(WASHINGTON CO.) – INDOT contractor Pacific PCI plans to begin work Monday (April 13) on a $564,000 bridge painting contract. Crews will begin on S.R. 135 over the Muscatatuck River at the Jackson-Washington County line. The contract also includes S.R. 446 over Leatherwood Creek in Lawrence County and Arlington Road over S.R. 45 in Monroe County.
Beginning Monday, traffic on State Road 135 will be reduced to one lane with a temporary traffic signal. A 45 MPH speed restriction will also be in place. Motorists should slow down, watch for stopped traffic and drive distraction-free through all work zones. The contractor expects to complete painting at this location by early-to-mid May, weather permitting.
Painting is one of many preservation techniques utilized by INDOT to extend the life of bridge structures. Prior to painting, beams and other components are sandblasted to remove existing rust and the new coat of paint acts as a sealant to protect from water, salt and other chemicals that may cause corrosion.
