Semis stranded, drivers deal with tar from S.R. 46 paving project

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Several semis have become stranded and other vehicles are dealing with a sticky mess after driving on State Road 46 in Batesville Tuesday.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is conducting a pavement replacement project between Huntersville Road and Merkel Road that began last week. 

Earlier this afternoon, some motorists that drove westbound in a recently-paved lane between Tekulve Road and State Road 229 had tar sticking to their tires. 

"Traffic was being directed over a freshly laid strip of tar while the road was still open. Several vehicles, including my husband's, ended up with tar all over their tires, wheels, ripped out wheel wells, and body damage," one resident said.

We spoke with several other drivers who also said there were no cones or warning signs that indicated that they couldn’t drive in the freshly-paved lane.

One motorist had asphalt sticking to the tires of his pickup truck and was forced to park.

“Once I got going over 40 miles-per-hour, it felt like I had a flat tire. It’s too unsafe to be driving and I’m not sure why they didn’t shut down the road or do something to fix it,” the pickup owner said. 

A box truck driver from Muncie has become stranded after three of his tires became covered in tar. He will likely be stuck in Batesville for several more hours until his company can get a truck pick him up. 

“I’ve never experienced this before, there is no way to get this off these tires. Right now, it isn’t safe to have this on the road and potentially endanger other drivers,” the box truck driver explained.

One semi that became stranded at the Dairy Queen parking lot is currently getting 12 tires replaced. 

That driver said it was like driving on “square wheels” and he wasn’t able to go over 10 miles-per-hour. 

There are a handful of other semis and a dump truck that have also become stranded due to the issue.

The 812 has also received photos from owners of passenger cars that have the tar sticking to their tires as well. 

The INDOT project is being conducted by Dave O' Mara Contractors and it appears that road crews have now taken some proactive measures as both westbound and eastbound State Road 46 remains open.

Have you dealt with this issue today? Contact indot4u.com and/or 855-463-6848 to receive assistance.