Pavement Sealing Work Week of July 29 In Bates, Henry and St. Clair Counties‏

Week of July 29 In Bates, Henry and St. Clair Counties

Bates, Henry & St. Clair counties -- Pavement sealing projects are planned for several state routes in Bates, Henry and St. Clair counties during the week of July 29, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. Drivers can expect traffic stops of up to 20 minutes where crews are working to apply rock and oil to the road. The process is designed to seal cracks and preserve the pavement. During the chip-seal operation and even for a while afterwards, loose gravel may be on the road. So drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone to avoid sliding out of control and to keep from throwing rocks into the air that could crack windshields. The work zone speed limit will be set at 45 mph. Here's the schedule: * July 29 -- Bates County Route Y between Amsterdam and Merwin. * July 30 -- Route 52 in Henry County between Route 13 at Deepwater and Montrose. * July 31 -- Route 52 in Henry/St. Clair and Bates counties between Montrose and Bates County Route BB east of Butler * Aug. 1 -- Route 82 in St. Clair County between Harper and Osceola Bad weather and/or material or equipment problems will cause changes in the work schedule. Driving Delays * Traffic may be stopped for up to 20 minutes where the work zone begins. That is because the rock spreader being used in the chip-seal operation covers the width of the road. Using equipment that covers the full width of the pavement enables the work to go quicker than doing one lane at a time. * When the road equipment is being moved to a new location, one lane will be opened to traffic and a pilot vehicle will lead vehicles through the work zone. * Drivers on side roads and driveways approaching the highway will have to stop and wait to follow a pilot vehicle before pulling onto or crossing the highway. * Obey flaggers stationed on the road to help direct traffic. A chip-seal is planned for these roads as an economical way to maintain and preserve the pavement. The treatment keeps a road from deteriorating and extends its life.