Unique pavement preservation around Palisades Reservoir
By Aubrey Hale
July 17, 2026
Trucks line up along U.S. Highway 26 near Palisades as crews prepare for pavement preservation work. PHOTO/SKY BUFFAT, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER FOR THE IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
• Highway 26 drivers should expect delays as scrub seal work continues through August
Pavement preservation work is underway along the U.S. Highway 26 near Palisades, with crews applying scrub seal treatments as part of a broader effort to extend the life of eastern Idaho roadways.
The Idaho Transportation Department began the project on June 29, working one section of highway at a time. Crews are typically on site weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with occasional Saturday work, and the project is expected to continue through mid- to late August.
“It has been moving really quickly,” said Sky Buffat, public information officer for the Idaho Transportation Department.
Drivers traveling through the Palisades area should expect lane reductions, flaggers, and pilot cars guiding traffic through single-lane sections. Officials noted the corridor sees heavy recreational use during the summer and are asking motorists to remain alert and plan for minor delays. Each section of work is expected to take about one week to complete.
Equipment applies oil and brushes it into the roadway as part of the scrub seal process.
PHOTO/SKY BUFFAT, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER FOR THE IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Scrub sealing is a pavement preservation method designed to strengthen existing road surfaces and prevent further deterioration. Unlike traditional chip sealing, the process involves brooming oil into the pavement before applying fine crushed gravel, helping fill surface cracks and reinforce weak spots. Crews then remove excess gravel, compact the surface, and apply a final oil coat to create a smoother finish and reduce the risk of loose rock.
“Surface treatments like this are essential for long-term performance of a roadway,” said Mark Hayes, ITD materials engineering manager. “Especially considering budgetary constraints, preserving our existing transportation system is vital, and scrub sealing is a great way to help ensure that.”
The treatment was previously tested west of Idaho Falls in 2024, where it performed well in varying weather conditions and resulted in no reported vehicle damage claims.
Updates on construction locations and traffic impacts are available through the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.
