Soy-Based Asphalt Sealant Testing Planned for Two Mid-Missouri Routes

BOONE/COLE COUNTY – A asphalt sealant that could provide longer-lasting protection for Missouri roadways will be applied this week, requiring single lane closures on two highly traveled routes.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is partnering with the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and BioSpan Technologies, a Washington, Missouri based company, to test out a soybean-based sealant. This low-viscosity sealant product, called RePlay, is intended to penetrate the small cracks of the pavement’s surface to help seal it from absorbing water. Water infiltration in these small pavement cracks can lead to deterioration of the surface. This product is also expected to reduce pavement oxidation caused by sunlight which can also cause deterioration.

Through this testing, MoDOT is hoping to achieve a longer pavement lifespan by using the soy-based sealant instead of petroleum-based sealants.

On Wednesday, June 2, crews will be applying the sealant around 10 a.m. on the eastbound Route 54 driving lane, about two miles north of the Route 17 interchange near Eugene. Once that work is complete, crews will apply the sealant around 12 p.m. on the northbound Route 63 driving lane, about one mile north of the Route 124 intersection north of Columbia.

Once applied, the product takes approximately 30 minutes to dry and then traffic may resume driving on that section of roadway. There will be single lane closures on both routes while the work takes place.

Signs will be in place to alert motorists of the lane closures. Drivers will need to slow down, watch for crews and obey all signs in work zones.

This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information and updates about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/modot-central-district. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook and Twitter for project updates.

Districts Involved
Central