Founded in 1821, Bartholomew County is located in the southeastern part of the state with Columbus serving as the county seat. Covering 409 square miles, it lies mostly in the level areas surrounding the East Fork of the White River and its tributaries. The county is intersected by Interstate Highway 65 and U.S. Highway 31 which provide transportation for its commerce, along with one rail line that moves millions of tons of freight through the county annually. Agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism make up the majority of the county's economy.
The chip and seal program is a cost effective method that prolongs the life of the pavement. The chip and seal is a process in which a liquid asphalt is sprayed on the road and small chips of stone are spread on and rolled into the liquid. This process seals the road and gives it an additional wearing surface.