TxDOT TO BEGIN SEAL COAT OPERATIONS ON FM 577 WEDNESDAY
A TxDOT contractor will start up seal coating operations tomorrow (Wednesday) on FM 577 in Brenham, between Highway 36 and Highway 290.
TxDOT says work will begin on the north end of the project around Highway 36, moving south toward Highway 290 in two-mile increments.
Work is anticipated to be completed in three days.
Drivers can expect delays and daily lane closures with a pilot car in certain areas. They are encouraged to plan for extra travel time through the area or seek alternate routes.
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My source tells me that it is a good investment: A seal coating might be applied to a seemingly good street for several proactive and cost-saving reasons. Even if the road looks fine on the surface, here’s why it’s often done:
✅ 1. Preventative Maintenance
Seal coating is like sunscreen for pavement—it protects the surface from sun, rain, oil, and oxygen.
It extends the life of the asphalt by sealing small cracks and preventing them from getting worse.
Roads degrade from the top down, so sealing while the surface still looks good prevents major damage.
✅ 2. Cost Savings
It is far cheaper to seal coat a good road than to repair or reconstruct a damaged one later.
A $1 seal coat today can prevent a $10 reconstruction in a few years.
✅ 3. Slowing Oxidation and Weather Damage
UV rays and oxygen cause asphalt to harden and become brittle.
A seal coat blocks UV rays and keeps moisture out, preventing potholes and cracks.
✅ 4. Improved Appearance
Even a solid road might start to look gray and worn.
Seal coating gives it a rich black finish that looks freshly paved, which can be good for residential areas, cities, or businesses wanting curb appeal.
✅ 5. Skid Resistance and Smoothness
Some seal coats include fine aggregates for better traction.
It can also smooth out minor roughness, making for a better driving experience.
🛑 Misconception:
Many people think seal coating is only for “fixing” roads. In reality, it’s a routine maintenance strategy to keep roads in good shape longer—similar to repainting a house before the paint peels.
Very considerate of TXDOT to still be working on Blue Bell at 5:30 in the evening.