The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is applying a hot chip seal to more than 100-lane-miles in the heart of Boise with minimal impact to drivers, as the work will all be done at night. This new innovative approach to chip sealing highlights ITD’s dedication to embracing new technologies that lessen impacts to users.
Unlike a regular chip seal, the hot chip seal on this project allows all work to be conducted at night. Traditional chip seal uses oil heated to around 150 degrees that can be applied during daytime high temperatures. Hot chip seal requires oil to be heated to 300 degrees so it can be applied during nighttime lows. Another key advantage is that drivers can use the roadway within 30 minutes of chip sealing, compared to the 24-hour wait required by regular chip seals. This high-temperature process not only extends the pavement’s service life but also minimizes disruptions to businesses and motorists.
Crews are beginning work on Broadway Avenue tomorrow, followed by State Street between State Highway 16 and Linder Road, and Chinden Boulevard. Work is weather dependent and can change. The project is expected to finish late summer of this year.
During construction motorists can expect:
- Work on one section of road at a time
- Nighttime work from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Access to residences and businesses will be maintained at all times
- Lane closures, with at least one lane open in each direction
- Shifting traffic patterns
- Flaggers in the roadway
- Speed limits reduced
In anticipation of this project, last summer ITD applied the first ever hot chip seal on two miles of State Highway 21 to ensure results could be replicated in a busier environment. These projects are the first in the state to use this process.
Those who are interested in learning more about the project are encouraged to sign up for email updates by visiting https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/adachipseal.