7/29/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Apparent low bidder announced on construction of Twin Falls Alternate Route
BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department opened bids yesterday (Tuesday, July 28) on the last of eight federal stimulus highway projects that will create construction jobs and significantly improve safety for Idaho motorists.
An estimated 500 jobs will be created or sustained by the second stage of construction on the Twin Falls Alternate Route north and west of Twin Falls. The apparent low bidder was W.W. Clyde Construction Inc. of Salt Lake City. Its $26.6 million bid includes construction of a new bridge across Rock Creek Canyon and two lanes between Grandview Drive and the U.S. 93/30 junction near Filer.
The purpose of the federal stimulus funding was to preserve jobs and put people to work. Projects like this accomplish that goal, Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter said. Whats more, this particular project will remove a bottleneck and improve safety and commerce for the entire region essentially creating an economic multiplier.
When completed, this route will provide a bypass option for through and commercial traffic traveling past Twin Falls. The project will reconstruct about six miles of roadway complete with turn lanes, a new intersection at the corner of 4100 Poleline Road and 2400 East, and a railroad crossing near the south end of the project. The contractor will construct the base for the future expansion to four lanes when needed.
The first stage of the Twin Falls Alternate Route from Blue Lakes Boulevard to Grandview Drive was completed in 2006. Construction on subsequent phasing was halted due to lack of funding..
Construction is expected to take about two years and will begin this fall.
W.W. Clyde was one of seven contractors to bid on this project.
Progress on Idaho's transportation stimulus projects can be followed at http://www.accountability.idaho.gov/, or at http://itd.idaho.gov/.