Opening of Pocatello's Cheyenne Connector caps multi-phase partnership

The grand opening of the Cheyenne Connector project in Pocatello Dec. 23 put the finishing touches on a multi-phase, multi-year $17 million investment connecting the southern section of the community by crossing the Union Pacific Railroad and Interstate 15. The initial work, on the eastern half, began in May 2013.

ITD partnered with the city of Pocatello to redesign the road so it passed under I-15, removing any obstructions for large commercial shipments coming from manufacturers in town.

The two phases of the project were built by LeGrand Johnson Construction (Moab, Utah) and WW Clyde & Co. (Orem, Utah). The work featured several thousand cubic yards of rock blasting and a bridge over the Portneuf River and UPRR railroad tracks measuring more than 300 feet long. The city earmarked $5 million for the improvements.

The one constant throughout all the various phases was Scott Redding (pictured above), who served as ITD's resident engineer. Redding is a proud graduate of Idaho State University and a product of the department's Engineer-In-Training (EIT) program. The Cheyenne Connector was Redding's second large-scale project for ITD — he previously designed and served as resident engineer for the McCammon interchange project.

"Scott is a smart, professional and dynamic leader," said D5 Engineering Manager Dan Harelson. "He took responsibility for this project, worked through the challenges and, with the support of ITD and city staff, led it to a successful completion. We are proud of him, our staff and the project."


Published 12-31-15