Road work to start on Idaho 78

A project to resurface and repair soft spots on Idaho 78 began this week and will last through early November, the Idaho Transportation Department has announced.

Work will begin with milling existing surfaces at each end of the project and adjoining roads. Then, paving will commence westbound from Grand View (milepost 60) heading west eight miles to near the Envirosafe entrance.

Work will also take place on Idaho 78 from the junction with Idaho 51 to Hammett (mileposts 83-99).

Paving operations will alternate daily from the westbound to the eastbound lane.

When work leaves an abrupt edge down the center of the roadway overnight, the work area will be posted as "No Passing" with an overnight posted speed of 45 mph. Typically, paving the next day will be in the adjacent lane, leaving no abrupt edge in the center of the roadway and no restrictions posted overnight.

During actual paving, traffic will be controlled by flaggers and be escorted through the work area by a pilot car.

Crews are expected to work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend and nighttime work is not anticipated but is not prohibited if it becomes necessary to finish the project on time.

Central Paving Co. of Boise is the contractor on the $2.6 million project.