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TIGER-funded U.S. 95 project from Worley north gets underway April 20

The much-anticipated second phase in the reconstruction and improvement of U.S. 95 north from Worley starts Monday (April 20), the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Construction on this 2.75-mile segment is expected to finish by Nov. 1.

The Worley project is the latest in a series of improvement projects on U.S. 95 south of the Coeur d'Alene/Post Falls urban area, which have brought more than 40 miles of this federally designated high-priority corridor to a higher state of function and repair.

This project will specifically address the remaining highway deficiencies that exist on U.S. 95 through the city of Worley, related to the large volume of heavy trucks, non-existent shoulders, channelization, bicycle and pedestrian provisions, intersection illumination, storm water runoff control, and accommodation for the hourly rural public transit service currently provided to the community.

By upgrading this segment to present-day standards with a far superior horizontal and vertical alignment, the highway will have a significantly lower maintenance cost-per-lane-mile than previously.

The U.S. 95, Worley North, Stage 2 (Worley Main Street) project will complete a 15-year, $190-million realignment and reconstruction effort to upgrade 28 miles of U.S. 95 that was a narrow and winding road with virtually no shoulders, to a highway meeting current design and safety standards that is easier to operate and maintain.

From the Worley area, the trip to Lewiston is 15 to 20 miles shorter in Idaho than diverting to Washington State and 60 to 90 minutes faster due to topography and stopping with other interstate trucks at port of entry weigh stations when crossing the Idaho state line.

This provides, safe, attractive and defined improvements to accommodate pedestrians walking between activities located on both sides of the highway, the Citylink public transit system that connects Worley to the metropolitan areas to the north, and bicycles wishing to connect with tourism activities such as the "Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes."

Stage 2 of Worley North is funded through the federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program.

Under the Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) program, ITD realigned, reconstructed and widened 4.2 miles of U.S. 95 north of Worley in the first stage of this project, completed in fall 2009. In addition to improving the roadway, GARVEE funding provided an interchange at the Idaho 58 junction and four bridges This segment had been considered one of the most dangerous roadways in the state, primarily due to sharp curves and the resulting sight-distance limitations.

U.S. 95 provides the primary north-south link for northern Idaho commerce, transportation and tourism. Many previously considered this segment of U.S. 95 to be one of the state's most dangerous roadways, primarily due in large part to sharp curves and the resulting sight-distance limitations.

M.A. DeAtley Construction Inc., of Clarkston, Wash., is the contractor on this $6.6 million project.