4/13/2009
Road construction on U.S. 93 and U.S. 20 to slow traffic, restrict over-legal loads starting April 20
SHOSHONE - Construction projects on U.S. 93 north of Richfield and on U.S. 20 between Timmerman Junction and Carey will slow traffic and limit over-legal truck travel in the northeast Magic Valley beginning Monday (April 20), the Idaho Transportation Department has announced.
Beginning Monday, U.S. 93 will be reduced to one lane from the north end of Richfield to the intersection with Pagari Road (milepost 182 to 189) for road construction. Crews will be blasting and removing rock during the early stages of construction.
Drivers are asked to watch for flaggers. A pilot car will be used to shuttle traffic through the construction zone and a 45-mph speed limit will be in effect. Delays of 15 minutes can be expected, with longer delays possible during blasting operations.
Also beginning Monday, U.S. 20 will be reduced to one lane at the Silver Creek bridge at milepost 191 for slab replacement on the bridge approach. Bridge work is the first phase of a larger road construction project beginning in June between Gannett Road and the Silver Creek bridge (milepost 186 to 192).
A lane closure over the bridge will be controlled by a construction traffic signal. Drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes. A 35-mph speed limit will be in effect through the construction zone. A 12-foot width limit will also be enforced.
Because of width restrictions, any permitted over-legal loads are asked to use U.S. 93. Drivers are required give 24-hour notice to ITD in Shoshone (208-886-7800).
Western Construction Inc. of Boise is the contractor for both projects, each costing about $3.5 million.
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.