5/1/2009
Blue Lakes Boulevard to be reduced to two lanes between Pole Line and Cheney beginning Sunday night
TWIN FALLS - Drivers should be prepared for delays on north Blue Lakes Boulevard as the installation of a storm water sewer system will reduce traffic to two lanes between Pole Line Road and Cheney Drive, the Idaho Transportation Department has announced.
Beginning Monday (May 4), trenching that started at the Snake River canyon will begin the second phase of the Falls Avenue to Pole Line Road reconstruction project. Traffic control is expected to be set up on Sunday night (May 3) in preparation for Monday's work. The southbound lanes will be closed and traffic will be reduced to two lanes.
"The contractor is moving quickly on this project and is already ahead of schedule," ITD Resident Engineer Kimbol Allen said. "We've had good cooperation with the business community and the drivers through the construction zone so far. We're now entering a more complicated section of road and we'll need to maintain the cooperation."
The contractor, Western Construction Inc. of Boise, has elected to begin with a shorter section of road to begin major reconstruction, limiting the initial impact to between Pole Line and Cheney. The reconstruction will eventually extend from Pole Line Road to Falls Avenue.
To maintain business access, a temporary traffic signal allowing left turns onto and off Cheney Drive will be installed. Preference will be given to traffic on Blue Lakes and turning movements from Cheney will be limited. Access to the Winco/Target shopping center will only be allowed from entrances on Pole Line Road and Cheney Drive.
"We're trying to be responsive to the concerns of business owners and shoppers," Allen said. "However, if traffic on Blue Lakes overwhelms the signal, we may have to remove it."
No other left turns onto or off Blue Lakes is allowed through the construction zone. Drivers should consider alternate routes to access businesses.
Southbound traffic will be tapered into one lane north of Pole Line Road. Northbound traffic will be tapered to one lane after North College Road initially, but restrictions will move south as reconstruction continues. Turning movements onto east- and westbound Pole Line will remain open.
Drivers are reminded to follow all temporary traffic-control devices throughout the construction zone. Drivers should watch for hazards and be cautious of workers and equipment at all times.
For construction updates and other project information, log on to itd.idaho.gov then click on projects, South-Central Idaho and then U.S. 93 Blue Lakes - Falls Ave. to Poleline Road.
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.