Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews plan to chip seal 28 lane miles of U.S. 31 between Seymour and Austin — weather permitting — on Thursday, Monday and Aug. 1.

On Thursday, the north-south highway will close at U.S. 50 in Seymour while crews apply surface treatment. Operations will progress southward toward State Road 256 in Austin with flaggers directing traffic around moving worksites.

On Monday and Aug. 1, chip seal activities will continue on U.S. 31 between U.S. 50 in Seymour and Just Industrial Parkway in Austin. No application will be made through Crothersville.

The U.S. 31 chip seal will coat the highway’s surface with liquid asphalt, sealing pavement cracks and protecting the roadbed from harmful ultraviolet rays. Small chips of limestone will be used to “choke” the asphalt’s fluidity and minimize adhesion to tires. These aggregate chips also restore surface friction, optimizing maneuverability and stopping capabilities.

Chip seal applications are highly cost-effective as a pavement preservation measure, according to the state. Every $1 spent saves $6 to $14 in subsequent expenditures.