Paving on North Blue Lakes to begin Thursday

TWIN FALLS - The first major paving operation on north Blue Lakes Boulevard will begin Thursday morning (June 11), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.

Paving between Fillmore Street and Pole Line Road will begin at about 7 a.m. Thursday and continue throughout the day. The work will restrict traffic to one lane in each direction. Paving will include a small portion of Fillmore Street west from Blue Lakes that was part of the project to install a storm water sewer system.

Crews also are expected to pave the gravel section in the Pole Line-Blue Lakes intersection beginning Thursday evening at about 7 p.m. Flaggers will control all traffic in the intersection during the paving operation. Drivers can expect delays at the intersection through midnight.

When paving is complete, all lanes will be open between Pole Line Road and the Perrine Bridge. The Thursday operation may be delayed by weather to a later date.

Paving of the southbound lanes of Blue Lakes south of Pole Line Road is expected to begin June 17. Crews are completing preparations for asphalt paving between Pole Line Road and Falls Avenue by placing the sub-base material.

Traffic is expected to be switched to the newly constructed south-bound lanes on or about July 1. The contractor is about a month ahead of the original construction schedule published in January.

Drivers should watch for changing business access points throughout the construction zone. Drivers should also consider alternate routes to access businesses.

Drivers are reminded to follow all temporary traffic control devices throughout the construction zone. Drivers should watch for hazards and be cautious of workers and equipment at all times.

For construction updates and other project information, log on to itd.idaho.gov then click on projects, South-Central Idaho and then U.S. 93 Blue Lakes - Falls Ave. to Poleline Road.

ITD and the Idaho State Police caution motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.