8/10/2009
Construction to improve Idaho 48 through Rigby area starts Wednesday (Aug.12)
RIGBY - Construction to improve traffic safety and flow on a 1.7-mile stretch of Idaho 48 through the Rigby area starts on Wednesday (Aug. 12), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The project is one of eight highway construction projects in Idaho using federal stimulus funds to strengthen the economy through much needed investments in the transportation system.
Crews will reconstruct Idaho 48 (300 N.) from its intersection with 3800 E. in Jefferson County eastward to 3rd West in Rigby. They also will resurface the highway from 3rd West to the Yellowstone Highway east of Rigby. Widening Idaho 48 near Rigby High School will help school employees and students safely travel and pull off of Idaho 48.
During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane and the speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph. Motorists can expect delays of up to 15 minutes as construction moves forward. Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Motorists are advised to watch for workers and equipment, including flaggers and pilot cars. Where possible, drivers should consider using an alternate route.
The Idaho 48 improvement project will widen a 1.7-mile corridor between Rigby High School and the Yellowstone Highway to three lanes, add a right-turn bay to the east (main) high school entrance and install curb, gutter and sidewalk between the high school and 3rd West in Rigby.
Construction will take place this summer and fall, with completion expected by November. The new roadway will be seal-coated next year.
One side of the road will be constructed at a time to keep the highway open, minimizing inconvenience to motorists.
The transportation department awarded HK Contractors, Inc., of Idaho Falls, the $3 million contract.
The corridor is the main east-west artery in Rigby, connecting the population centers on both sides of U.S. 20 that divides the community. An estimated 54 jobs will be created or preserved by the construction project.
In connection with this long-planned improvement project, Idaho Gov. C.L. Butch Otter and local officials will gather Wednesday, Aug. 12, on the grounds of Rigby High School for a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. The ceremony, which will conclude at noon, will feature messages from Governor Otter, Rigby Mayor Keith Smith and School District 251 Superintendent Dr. Ron Tolman.
The event will be located northeast of the high school near Idaho 48 (300 N.) and 3823 E., where the new right-turn bay will be built.
Traveling to Rigby on U.S. 20, take the first exit into town and follow road signs to Idaho 48. Turn west onto Idaho 48, drive one and one-half miles to 300 N. and 3800 E., and turn south to the high school, where parking will be designated.
Camera crews are asked to arrive no later than 10:45 a.m. For their convenience, an area will be reserved for crews to set up video cameras.
For construction information on Idaho highways, visit the Idaho Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov, or dial 5-1-1 in the state. Outside Idaho, dial toll-free (888) 432-7623. Information is updated as conditions change on state highways.
The project is one of eight highway construction projects in Idaho using federal stimulus funds to strengthen the economy through much needed investments in the transportation system.
Crews will reconstruct Idaho 48 (300 N.) from its intersection with 3800 E. in Jefferson County eastward to 3rd West in Rigby. They also will resurface the highway from 3rd West to the Yellowstone Highway east of Rigby. Widening Idaho 48 near Rigby High School will help school employees and students safely travel and pull off of Idaho 48.
During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane and the speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph. Motorists can expect delays of up to 15 minutes as construction moves forward. Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Motorists are advised to watch for workers and equipment, including flaggers and pilot cars. Where possible, drivers should consider using an alternate route.
The Idaho 48 improvement project will widen a 1.7-mile corridor between Rigby High School and the Yellowstone Highway to three lanes, add a right-turn bay to the east (main) high school entrance and install curb, gutter and sidewalk between the high school and 3rd West in Rigby.
Construction will take place this summer and fall, with completion expected by November. The new roadway will be seal-coated next year.
One side of the road will be constructed at a time to keep the highway open, minimizing inconvenience to motorists.
The transportation department awarded HK Contractors, Inc., of Idaho Falls, the $3 million contract.
The corridor is the main east-west artery in Rigby, connecting the population centers on both sides of U.S. 20 that divides the community. An estimated 54 jobs will be created or preserved by the construction project.
In connection with this long-planned improvement project, Idaho Gov. C.L. Butch Otter and local officials will gather Wednesday, Aug. 12, on the grounds of Rigby High School for a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. The ceremony, which will conclude at noon, will feature messages from Governor Otter, Rigby Mayor Keith Smith and School District 251 Superintendent Dr. Ron Tolman.
The event will be located northeast of the high school near Idaho 48 (300 N.) and 3823 E., where the new right-turn bay will be built.
Traveling to Rigby on U.S. 20, take the first exit into town and follow road signs to Idaho 48. Turn west onto Idaho 48, drive one and one-half miles to 300 N. and 3800 E., and turn south to the high school, where parking will be designated.
Camera crews are asked to arrive no later than 10:45 a.m. For their convenience, an area will be reserved for crews to set up video cameras.
For construction information on Idaho highways, visit the Idaho Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov, or dial 5-1-1 in the state. Outside Idaho, dial toll-free (888) 432-7623. Information is updated as conditions change on state highways.