2/13/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Southwest Idaho highway construction report for Feb. 13-20
BOISE - Following is an update on interstate and state highway construction projects in southwest Idaho.
ADA COUNTY
MERIDIAN - Eagle Road Underpass pathway
Work to build a pathway underneath the Boise River's North Channel structure, connecting the Greenbelt on the east and west sides of Idaho 55 in Eagle, is under way.
This initial work will include surveying and building a silt fence. A silt fence is a temporary sediment barrier consisting of filter fabric entrenched into the soil. It is a sediment-control measure common in projects near bodies of water or pond-like conditions.
This project will construct 260 feet of 10-foot-wide multi-use pathway.
McAlvain Excavation Inc. of Boise is the contractor on this $184,000 project. The city of Eagle is the local sponsor, and also is a financial contributor to this Federal Transportation Enhancement project.
The project is expected to be completed in late April.
CANYON COUNTY
CALDWELL - Franklin and 21st road and bridge project
A project is under way to reconstruct a one-quarter mile section of 21st Avenue in Caldwell and build a new bridge over the Notus Canal by July.
The 21st Avenue intersection with Franklin Road is about one-quarter mile west of the newly reconstructed Franklin Road Interchange (Exit 29) in Caldwell.
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.
Excavation continues, and crews have poured concrete for the new structure. The first half of the structure is now complete. In addition, rebar is being prepared for the upcoming concrete pours.
Central Paving Co. Inc. of Boise is the contractor on this $2.6 million project.
CALDWELL - Linden and 10th Intersection improvement
A project to improve the intersection of Linden Street and 10th Avenue in Caldwell is now under way.
Intersection improvements include installation of a new traffic signal, irrigation work, a standard five-foot concrete sidewalk, curb, gutter, 200 to 300 feet of roadway approach work and signage.
Irrigation work will begin by March.
Idaho Sand & Gravel Co. of Nampa is the contractor on this $460,915 project, which is expected to finish by April 15.
PAYETTE COUNTY
PAYETTE - 7th Avenue North improvement
A project is under way to improve about one-half mile of 7th Avenue North in Payette, which leads to McCain Middle School and the Western Idaho Community Action Partnership (WICAP) Head Start. Construction will extend from the intersection of 7th Avenue North and U.S. 95 to just east of North 18th Street.
The road will be rebuilt and widened with new curbs, gutters and pedestrian ramps per ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. New sidewalk and bike lanes will be completed, the bridge over the irrigation canal in this location replaced and drainage improved for residents.
The contractor is working to install irrigation pipe on the open section of 7th Avenue North. Flaggers will guide traffic around the work area. The road is open at night. In the closed section of 7th Avenue North, the contractor is pouring concrete for the canal bridge. Utilities also are being relocated.
The street will be completely closed to through traffic during construction.
Knife River is the contractor on this $1.5 million project, which is expected to be complete in July.
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.
Motorists were switched from the old bridge to a new section of the rebuilt bridge Dec. 4. Only one lane of traffic can safely pass over the new bridge section. To accommodate traffic crossing over the bridge in opposite directions, portable signals are being used.
Demolition of the old bridge is complete. Removal of the old girders, piers and abutments continues, along with constructing the new bridge. The contractor has moved the crane to the Oregon side of the bridge.
The right and left ramps on the Idaho side of the bridge are closed. Traffic must follow the detour to access Old Highway 70. In addition, any traffic 12 feet or wider and/or taller than 14 feet 2 inches will need to detour through Payette.
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 - that's the one being replaced in this project. 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.
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 this fall. 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.