9/26/2008
Public meeting planned Wednesday in Orofino to explain U.S. 12 projet
LEWISTON - The Idaho Transportation Department will hold a public meeting for the reconstruction of the U.S. 12/Idaho 7 intersection in Orofino on Wednesday (Oct. 1).
Work is expected to begin on the junction on Oct. 6 and will continue for several months. The Wednesday meeting will outline impacts on traffic and access to Orofino from U.S. 12. The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. in the City Hall conference room.
Weekly project meetings, which are open to the public, will be held until construction is completed.
A new through lane on U.S. 12 will be added to improve safety and aid traffic into and through the junction with Idaho 7. Construction will require closure of the eastbound (right) lane of U.S. 12 until paving is completed next spring.
The project includes the construction of a retaining wall on the south side of the junction. The soldier pile retaining wall will be built out of steel I-beams with wooden lagging between the columns. Crews will drive the piling for the wall and add a concrete guard rail to the wall this winter.
Debco Construction of Orofino is the general contractor on the $2.7 million project.
The work zone will be between mileposts 43 and 45 on U.S. 12. Motorists are urged to use caution when driving through the area.
Information on highway construction projects and weather conditions is available 24-hours per day through the 511 Traveler Service Web site at 511.idaho.gov or by dialing 511.