7/27/2017
Seal coats to be applied to area highways beginning Monday (July 31)
SHOSHONE – Drivers will be impacted on several Magic Valley highways over the next five weeks with reduced speeds and delays as crews apply a seal coat to various roads starting Monday (July 31).
A properly applied seal coat can add several years of service to the roadway by preserving the integrity of the asphalt and serving as a barrier to water and cracking. Additionally, seal coating increases roadway friction and adds traction to the surface during winter driving.
Key areas that driver will encounter work in the coming weeks will be on Interstate 84 in Gooding County, U.S. 93 north of the Perrine Bridge and Idaho Highway 75 at two locations in Blaine County. Several routes in Cassia County also will be impacted.
Work areas and estimated work dates include:
• ID 75 – Richfield Canal to U.S. 20, July 31-Aug.4
• ID 27 – Oakley to Burley, Aug. 4-13
• ID 77 – Connor Summit to Albion, Aug. 4-13
• ID 81 – Malta to Idahome, Aug. 4-13
• I-84 – Bliss to west of Wendell, Aug. 7-12
• ID 81 – Cotterel to Declo, Aug. 14-18
• U.S. 93 – Perrine Bridge to I-84 and Exit 173 on- and off-ramps, Aug. 15-18
• ID 75 – East Fork Road to Big Wood River Bridge, Aug. 15-18
• U.S. 30 – Bickle Viaduct to Murtaugh, Aug. 21-24
Seal coating begins by applying a layer of liquid asphalt followed by 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 removal of excess gravel.
On two-lane sections of highway, the road will be reduced to one lane with a pilot car. Drivers should watch for flaggers throughout construction zones. In areas of four lanes or more, there will be alternating lane closures and flaggers controlling traffic in various locations.
Drivers should be prepared for delays up to 15 minutes in flagger-controlled work zones, with work generally affecting traffic 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. A 35-mph speed limit will be in effect through the completion of work.
Observing posted speed limits and increasing following distance will reduce the risk of windshield damage caused by loose gravel. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes if available to reduce traffic congestion.