Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Pacific PCI plans to begin work Monday on a $564,000 bridge painting contract.
Crews will begin on State Road 135 over the Muscatatuck River at the Jackson-Washington county line. The contract also includes State Road 446 over Leatherwood Creek in Lawrence County and Arlington Road over State Road 45 in Monroe County.
Beginning Monday, traffic on State Road 135 will be reduced to one lane with a temporary traffic signal. A 45 mph speed restriction also will be in place. INDOT urges motorists to slow down, watch for stopped traffic and drive distraction-free through all work zones.
The contractor expects to complete painting at this location by early to mid-May, weather permitting.
Painting is one of many preservation techniques utilized by INDOT to extend the life of bridge structures. Prior to painting, beams and other components are sandblasted to remove existing rust, and the new coat of paint acts as a sealant to protect from water, salt and other chemicals that may cause corrosion.