Chip seal operations planned in central Mississippi next week

Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) maintenance crews will be performing chip seal operations across central Mississippi beginning on Monday, May 16, weather permitting.  

Chip sealing is a thin film of heated asphalt liquid sprayed on the road surface, followed by the placement of small stone chips. The chips are then compacted to orient the chips for maximum adherence to the asphalt. Excess stone is then swept from the surface.

“Chip sealing efforts are critical in improving and maintaining the state highway system. It helps provides a safer and more durable road network across the state,” said Central Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons. “Motorists are encouraged to slow down, pay attention along these routes, and if possible, plan an alternate route during hours of operation.”

During chip seal operations, flagmen will be on site to direct traffic. Drivers should be prepared to stop and expect delays during operating hours. Motorists may encounter loose materials on the roadway for several days following sealing operations.

Chip seal operations are planned on the following routes beginning Monday, May 16:

• 14.5 miles of State Route 488 in Leake County, from State Route 35 to the Neshoba County line, for five days.
• 0.6 miles of State Route 502 in Leake County, from the beginning of state maintenance sign to SR 488, for one day.
• 4.8 miles of State Route 500 in Leake County, from one mile north of State Route 13 to State Route 487, for two days.
• 16.9 miles of State Route 13 in Scott County, from the Leake County line to 2.2 miles north of State Route 481, for six days.
• 1.4 miles of State Route 481 north in Rankin County, from the Scott County line to State Route 43, for one day.
• 10 miles of SR 481 south in Scott County, from the Morton city limits to the Smith County line, for four days.
• 3.9 miles of SR 13 in Rankin County, from State Route 18 to the Smith County line, for two days.
• 1.4 miles of State Route 541 in Rankin County, from the Simpson County line to SR 18, for one day.

The public is encouraged to pay attention to all signs, workers and equipment. To stay updated on the days and times chip seal operations take place, visit MDOTtraffic.com.  

“Motorists are reminded that there will be lane closures along these routes during chip seal operations,” said Simmons. “Please pay attention to roadside workers, equipment and signage. It is important to be extra cautious due loose material during the sealing and for a short time after.”

Work zones present new traffic patterns and configurations that may be unfamiliar to motorists. For information about how to navigate highway work zones safely, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.