Improved Roadways

Paris Beacon-News, May 24, 2010

By Jenny Barkley

New surfaces on roadway sections  have been installed in Edgar Cemetery, just in time for the Memorial Day  weekend.

“These improvements to the  cemetery’s roadways were made possible through a generous bequest and donation  that we received,” said Jim Englum, president of the Edgar Cemetery Board of Directors.

“Such gifts help make it possible to  complete necessary road projects, as well as meet other expenses and upkeep as  needed," Englum continued.

Monday and Tuesday crews from  Illiana Asphalt connected existing concrete roadways with new asphalt surfaces.  In the process, several gravel roadways were improved.

The cemetery will remain open  during the paving and curing, but the roads with the new applications will be closed  for two days, according to Englum.

Englum emphasized that people should not drive on these new roadways for  at least 48 hours, or until the barriers are removed by cemetery staff. 

The roads involved are near the  north entrance on High Street, connecting existing concrete stretches by the  asphalt, and at the south Main Entrance, recoating from the “Y” to Veterans  Circle.

A total of 180 tons of asphalt was used on the 12 foot wide, 3-inch  thick surfaces.

“The attractive asphalt roadways will provide  weatherproof roads for all seasons,” said Englum about the new surfaces.