8/27/2010
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
ITD maintenance crews re-striping area highways; tips for motorists
COEUR D'ALENE - Summertime maintenance operations on the
state highway system include re-striping area highways, advises the Idaho
Transportation Department. The department offers the following tips for
motorists as they travel through the work zone areas:
- Always assume the paint is wet. The paint used at this time is latex
(water-based) and temperatures and humidity affect drying time. If it
looks wet, it probably still is wet.
- Stay in your lane. Do not weave in and out (driving on
the painted lines) or try to pass. Spraying equipment will pull over when
traffic backs up as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Alter your route to avoid crossing over newly
painted lines. If you
must cross a painted line, cross it in a manner that limits tire exposure to
the paint. Additionally, the faster the vehicle is traveling increases
the distance wet paint will be thrown.
- If you get paint on your vehicle let it
dry. The paint is
latex based and the dry time is short. If it cannot be washed off
immediately, and entails only small specks, it is best to let it dry and
carefully flick it off later. Large spots or areas of paint will probably
require professional removal.
Motorists are urged to use caution and obey all traffic
control measures through the work zone, including any reduced speed limits and
flaggers.
Striping operations in the five northern counties (Boundary,
Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone and Benewah) will continue into the fall, or as
weather permits.
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.