RIGBY - Construction on U.S. 20 in Rexburg begins Monday (July 7), the Idaho Transportation Department announced. This makes three projects on the 75-mile stretch of U.S. 20 between Rexburg and Montana to run concurrently this construction season.

"We regret inconveniencing motorists, but stretches of U.S. 20 in the Upper Valley and Island Park need work, and funding is available," ITD District 6 Engineer Kimbol Allen said. "We must proceed when money is obtainable, and we designed each project to minimize delays to the extent possible."

Crews will resurface approximately 2.3 miles of U.S. 20 from the south Rexburg Interchange (Exit 332) to the South Fork Teton River Bridge. This project is scheduled for completion in September.

During construction, travel will be reduced to one lane in each direction and the speed limit will be lowered to 55 mph.

Commercial transporters hauling loads wider than 14 feet need to contact resident engineer Wade Allen at (208) 745-5680 or transportation staff engineer assistant Rich Asbury, at (208) 745-5684, 48 hours in advance to receive special authorization to travel through the construction zone.

Drivers should anticipate merging traffic, uneven surfaces, construction workers and heavy equipment.

Work will involve breaking up and settling concrete pavement in a process known as "crack and seat." Crews then will overlay the roadway with plant mix, which is a blend of asphalt and crushed rock.

The transportation department awarded the $3 million contract to HK Contractors Inc., of Idaho Falls.

Resurfacing U.S. 20 in Rexburg will complete the conversion of concrete pavement to asphalt pavement between Idaho Falls and Ashton started in 2008. The purpose of the conversion is to take the old substandard concrete pavement out of the transportation department’s inventory and replace it with new asphalt pavement that is easier to maintain.

Other construction projects along U.S. 20 that have already started include reconstruction of three miles of U.S. 20 on the hill north of Ashton and resurfacing of 12 miles of highway between Island Park Lodge and Montana. Expect delays because flaggers stop traffic as needed.

Highway construction is one of the key forces pushing Idaho toward full economic recovery by creating jobs, improving safety and reducing traffic congestion.