Macon County’s State Route 52 Microsurfacing, Drive at Your Own Risk
By Misty Green
Current roadwork on State Route 52, near Red Boiling Springs, has been one of this week’s hot topics of conversation in Macon County, Tennessee.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) began the microsurfacing road treatment early this past week on the section of highway from Leo Whitley Road to Todd Avenue, which is approximately four miles of work. According to Erin Zeigler, TDOT Regional Communications Officer, the current completion date for this microsurfacing project is September 30, 2025.
Already in just week one, numerous complaints from motorists have begun pouring in, with some citing issues with wait times reaching into the twenty-minute mark before finally making their way past the road work, and a great deal of grievances reported by motorists about their windshields being cracked by road debris while traveling from Red Boiling Springs to Lafayette.
Email communication from James C. Norris IV, P.E. | Regional Director for the Region 3 Administration with TDOT explained, “Its (microsurfacing) application will look a little different than a paving train that we are accustomed to seeing, however, it is a very durable product that will look like hot mix asphalt once it cures out. There may be some initial complaints about it sounding louder than a traditional pavement, but this is due to the neoprene screed turning the aggregate up on its edge to increase friction and improve wet-weather driving. This is a product that we have used on many routes across the regions and state. It can handle high traffic and is very durable.”
According to internet sources, microsurfacing is a pavement preservation treatment that involves applying a mixture of fine aggregate, asphalt emulsion (often polymer-modified), water, and other additives to the road surface. This mixture is applied using a specialized machine that mixes the components and then spreads them evenly onto the pavement using a spreader box. The microsurfacing mixture fills in minor cracks and ruts, creating a new, smooth surface. The treatment also provides a protective layer that helps to prevent water and other elements from penetrating the underlying pavement, thus extending its life.
The benefits of microsurfacing include its relatively inexpensive way to improve pavement condition and extend pavement life. They can be applied relatively quickly, with traffic able to return to the road after a short curing time (typically a few hours). It provides a smooth, skid-resistant surface, improving safety and ride quality. By protecting the underlying pavement from the elements, microsurfacing can significantly extend the lifespan of the road.
Microsurfacing is typically used on pavements that are in relatively good condition but may have minor surface defects, such as cracking, raveling, or rutting. It’s not intended for addressing significant structural issues or severe damage.
Internet sources also share some common complaints about microsurfacing, with one being that the road may not feel as smooth as a newly paved surface immediately following installation. The material may also initially appear to be “falling apart” due to small stones present on the surface. However, traffic and sun exposure usually help to smooth it out over time. Microsurfacing doesn’t address structural issues in the underlying pavement. Cracks in the existing pavement can reflect through the microsurfacing relatively quickly. Washboarding or an uneven surface can occur due to factors such as the paver moving too fast, incorrect setup of the spreader box, or inappropriate mix viscosity. Deep ruts (greater than ½ inch) should be filled with a rut box, potentially in multiple passes, before the final microsurfacing layer is applied.
So, if you are traveling on that stretch of road over the next two of months, remember the phrase “microsurfacing – drive at your own risk” and recall the potential for damage to vehicles or the newly applied microsurface if proper precautions aren’t taken immediately after its application.
When microsurfacing is first applied, it is tender and susceptible to damage, particularly from sudden or sharp vehicle movements. If motorist drive on it too soon or with aggressive maneuvers, they can damage the fresh surface and even soil their vehicles with the material.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) does not erect signs that explicitly warn drivers to use microsurfaced roads “at their own risk.” However, TDOT is legally required to install general “Road Work Ahead” or other warning signs at work zones where activities, disruptions, or changes to standard traffic patterns exist. This includes areas where microsurfacing projects are underway or have been recently completed, as the roadway conditions may be altered.
The “drive at your own risk” message essentially indicates that if you choose to drive on the newly applied microsurfacing, exercise extra care during this period to ensure a successful outcome for the road treatment and to avoid potential inconvenience or damage.
Though less common than with chip seals, windshield breakage and rock loss can occur, particularly when traffic drives on freshly laid material. Paint chips and headlight damage may also be claimed, and newer vehicles may have an easier time proving damage compared to older ones.
If your windshield breaks while traveling on a state road, here’s how to report it and potentially file a claim:
Safety First – Pull over safely to assess the situation.
Document the Damage: Take photos or videos of the damage, any debris, and the location. Note the exact route, mile marker, and cross streets.
Report to the Police: File a police report, which can be helpful for insurance or legal claims.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Report the damage to your car insurance company. Comprehensive coverage typically covers damage from flying debris.
Consider Filing a Claim Against the State: In Tennessee, you can file a claim against the state through the Department of Treasury if your vehicle was damaged by a dangerous road condition. To file, you’ll need to provide evidence linking the incident to the damage, the exact location, repair records, and proof that the state knew about and could have fixed the condition beforehand. You can file online at treasury.tn.gov/Tort-Liability or call the Division of Claims Administration at (615) 741-2734.
Report Debris to TDOT: If debris caused the damage, report it to the Tennessee Department of Transportation using their online Maintenance Request form or by calling 833-TDOTFIX (836-8349).
