Highway 91 seal coat project begins July 31
WILLMAR, Minn. – A Minnesota Department of Transportation project to apply a chip seal coat to Highway 91 from Lake Wilson to Russell begins Monday, July 31. The seal coat application will take about three days and then work will pause for two weeks until striping operations can begin.
Drivers will encounter lane closures with flaggers directing traffic through the work zone. Expect brief delays and allow extra travel time.
Schedules are subject to change, depending on weather and other unforeseeable circumstances.
What is chip sealing?
Chip sealing, also referred to as a seal coat, is a type of paving material that mixes asphalt with pieces of gravel. A thin layer of liquid asphalt is sprayed on first followed by the placement of gravel. The gravel is compacted, and the excess stone is swept from the surface. Chip sealing protects the pavement, increases skid resistance, and extends the life of the road.
Driving on a chip sealed road
You can drive on a freshly chip sealed road after it has been swept. A chip seal looks different than regular pavement and a road that has been chip sealed will not be as quiet as a new pavement. The rough surface can also cause an increase in vibration for bicyclists. After a winter of plowing, the vehicle noise will diminish.
Chip sealing is an important preventative maintenance tool
- Chip seals allow MnDOT the opportunity to preserve roads for a very low cost
- Chip seals prevent deterioration of the pavement surface from the effects of aging and oxidation as a result of sun, water, traffic and plowing
- Chip seals enhance safety by providing good skid resistance
- In hot weather, chip seals re-seal cracks by flowing back together
More information
The Highway 91 chip sealing project cost is about $988,000, and the contractor is Morris Seal Coat and Trucking, Inc. Learn more about chip sealing by watching this three-minute YouTube video.
Work zone reminders
- Slow down when approaching every work zone
- Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
- Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
- Obey posted speed limits; fine for a work zone violation is $300
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel
- Be patient and expect delays, especially during peak travel times
Stay connected, informed
- Learn about road construction projects and studies (2023-2029) in southwest Minnesota and sign up for email updates at MnDOT’s website
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