Hwy 21 traffic delays expected Aug. 20-21 for chip seal work near Faribault
FARIBAULT, Minn. – Motorists traveling on Highway 21 near Faribault should plan for extra travel time Aug. 20 when crews begin chip seal work, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Work crews will be present northwest of Faribault on Hwy 21 between Becker Trail and Highway 99 on Aug. 20-21. Striping of the road will occur later in the week, but not need flaggers for traffic control.
During the chip seal and fogging, vehicles may have a short wait in line to take turns passing through the work zone with a flagger or pilot car. Dry weather is needed for the crews to finish the work. Rain may delay the completion of the work. Crews will apply the chip seal on the road on Aug. 20 and the fog seal on Aug. 21.
Chip sealing work will take place on both directions of the road, reducing traffic to one lane using flagging operations or a pilot car for traffic control.
Chip sealing is a thin film of heated asphalt liquid sprayed on the road surface, followed by the placement of small rocks ("chips"). The chips are compacted bond to the asphalt, and then excess stones are swept from the surface. This protects the pavement from the effects of sun and water, increases skid resistance, fills small cracks and other surface defects. It can extend the life of the asphalt from 5-7 years.
Safety in work zones
Motorists should always be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. To keep everyone safe, drivers must:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Do the zipper merge.
- Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
Stay connected, informed
- Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates.
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