Road sealing operations to restrict traffic on some roadways in Boone and Clinton Counties

By In D On Aug 20, 2024

BOONE COUNTY, Ind. — A road sealing project is slated to begin in portions of Boone and Clinton Counties on Tuesday.

According to a press release, the roads that will be affected by the work are U.S. Highway 421 and State Road 28 just east of Frankfort and State Road 38 between Kirklin and Sheridan.

Map of affected roadways courtesy of the Indiana Department of Transportation.

INDOT expects the project to last for about a week, barring any weather delays.

Per INDOT, lane restrictions or full road closures may be necessary as officials work in the area. Flaggers might be staffed on roadways to help traffic move safely during the project.

The work crews will be doing may also damage motorists’ cars. The project’s plans call for crews to coat existing pavement with liquid asphalt and then apply “loose aggregate.” Once crews believe they have properly sealed the road, they will sweep the loose aggregate off the roadway.

After a curing period, officials will return to fog seal the driving surface and apply pavement markings.

INDOT indicated that it will make “every effort to reduce vehicle damage during and immediately after chip seal projects.” Officials also pointed out that their efforts aren’t guaranteed to prevent vehicles traveling through the area from being damaged by work-related debris like loose stones. Those who wish to ensure their vehicles aren’t damaged during the project should seek alternative routes around affected roadways.

Road sealing projects like the one planned for Boone and Clinton Counties have been shown to extend the service life of roadways and lower maintenance costs, according to INDOT. Such efforts provide roads with waterproof protection.

INDOT also called chip sealing “a cost-effective pavement preservation technique that is utilized across the State of Indiana.” Officials estimate chip sealing saves between $6 and $14 in taxpayer expenditures for every dollar invested in extending the life of the roadway.

INDOT encourages motorists that may be driving through Boone and Clinton Counties during the chip sealing process to slow down, watch for stopped traffic and avoid distractions.