6/25/2007
Construction under way on U.S. 26 between Swan Valley and Wyoming state line
RIGBY - A resurfacing project on U.S. 26 between Swan Valley and the Wyoming state line is under way, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced.
Crews have started repaving about 26 miles of U.S. 26 between milepost 377 and 403. The project is proceeding from the junction of Idaho 31 and U.S. 26 in Swan Valley to the Wyoming border.
During construction, motorists can expect 15- to 30-minute delays. Travel will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers directing eastbound and westbound traffic through the work zone. The speed limit in work areas will be reduced to 45 mph.
Access to businesses and residences along the stretch of U.S. 26 will be maintained, and intersecting roads will remain open.
Work will take place Monday through Thursday between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. and on Friday between 5 a.m. and noon. The project is scheduled to be finished in mid-October.
ITD awarded H-K Contractors Inc. of Idaho Falls the $5.8 million contract.
The contractor will use a type of construction known as cement recycled asphalt base stabilization, which consists of pulverizing the road surface and then adding cement to the old asphalt. The mixture is then compacted on the roadbed and used as the base for a layer of new asphalt. The project also includes a seal coat of asphalt and crushed rock, which will be applied next year.
The resurfaced highway will offer a strengthened road base and a smoother ride for motorists.
Drivers should anticipate merging traffic, construction vehicles, flaggers, pilot cars and uneven surfaces.
The Idaho State Police reminds motorists that moving violations in work zones are fined at double the rate of violations elsewhere. Motorists are asked to drive with care.
For information on other highway projects in Idaho, call 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov.