3/6/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Southwest Idaho weekly highway construction report for March 6-13
BOISE - Following is an update on interstate and state highway construction projects in southwest Idaho.
ADA COUNTY
MERIDIAN - Eagle Road Underpass pathway
Work is under way 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.
This project will construct 260 feet of 10-foot-wide multi-use pathway.
The contractor is currently starting to place the foundation for the pathway, and is pumping water away from the project area to facilitate the construction. The water is pumped away from the project location and into a sediment holding area, where it filters through native soils before being released back into the river downstream from the project area.
The contractor also is planning to complete all concrete work by the end of March, and will have final asphalt paving to finish before the project is complete in late April.
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.
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.
Crews have poured concrete for the new canal structure, and are completing the second half of that structure. In addition, rebar is being prepared for the upcoming concrete pours necessary for the project.
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 is under way, and is expected to completed the week of March 2-6.
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. The construction project extends from 11th to 18th on 7th Avenue and crosses U.S. 95.
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.
Traffic reductions will be in effect this coming week (March 9-13) as crews remove and replace irrigation line under the highway. Flaggers will control traffic at the intersection of U.S. 95 and 7th Avenue North. Motorists on U.S. 95 will be limited to one lane as they travel through Payette and could encounter delays of up to 10-15 minutes.
West of U.S. 95, 7th Avenue is open at night, but east of U.S. 95, 7th Avenue is closed due to the canal bridge 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.
The contractor has poured concrete for three of the drilled bridge shafts on Phase 2 of the project. Once the fourth shaft is completed, they will finish removing the old bridge. In mid- to late March, the contractor will set girders on the Oregon side of the project.
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 in early winter. It originally was slated for completion in 2010, but crews are significantly ahead of schedule.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
MIDVALE HILL - rest area improvement project
A project to upgrade the rest area on U.S. 95 at Midvale Hill began March 2. The rest area is now closed to the public.
This project will rehabilitate the existing rest area (built in 1987) and caretaker facilities, create additional truck parking, and include other repairs. The rest room building is being completely reconstructed.
The rest area will be closed during this project, and signs will be posted in Cambridge and Weiser to announce the closure. No temporary facilities are planned during this work. The project is expected to finish by August 2009.
WF Construction & Sales LLC of Meridian is the contractor on this $1.4 million project.
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.