11/7/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Southwest Idaho weekly highway construction report for Nov. 7-14
BOISE - Following is an update on interstate and state highway construction projects in southwest Idaho.
ADA COUNTY
BOISE - Eastbound Connector sign bridge replacement
The left lane is closed on the eastbound Connector (I-184) near the Chinden Boulevard Bridge through Saturday evening (Nov. 8) for the completion of a project to replace an old over-the-roadway signpost.
The initial work was for the removal of the old sign post and placement of the new T-pole sign post. The current lane closure is for the re-installation of guardrail in the median.
Short-term lane restrictions may occur through Nov. 15 for clean-up work, but will not be allowed during peak-hour traffic periods.
The lane closure is necessary for the safety of motorists traveling near the construction site and crew members within the work zone.
Drivers are urged to use caution when driving through the construction zone and watch for workers and equipment.
Specialty Construction of Boise is the contractor on this project.
CANYON COUNTY
Caldwell - Franklin & 21st road and bridge project
A project to reconstruct a one-quarter mile section of 21st Avenue in Caldwell and build a new bridge over the Notus Canal began Nov. 3 and is expected to be complete in July, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The 21st Avenue intersection with Franklin Road is about one-quarter mile west of the newly reconstructed Franklin Road Interchange in Caldwell.
Franklin Road at that intersection is closed through today (Friday, Nov. 7), and then the 21st Avenue leg of the intersection will be closed from Franklin to Chicago through May.
The current three-lane 21st Avenue is being reconstructed into a five-lane urban roadway. The work includes excavation, base, pavement, siphon culvert structure, storm-sewer drainage, and installation of curb, gutter, sidewalk, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-compliant pedestrian ramps.
Central Paving Co. Inc. of Boise is the contractor on this $2.6 million project.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
WEISER - Snake River Bridge replacement
The Snake River Bridge on the U.S. 95 Spur in Weiser is being replaced with a wider structure. The bridge connects Annex, Ore., to Weiser.
A significant amount of the new bridge deck has been poured, and work on the roadway approaches to the bridge proceeds. Crews also have paved the approaches to the new half of the bridge, and have poured the concrete for new decorative rail.
The original bridge was built in 1903, with an additional span added in 1911. Traffic signals were added in 1949. The bridge was replaced in the 1950s, and that is the one being rebuilt today. Once completed, the bridge will be 16 feet wider and able to carry greater traffic volumes. The highway on both sides of the bridge also will be reconstructed.
New curb, gutter and sidewalks are being reconstructed on the Idaho side of the bridge.
Lane closures are in effect on the west ramp on the Idaho side of the bridge. Motorists will use the east ramp in both directions to access and exit Old Highway 70 at the bridge.
The speed limit is reduced to 25 mph on the Oregon side of the bridge.
Sletten Construction of Boise is the contractor on this $10 million project. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2009. It originally was slated for completion in 2010, but crews are significantly ahead of schedule.
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.