Road projects to start Monday

COEUR d'ALENE - Crews will start seal coating U.S. 95 and several other roadways in North Idaho from Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.

Seal coating helps to defer the cost of repairs which would be required much sooner without the protective application. It also extends the life of the highway.

Work will take place on U.S. 95 from milepost 441 to milepost 447 in the northbound and southbound lanes and associated ramps.

Other projects include Pope/Lawrence Road from Ohio Match Road to Sunshine Way (north of the Silverwood Theme Park parking lot entrance). Seal coating also will occur on Abbot Road from Pope Road to Old U.S. 95 and on Bunco/Brunner Road from approximately one-half mile west of U.S. 95 to one mile east of U.S. 95.

Seal coating begins by applying a layer of liquid asphalt, then a cover coat of rock chips on the roadway surface. The highway is rolled and traffic allowed on to the roadway to help pack the surface.

Speed limits will be reduced to 35 mph through the construction zones. ITD officials remind drivers to slow down and watch for workers in those areas.

Scarsella Bros., of Kent, Wash., is the general contractor on the $36 million project.