IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Drivers across eastern Idaho can expect more delays this summer as the Idaho Transportation Department begins a series of scrub seal projects designed to extend the life of several major highways.
Work is scheduled to begin today, June 29, and will continue through mid- to late August as crews move through several roadways throughout the region.
The projects will take place on one roadway at a time in the following order:
- U.S. Highway 26 from Swan Valley to the Wyoming state line
- State Highway 31 over Pine Creek Pass from Swan Valley to Victor
- The intersection of SH-31 and SH-33 in Victor
- SH-33 from Newdale to Sugar City
- The U.S. 20 Sugar City half interchange
- U.S. 20 south of St. Anthony
- SH-47 from Ashton to Warm River
- U.S. 20 on Ashton Hill
Each section of roadway is expected to take approximately one week to complete.
“Surface treatments like this are essential for long-term performance of a roadway,” ITD Materials Engineering Manager Mark Hayes said in a release. “Especially considering budgetary constraints, preserving our existing transportation system is vital, and scrub sealing is a great way to help ensure that.”
Construction crews will generally work Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some Saturday work possible. The department says all work and traffic control will be suspended July 3 through July 5 for the Independence Day holiday.
Motorists should expect lane reductions, cones, and active crews in active work zones. Because many of the affected highways serve popular recreational destinations, transportation officials are asking drivers to plan ahead and be patient.
Photos courtesy of the Idaho Transportation Department
Unlike traditional chip seal projects, scrub sealing uses a process that works oil into the pavement before applying fine crushed gravel. The treatment fills cracks and surface weaknesses, helping extend the roadway’s lifespan while reducing future maintenance costs.
After the material is applied, crews remove excess gravel, compact the surface with rollers, and add a final oil treatment to help create a smoother driving surface and reduce loose rock.
ITD tested the treatment west of Idaho Falls in 2024 and says the project proved successful, with no vehicle damage claims reported despite Idaho’s varying weather conditions.
Drivers can find updated information on project locations, traffic impacts, and delays through the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.
