7/31/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Chinden Boulevard seal coat starting Monday (Aug. 3) from Connector ramp to Eagle
BOISE - An Idaho Transportation Department project to seal
coat the highway surface on Chinden Boulevard will start Monday (Aug. 3). The work area will be the seven-mile section
between Eagle Road and where Chinden meets the Connector on-ramp, and is expected to be complete by August 16.
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 gavel.
Finally, a light fog-coat of asphalt is applied to the treated highway to help
seal the surface from moisture.
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 a surface.
Crews will perform work mainly during daytime hours, with occasional work at
night.
The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph through the work zone.
Flaggers will guide motorists as traffic on Chinden is reduced to one lane in
each direction.
Flaggers also will be used (and possibly pilot cars) when the work
proceeds to
I-84 from Aug. 17-21, in the nine-mile section between the Sand Hollow
(Exit
17) and Centennial (Exit 27) interchanges. Traffic on I-84 in that
location also will be reduced to one lane in each direction, with the
speed limit
reduced to 35 mph.
Snake River Construction of Twin Falls is the contractor on this $1.4 million
project.
ITD and the Idaho State Police warn 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.