6/11/2009
City of Rocks Backcountry Byway to be closed for road work
SHOSHONE - A short section of the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway, east of Elba, will be closed to traffic next week when crews install underground culverts as part of highway reconstruction, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The highway will be closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday (June 15-18). Crews will place culvert pipes as deep as 20-feet below the highway surface.
Because the highway is relatively isolated, no formal detour will be put in place. The contractor will allow emergency response vehicles to pass through the construction zone if necessary. Travelers may find alternate routes to the Almo-Elba area through Oakley and south of Malta.
Reconstruction of a 4.5-mile section of the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway near Malta also is set to begin this week.
The reconstruction of the Almo-Elba highway begins at its junction with Idaho 77 and extends about 4.5 miles south to Elba.
Short delays should be expected from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday during construction, which should be complete by September. Drivers are reminded to use caution near flaggers and to follow all temporary traffic control signs throughout the construction zone. A pilot car will guide traffic during work hours.
ITD and the Idaho State Police ask 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.