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Design-build project begins at Idaho 44, Linder Road

Reconstruction of the State Street (Idaho 44) and Linder Road intersection, which began recently, prompted some people to wonder about the dirt taking flight on the south side of the highway.

The project, to improve safety and allow for smoother traffic flow, includes the reconstruction and expansion of Idaho 44 between Linder and Ballantyne and the rebuilding of Linder at the Idaho 44 intersection.

Crews began collecting data earlier this fall and relocating utilities early this month. The flying dirt appeared around the middle of the month, as temporary widening began on the south side of Idaho 44. The entire project is expected to be complete next September.

It will be contracted using a design-build method – a process in which the design team and construction team work together. ITD typically uses a method of “design, bid, then build,” which requires different groups to be involved in each step. The design-build method combines design and construction, which allows for innovative construction methods and results in quicker completion.

The project will be the first use of the design-build method in Idaho. In August, Central Paving, Inc. of Boise and Horrocks Engineers of Nampa were selected as the design/build team.

The segment of Idaho 44 between Linder Road and W. State Street is a major east-west commuter route in the Treasure Valley and is the primary access to Idaho’s Eagle Island State Park. Every day 19,000 motorists drive through the Idaho 44/Linder Road intersection. ITD expects traffic counts to increase to 30,000 by 2030.