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Motorists travelling on Highway 65 in Albert Lea should plan for extra travel time today when crews begin seal work, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

MnDOT crews will be present in Albert Lea on Highway 65 today. The team will be resealing the road, which will require a short detour. Be prepared to alter your route. The detour will follow Blake Avenue, to East Main Street, then return to Highway 65.

Dry weather is needed for the crews to finish the work. Rain may delay the completion and crew members may be present through Friday.

Chip sealing is a thin film of heated asphalt liquid sprayed on the road surface, followed by the placement of small rocks (“chips”). The chips are compacted bond to the asphalt, and then excess stones are swept from the surface. This protects the pavement from the effects of sun and water, increases skid resistance, fills small cracks and other surface defects. It can extend the life of the asphalt from five to seven years.