6/1/2009
City of Rocks Backcountry Byway road work begins this week
SHOSHONE -- Reconstruction of a 4.5-mile section of the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway near Malta is scheduled to begin this week, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The highway reconstruction will begin at Idaho 77 at Connor Corner and extend south to Elba. It will include bridge work over Cassia Creek and realignment of a small stretch of the highway.
Drivers can expect short delays during working hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Drivers are reminded to use caution when traveling through the work zone and to follow all temporary traffic control signs. A pilot car guide motorists through the project during working hours.
Work is expected to be complete by the end of September.
Jack B. Parsons Co. of Pocatello is the contractor the for $2.6 million project. ITD is administering the Federal Aid project that is sponsored by Cassia County. The byway is the primary route to Elba, Almo and the City of Rocks National Reserve.
ITD and the Idaho State Police advise motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for information about construction activity on state highways or the interstate system.