8/21/2012
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Seal coat on Eisenman Interchange ramps to begin Thursday
BOISE - The seal coat of Interstate 84 from Gowen (Exit 57) to Eisenman (Exit 60), including the ramps at the Eisenman Road Interchange overpass east of Boise, will begin Thursday (Aug. 23) and last for several days. This will require lane closures and reduced speeds along the interstate as well as alternating closure of the interchange ramps at Eisenman, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The work will extend the life of the road and provide greater traction for motorists.
Crews plan to begin work Thursday morning after the morning commute applying oil and rock chips. That work is done during the day to allow heat to help asphalt and rock bond more quickly to the roadway surface, providing a higher-quality finished product.
The highway is then rolled and traffic allowed on to the roadway to help pack the surface before "brooming" or sweeping to remove excess gravel.
A properly applied seal coat can add several years of service to a heavily traveled roadway by sealing the surface and adding roughness for winter traction.
The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph in the work zone, and motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes. Flaggers and pilot cars will be used as needed.
This is just one of multiple seal coats under a $2.82 million contract with Sierra Nevada Construction of Sparks, Nev. The entire batch of seal coats are expected to finish by late September.
Seal coats have already been completed on these highways:
• Idaho 69, Orchard Ave. in Kuna to I-84 ramps in Meridian
• U.S. 30, through New Plymouth from the junction of U.S. 30 and U.S. 95 on the west side of town (between New Plymouth and Fruitland) to the junction of U.S. 30 and Idaho 72 on the south end of town
• Idaho 21, Gowen Interchange (Exit 54) to Lucky Peak Reservoir Bridge
Work is under way or still to come on these sections:
• U.S. 20, Mountain Home city limits to Boise National Forest boundary (started yesterday, Aug. 20)
• I-84B, American Legion Blvd. between Canyon Creek and 18th Street (Exit 94) overpasses, Mountain Home (starts approx. Aug. 24)