State Department of Transportation crews have been tearing up Route 31 from Lyons to Newark, and motorists should expect more delays.
Roadwork began on Aug. 18 as crews began grinding up about three inches of the existing pavement, added some stone and oil and put the mixture back down on the road — a process known as cold-in-place recycling. Resident Engineer for the DOT Greg Kerrick said the process saves money and produces a better roadway.
The pavement must now cure for about 10 days, but crews will return shortly after Labor Day to pave the five miles of roadway with asphalt.
Striping will also be done during regular daytime hours.
Kerrick said that although the roadwork is a headache for those who travel Route 31 regularly, on the bright side, the road won’t need any major work for the next 12 to 15 years.
