Over the last few weeks, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews have been extending and replacing pipes along Hwy 79 in the Caneyville/Short Creek area to provide a wider shoulder surface.
Cabinets officials said with the pipe work phase complete, workers will be using a pavement preservation method rather than typical resurfacing on this section of Hwy 79.
Beginning in early October, contractors will begin performing a scrub seal operation — a scrub seal is an application that fills cracks and seals the road through a series of steps.
First, a specific type of oil is sprayed on the roadway, followed by equipment that will “scrub” the oil into cracks which will help seal the asphalt in order to prevent further damage. Next, a light coat of small rock will be applied to protect the existing roadway with excess rock swept away before opening the roadway to traffic, according to cabinet officials.
After a few days of vehicles driving on the roadway, a final seal coat will be applied to help secure the surface.
The Transportation Cabinet said this treatment extends the life of pavement at a significant cost savings when compared to an asphalt resurfacing project. The cost of this project is approximately $350,000 compared to an estimated $600,000 for resurfacing.
The cabinet asks motorists to be patient while maintenance crews work in the area, as the road will be reduced to one lane with flaggers directing traffic around the work zone.
With favorable weather conditions, work should be complete in the second week of October.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
