8/17/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Idaho 55 from Cougar Mountain Lodge to Clear Creek Lodge seal coated beginning Aug. 24
NEAR CASCADE - The Idaho Transportation Department advises that a seal coat will be applied to the surface of Idaho 55 along the 10-mile section from the Cougar Mountain Lodge at Smiths Ferry through Round Valley to the Clear Creek Lodge starting Aug. 24.
The seal coat will cover the area of the current mill-and-inlay resurfacing from Smiths Ferry to Round Valley, and the resurfacing from Round Valley to Clear Creek Road done two years ago.
Seal coating begins by applying a layer of asphalt and then a cover coat of gravel on the roadway surface. The highway is rolled and traffic allowed on to the roadway to help pack the surface before "brooming" or sweeping removes excess gravel.
A seal coat protects the existing highway against water damage, adds traction to the surface and prolongs its life. Costs to seal coat a surface are much less than replacing the highway surface.
Crews will perform work mainly during daytime hours. This is done during the day because the heat helps the asphalt bond to the roadway surface, providing a better, higher-quality product than can be achieved at night.
One lane will be closed during the work, with the speed limit reduced to 35 mph.
Snake River Construction of Twin Falls is the contractor for this $338,000 project.
The seal coat is expected to be finished by Aug. 28, with crews returning after Labor Day to complete re-striping.
ITD and the Idaho State Police caution motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.