Construction to improve U.S. 20 in the Henry's Lake Flats area starts Wednesday (July 29)

RIGBY ‑ The Idaho Transportation Department advises motorists that construction to improve traffic safety and flow on a 6.5‑mile stretch of U.S. 20 in the Henry's Lake Flats area starts on Wednesday (July 29). The project is one of eight highway construction projects in Idaho using federal stimulus funds to strengthen the economy through much-needed investments in the transportation system.

Crews will construct passing lanes on northbound U.S. 20 between Island Park Lodge and Red Rock Road and on southbound U.S. 20 between the Henrys Fork Outlet Bridge and the junction of Idaho 87.

The busy two‑lane section of highway becomes heavily congested by recreational traffic during the summer. Improving it will help reduce bottlenecks.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane, and the speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph. Motorists can expect delays of up to 15 minutes during construction.

Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Commercial vehicles will be restricted to 12 feet in width.

Drivers of oversize loads must contact Region Engineer Wade Allen (208‑745‑5680) at least 24 hours before arriving at the construction zone.

Motorists should watch for workers and equipment, including flaggers and pilot cars.

One of eight highway construction projects in Idaho to use federal stimulus funding, the improvement project is calculated to create or sustain approximately 40 jobs.

The transportation department awarded Gale Lim Construction of Blackfoot the $2.3 million contract.