9/4/2009
Crews to lower manholes on Idaho 48 beginning Wednesday
RIGBY ‑ Crews will lower manholes on Idaho 48 between 3rd West and the U.S. 20 business loop (State Street) in Rigby starting Wednesday (Sept. 9), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The work is part of a project to improve traffic safety and flow on a 1.7-mile stretch of Idaho 48 through the Rigby area that started on Aug. 12. The project is one of eight Idaho highway construction projects using federal stimulus funds to strengthen the economy through much-needed investments in the transportation system.
Manholes must be lowered to enable milling (pulverizing and removal of pavement) along the highway. Crews will fill them with gravel to form a temporary road surface.
In related construction, the city of Rigby will install a new sewer line at the intersection of Idaho 48 and Claremore Drive.
Workers have been removing pavement and road base on Idaho 48 (300 N.) from its intersection with 3800 E. in Jefferson County eastward to 3rd West in Rigby.
In addition to reconstructing Idaho 48 from 3800 E. to 3rd West, crews 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 proceeds. Work takes place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
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, sidewalk and storm drains between the high school and 3rd West in Rigby.
Construction will continue throughout the fall, with completion expected in November. The new roadway will be seal-coated next year.
HK Contractors, Inc., of Idaho Falls, received the $3 million contract. An estimated 54 jobs have been created or preserved by the project.
For driving conditions 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.