8/3/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
UPDATE: Chinden Boulevard seal coat now under way
BOISE - An Idaho Transportation Department project to seal
coat the highway surface on Chinden Boulevard is now under way in the seven-mile section from where Chinden meets the Connector ramps, west to Eagle Road. The work is expected to be complete by August 16.
Work started this morning, and will progress to 41st Street tonight, just beyond Veterans Memorial Parkway. From there, crews will proceed west at just over a mile per day until they end at Eagle Road. A fog coat will then be applied on Saturday (Aug. 8) and striping about a week later.
As crews progress west, the section of roadway just complete will reopen to traffic. For instance, the section from 41st to the Connector ramps done today will be available tomorrow.
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.
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, with occasional work at
night. This is done during the day because the heat helps the asphalt bond to the roadway surface.
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 west of Caldwell. Traffic on I-84 in that
location also will be reduced to one lane in each direction, with the
speed limit
also 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.