8/20/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
I-84 seal coat update: work west of Caldwell to wrap up early next week
BOISE - The seal coat on I-84 in the nine-mile section between the Sand Hollow (Exit 17) and Centennial (Exit 27) interchanges west of Caldwell is expected to be finished by early next week (Aug. 24-28), with re-striping to follow, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
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 to remove excess gravel.
The work is done during the day because the heat helps the asphalt and rock bond more quickly to the roadway surface, providing a higher-quality finished product.
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.
Snake River Construction of Twin Falls is the contractor on this $1.4 million project.
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.