ITD removes old gas station along U.S. 20 in Thornton

District 6 maintenance crews removed an old Shell gas station/convenience store Monday (May 4) in preparation for constructing the planned Thornton interchange on U.S. 20 just north of Thornton next year.

ITD purchased the station and nearby properties for the project, which will cost an estimated $12 million to construct.

These properties lie in the construction footprint of the full interchange, which will improve safety and operational effectiveness by eliminating the last of the deadly intersections and all other at-grade (level) intersections with U.S. 20 between Idaho Falls and Sugar City.

This major project also will connect Madison County’s planned 5000 South project, which is designed to improve traffic flow in the southern part of the eastern Idaho county.

The interchange will make the 30-mile stretch of U.S. 20 between Idaho Falls and Sugar City a full–access-control, four-lane divided highway, improving safety, mobility and economic opportunity for the traveling public.

The original owner of the station bought back the building from ITD for salvage, with the remnants to go to the future contractor of the project.

After salvage, the building was left partially collapsed, leaving debris susceptible to the wind. District 6 decided to remove the rubble rather than let it sit until construction starts in several months.

 


Published 05-08-15