Frustration Mounts Over US 35 Chip Seal Road Repairs in Knox

Photo byWSBT photo

A routine chip seal project along US 35 near Knox has sparked frustration among local drivers, as complaints of vehicle damage continue to pour in. The ongoing construction, stretching from Knox to Winamac, has been a point of contention for residents who say the road conditions have led to costly repairs.

Jonathan Hummel, a Knox resident, shared his experience of driving south on US 35 last Saturday. Hummel, accompanied by a friend and two children, pulled over to let an ambulance pass when his vehicle was bombarded with loose gravel, shattering his windows. “It was so bad that I actually thought they struck my vehicle,” Hummel recalled. "The glass exploded all inside the car."

Hummel isn't alone. Others traveling along the stretch have reported similar incidents, expressing frustration with the lack of warning signage and the condition of the road. Despite drivers taking precautions, such as reducing speed, the loose gravel has continued to cause significant damage to vehicles.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) responded to concerns with a statement: “Damage to vehicles is most often caused by people driving too fast or following other vehicles too closely through the area when it has been recently chip sealed. We do take precautions to prevent this as much as possible, but drivers are always responsible for assessing conditions and adjusting their driving behavior accordingly.”

For Hummel, the repairs have been costly. "I paid $305 to Safelite to replace one window, but I can’t afford to fix the front windshield right now," he said, emphasizing the financial burden this incident has placed on his family.

With the project nearing completion, one worker confirmed that the roadwork is expected to wrap up by the end of the week. However, for many residents, the damage has already been done, and the experience has left a sour taste about the road maintenance process.