Uniontown, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is announcing that its District 12 seal coat program commonly known as “tar and chip” is now underway for the season.
Seal coating is a cost-effective way to extend the life of roadway surfaces on state-owned roads. This treatment helps seal small cracks, keeps water from penetrating the pavement, and restores traction, improving safety for drivers.
District 12 follows a five-year cycle to preserve pavement conditions across its network and maximize the lifespan of existing roadways before more costly repairs are needed.
“In 2025, District 12 sealed 511 miles of roadway using more than 1.7 million gallons of oil and over 61,000 tons of stone,” said District 12 Assistant Executive for Maintenance Robb Dean. “Work planned for 2026 will continue across Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, helping us maintain safe and reliable roads throughout the region.”
Planned 2026 Seal Coat Work by County:
- Fayette County: Approximately 125 miles; work expected from May to July
- Greene County: Approximately 98 miles; work expected from May to July
- Washington County: Approximately 146 miles; work expected from July to October
- Westmoreland County: Approximately 196 miles; work expected from July to October
The seal coat process involves applying a thin layer of oil followed by stone, which is compacted to form a protective surface. While the work moves quickly, drivers should expect short-term impacts during operations and shortly after application.
Drivers may encounter:
- Reduced speeds with pilot vehicles guiding traffic through work zones
- Loose stone on the roadway immediately following application
- Short-term lane restrictions and flagging operations
PennDOT crews will return to sweep excess stone from the roadway, with priority given to curves, intersections, and hills for same-day cleanup. Additional sweeping will occur within 24 hours to further improve driving conditions.
Weather conditions play a key role in seal coating operations, and schedules may shift to ensure proper application and effectiveness.
Drivers are reminded to slow down, follow posted signage, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles when traveling through work zones. Driving at reduced speeds helps protect your vehicle and ensures the new surface sets properly.
Just as homeowners seal their driveways to extend their lifespan, PennDOT’s seal coat program is a proactive investment in preserving Pennsylvania’s roadway infrastructure and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Customers can report concerns to PennDOT through the Customer Care Center. For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.
Drivers can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.pa.gov/DOTprojects. Subscribe to PennDOT news and find transportation results in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties at www.pa.gov/DOTdistrict 12.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Melissa Maczko, mmaczko@pa.gov or 724-415-3748
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