Seal coat applications begin on Hwy 15 Dassel to Kimball May 15
WILLMAR, Minn. – Chip and fog seal coat applications will take place on Highway 15 from Dassel to Kimball beginning May 15, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Work is being done as a scheduled part of the Highway 15 resurfacing and culvert project that was completed last year.
Weather permitting, work will be completed by mid-June.
The seal coat applications will take about three days and then temporary striping is applied to the roadway. Work will then pause for two or more weeks until permanent striping operations can begin.
Drivers may encounter lane closures with flaggers directing traffic through the work zone. Expect brief delays and allow extra travel time.
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
Watch a three-minute YouTube video to learn more about chip sealing.
About the project
In 2023, MnDOT resurfaced Highway 15 from the intersection of Highway 12 in Dassel to the Meeker/Stearns County line near Kimball. Guardrail near the Kingston bridge was replaced as part of the project. Also, 30 culverts were lined along the project area and three culverts were replaced.
Benefits of the project include a smoother road surface and improved drainage. Duininck, Inc., is the project contractor and the cost is $11.5 million.
Stay connected
- Visit the project website at mndot.gov/d8/projects/hwy15kimball.
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