INDOT Reminder: Summer Seal Coat Operations Continue

Pike County – Summer Seal Coat Operations are in full swing in southwestern Indiana and the Indiana Department of Transportation is taking this opportunity to remind drivers of the next scheduled operation. 

Depending upon weather conditions, INDOT crews will begin seal coat operations on State Road 257 in Pike County beginning on or around Monday, Aug. 3. Multiple locations are scheduled for seal coat operations, with work scheduled to last 5-6 weeks district wide.

Typically seal coat operations in one location will last for about four days depending upon weather conditions and will be performed under full road closure. This method greatly reduces risk of property damage, allows the work to be performed more efficiently, increases safety for crews on sight, and allows for a better-quality finished product.

During the operation, workers set small stones in an asphalt emulsion, or a bonding agent, which is, then allowed to cure for up to two days. The next step is to fog seal the road by applying a light layer of asphalt that seals the stones. Once seal coat operations are complete, any loose aggregate will be swept away from the road.

Seal Coating, on average, extends the life of pavement by three to five years. For every $1 spent on seal coat, taxpayers save $6-14 in future road rehabilitation and construction costs. Roads are chosen for this process based on surface type, condition and age. Motorists should remember to slow down, increase following distance, obey all work zone signs, and plan for extra time to get to your destination.