Commuters in Beaver County may need to leave a bit earlier for work starting next week. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 11 has announced that joint sealing operations on Route 68 will begin this Monday, June 17, if the weather is on board. With the project stretching across Marion, New Sewickley, Daugherty, and Rochester townships and the boroughs of Beaver and Rochester, it's poised to affect a significant chunk of local travel, as per Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

As crews get down to business, those traveling on Route 68 should be prepared for rolling single-lane closures going both ways, from the Butler County Line all the way to Sebring Road in Beaver Borough. The closures are slated to take place between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, potentially stretching through to late November. It's crucial to plan to accordingly adjust one's daily commute to accommodate these changes, which could mean tacking on extra minutes to travel time.

A statement obtained by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation emphasized, "Crews will conduct joint sealing operations." This maintenance work is standard for road upkeep, aimed at preserving the longevity of highway pavements and preventing more costly repairs in the future. The process often involves sealing the joints between concrete slabs to keep water out and prevent erosion, which can lead to larger potholes and other road surface issues if left unmanaged.

Local businesses and commuting individuals are advised to stay alert for updates as conditions can quickly change or be extended, depending on the progress of the work or unexpected weather patterns. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is committed to keeping traffic disruptions to a minimum, but some delays are unavoidable. Motorists are encouraged to take note of the construction signs and to slowly drive through the work zone, ensuring the safety of the road crews and fellow drivers.