GASCONADE COUNTY – A contractor working for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will begin making driving surface and guardrail improvements on several routes in Gasconade County next week.
Starting on Monday, July 12, a seal coat treatment will be used to create a smoother driving surface on Route T between Route 50 in Rosebud and the end of state maintenance. The contractor will also be making the same improvements to Route V between Route 19 and Route T, Route A between Route 28 in Bland and Route 50 in Mount Sterling, and Route Y between Route A and Route 28 in Owensville. All of these routes will also receive guardrail improvements.
Crews will close one lane between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day. Flaggers and a pilot car will be in place to guide traffic through the work area.
Seal coats are a pavement repair process that is used by MoDOT on roads with lower traffic volumes to maximize available resources and extend the life of a roadway. Hot emulsion oil is sprayed onto the surface of the road, followed by finely ground rocks which are then compacted to adhere to the roadway. Excess material is swept off the surface, leaving an improved roadway that will hold up longer against the elements.
The method costs about one third the amount of a traditional asphalt overlay. Along with a smoother driving surface for travelers, the treatment keeps water from penetrating the surface, extends the life of the roadway up to seven years, and provides improved traction.
Drivers are encouraged to slow down in work zones, obey all traffic signs and give crews on the road plenty of room. Delays are possible and MoDOT says they appreciate the patience of travelers while the work takes place.
This project is expected to be completed by August.
Work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit modot.org/GasconadeRoadwayImprovements. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on Facebook or Twitter for project updates.
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