Both directions of a long stretch of Route 51 in Jefferson Hills Borough—from Practice Tee Drive to the Elizabeth Bridge—will undergo crack and joint sealing from Oct. 9 through Oct. 16.

The work begins on Tuesday night near the Blue Flame restaurant and will cause short-term, slow-moving lane closures on both north and south Route 51 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays during that time period.

Crack and joint sealing is a preservation activity that prolongs the life of road surfaces by preventing moisture from entering cracks and joints, according to a news release from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 11-0. Moisture can cause potholes and premature deterioration, requiring costly repairs.

Matcon Diamond, Inc., of Pittsburgh's South Side Flats neighborhood will perform the work under a PennDOT contract.

Motorists are advised to use caution, slow down and expect changing traffic patterns when traveling through the work area.

Read about other roadwork in and around Baldwin-Whitehall here.

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