LAKE COUNTY | Various state roads will be restricted during daylight hours through Friday to allow crews to seal cracks, the Indiana Department of Transportation said.

The work will clean and seal cracks or joints in asphalt pavement and shoulders to prevent the entry of moisture and debris, which can cause the pavement to deteriorate. Cracks are sealed using an asphalt material. Until the material fully cures, it can be tracked by vehicle tires.

To mitigate this, crews often spread a light coat of sand over freshly sealed pavement. This can briefly cause "flying grit" and some dust.

The work locations and restrictions include five miles of U.S. 231 between Cline Avenue and Main Street (Ind. 55) in Crown Point, which will be restricted to one lane as directed by flag workers. About six miles of U.S. 30 between U.S. 41 and Taft Street (Ind. 55) in Schererville will have one lane in each direction restricted. Ten miles of U.S. 30 between the Lake/Porter County line and Ind. 2 in Valparaiso will be restricted to one lane in each direction, and three miles of U.S. 31 between U.S. 20 and the Michigan state line will be restricted to one lane in each direction.

The work schedule could change in the event of bad weather. - By Times Staff