6/6/2008
Construction on U.S. 20 west of Idaho Falls to start Monday (June 9)
RIGBY - Construction on U.S. 20 west of Idaho Falls will start on Monday (June 9), the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced. Crews will repave 19 miles of U.S. 20 from the Bonneville County line to the junction of U.S. 20‑26, between mileposts 283 and 264, beginning at the junction.
During construction, motorists can expect 15‑ to 30‑minute delays. Travel will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers directing traffic through the work zone. The speed limit in work areas will be reduced to 45 mph.
Work will take place weekdays between 7 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., with some work possible on weekends. The project is scheduled for completion in August. Work hours are designed to accommodate commuter traffic to and from the Idaho National Laboratory.
ITD awarded H‑K Contractors Inc. of Idaho Falls the $4.6 million contract.
The contractor will use a construction process known as cement recycled asphalt base stabilization (CRABS), which consists of pulverizing the road surface and then adding cement to the old asphalt. The mixture then is compacted on the roadbed and used as the base for a layer of new asphalt.
The project also includes a seal coat of asphalt and crushed rock.
The resurfaced highway will offer a stronger road base and a smoother ride for motorists. Drivers should anticipate unusual driving conditions, such as merging traffic, construction vehicles, flaggers, pilot cars and uneven gravel surfaces.
The Idaho State Police reminds motorists that moving violations in work zones are fined at double the rate of violations elsewhere. Motorists are asked to drive with care.
For information on other Idaho highway projects, dial 5‑1‑1 or visit 511.idaho.gov.