From staff reports

MIFFLINTOWN — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced the following schedule of maintenance activities in Juniata County the week of Oct. 6. PennDOT performs year-round maintenance in its mission to provide a safe, efficient transportation system, and the scope of work in Juniata County for the coming week is as follows:

Crack seal and hot pour mastic

• Route 22 eastbound starting approximately half a mile east of the Thompsontown-East Salem exit in Walker Township and continuing eastbound approximately 8.5 miles to the Juniata-Perry County line in Delaware Township Monday, Oct. 6, through Friday, Oct. 10;

Crack sealing and hot pour mastic operations prevent water intrusion from seeping through cracks or joints in an asphalt road, which can lead to potholes and pavement breakup. They are proactive preventive maintenance strategies to prevent water from entering the roadways and accelerating the formation of potholes and other failures.

Side dozing

• Route 22 eastbound starting approximately half a mile east of the McAlisterville-Mifflintown exit in Fermanagh Township and continuing eastbound approximately 14 miles to the Juniata-Perry County line in Delaware Township. Monday, Oct. 6, through Friday, Oct. 10. This work takes place off the roadway and has minimal, if any, traffic impact; however, PennDOT still urges drivers to exercise caution when passing crews working along the shoulder.

Side dozing removes excess material from beneath guide rail areas, which improves drainage and allows water to sheet flow off the roadway. Side dozing is a crucial highway maintenance operation because when drainage systems do not function properly, water collects on the road, weakens pavement, accelerates the formation of potholes, and creates the potential for icing conditions in the winter months.

This schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, emergencies, or other unforeseen interruptions.

Customers can report road concerns by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD. If calling after hours, please leave a name and phone number.

For more information on PennDOT’s maintenance activities, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/about-us/maintenanceactivities.