RIGBY - Crews will seal-coat U.S. 20 between the south Rexburg Interchange (Exit 332) and the South Fork Teton River Bridge Monday through Wednesday (June 8-10), weather permitting, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.

Seal-coating will finish the 2.3-mile repaving project that started last year. Travel will be reduced to one lane in each direction, and the speed limit in work areas will be reduced to 35 miles per hour.

Commercial drivers transporting permitted loads wider than 14 feet need to contact Resident Engineer Wade Allen (208-745-5680) or transportation staff engineer assistant Rich Asbury (208-745-5684) 24 hours in advance for special authorization to pass through the construction zone.

Motorists should observe posted speed limits and keep a safe distance from other vehicles to reduce potential windshield damage from flying rock.

Seal-coating consists of spreading liquid asphalt, overlaying it with rock chips, packing the mixture by rolling, sweeping away loose chips and coating the new protected surface with additional asphalt to lock rock chips in place. The coating seals the surface against water damage and provides a semi-rough surface for improved vehicle traction.

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

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