence at the beginning of May and last until mid-June, depending upon weather conditions. The dates and locations for chip seal projects are as follows:

On or around May 3 - State Road 54 near Bedford from S.R. 45 to S.R. 58 and then from S.R. 58 to S.R. 37
On or around May 5 - S.R. 458 near Bedford from S.R. 158 to the end of the highway
On or around May 9 - S.R. 56 near Paoli from East County Road 75 North to S.R. 337
On or around May 16 - S.R. 62/66 west of Leavenworth from S.R. 237 to the S.R. 66 east junction
On or around May 22 - S.R. 62 east of Ferdinand from S.R. 145 to S.R. 37
On or around May 26 - S.R. 62 From the Boonville city limits at West Maxville Road to just west of U.S. 231
On or around June 6 - S.R. 257 Near Stendal and Velpen from S.R. 56 to the end of the highway.
On or around June 14 - S.R. 356 from the Petersburg city limit to S.R. 257

Chip sealing extends pavement life by keeping good roads in good condition. As the name implies, the treatment seals small cracks in the pavement and prevents potholes from forming. In addition, the stone chips improve friction for stopping and skid resistance in rain, ice and snow. Chip-seal is one of INDOT's most effective pavement preservation methods. Studies show that every $1 invested in chip seal operations saves $6 to $14 in future roadway costs.

These chip seal projects require full road closures, though local traffic will have access to the point of closure. This is due to loose stone and dust that could potentially create a traffic hazard. Full closures also improve the quality of the finished surface and productivity during operations, reducing costs. Depending upon length, most chip seal projects can be completed within a week. On average, chip seal operations add three to five years of life to pavement.

In 2014, INDOT partnered with Purdue University research the state's chip-seal program. From 2014 to 2016, labor and equipment costs were reduced from $2,039 to $1,544 per lane mile, or about $500. This year, INDOT will complete 162 lane miles in southwest Indiana in just under six weeks.

INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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