Drivers in Cole and Osage counties should prepare for some delays starting next Wednesday, as preventative maintenance treatments are set to roll out on some local routes. MoDOT has announced that Vance Brothers, LLC, in coordination with their efforts, will apply a seal coat to Osage County Route T and Cole County Route E, an initiative aimed at extending the lifespan of these roadways.
Flaggers, and a pilot car will aid with traffic control, guiding motorists through the work zone during the application process. The work is to kick off on Route T, spanning from U.S. Route 63 to the Maries County line, a stretch of over 11 miles, with expectations to wrap up that segment in 2 to 3 days. Subsequently, crews will advance to Route E, covering nearly 5.7 miles from U.S. Route 54 to Route B, potentially continuing work into the week of Sept. 22.
Given the nature of such outdoor undertakings, the entire operation is contingent upon agreeable weather conditions, and accordingly, the schedule could indeed see changes. The seal coating process will rejuvenate the current asphalt by filling its cracks with a combined mixture of emulsified asphalt and aggregate, helping to preserve the integrity of the roads.
"Seal coating is a preventive maintenance treatment which rejuvenates the road surface and helps extend the life of the roadway," according to MoDOT. These maintenance techniques are part of MoDOT's broader commitment to efficiently manage taxpayer funds. While the work may cause temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits to the roadways and the consequent safety improvements for travelers ostensibly make the disruption worthwhile.
MoDOT makes an appeal to drivers: "MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones." Road users should expect to travel with increased caution through these areas, adhering to the posted signage and staying vigilant to avoid distractions, thus ensuring the safety of both the construction crew and fellow motorists.
