INDOT: Chip seal project to affect S.R. 71 in Vermillion County

VERMILLION COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Drivers along State Road 71 in Vermillion County will soon see road crews as chip seal operations begin.

According to INDOT, the portion of the roadway expected to be effected runs from S.R. 63 to S.R. 163 in an area northwest of Newport. The work is expected to begin on or after Monday, July 22 and last through the end of the month.

Crews will use lane closures with flaggers and large message boards to direct traffic through the area when able, otherwise full closures of the roadway will be used to prevent damage to vehicles and the roadway.

Chip seal projects use liquid asphalt to seal cracks and extend the lifetime of the pavement. After the seal coating is finished, crews use “loose aggregate” on the roadway, with crews returning after a curing period to finish sealing the roadway and reapply road markings.

“INDOT makes every effort to reduce vehicle damage during and immediately after chip seal projects,” the release notes. “While these efforts may not prevent all damage to vehicles during the chip seal process, they have substantially reduced the likelihood of damage.”

Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes to avoid the area while work is underway. Should you need to drive through, you’re asked to slow down and be alert to your surroundings to allow a safe work environment for crews on scene.

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