Pavement sealing projects are scheduled for several state routes in the Ava area of Douglas County beginning Wednesday, June 22, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.
Drivers can expect road closings on some roads and traffic stops of up to 30 minutes on other roads where crews are doing the pavement preservation work. 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.
The process of applying rock and oil will take place roughly between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Vehicles and workers will be on the roadway as early as 7 a.m. doing preparatory work and as late as 5 p.m. sweeping away loose rock.
Drivers are asked to slow down, be alert for work zone signs, obey flaggers, follow pilot vehicles and use extra caution.
Drivers are urged to find alternate routes during the closings on Douglas County Route U and Route A.
Bad weather will cause changes in the work schedule.
Here’s a look at the schedule:
* June 22-23 — Douglas County Route U CLOSED between Bryant Creek and Route 76 east of Ava. The road will be closed between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
* June 27-28 — Route 76 between Douglas County Route T at Goodhope and Route 5 in Ava. Traffic stops up to 30 minutes are possible. Pilot vehicles will guide drivers through the work zone.
* June 29-30 — Douglas County Route A CLOSED between Route 5 south of Ava and the end of state maintenance at Rome. The road will be closed between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The speed limit on each road will be reduced to 45 mph for several days following the sealing operation to allow rock and the sealant to cure properly.
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.
