9/29/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Weight restrictions posted today (Sept. 29) for Pancheri Overpass
RIGBY ‑ Crews today (Tuesday, Sept. 29) posted weight restrictions for Pancheri Overpass south of Idaho Falls, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Trucks and other heavy vehicles will be restricted to 10 tons per single axle and to 27 tons per three‑axle rig or 40 tons per five‑ and six‑axle rig.
Highway department personnel have posted a Restricted Bridge sign in advance of the bridge, which spans Interstate 15, followed by a tonnage restriction sign in each direction of travel.
Built in 1962, Pancheri Drive Overpass is safe, although "structurally deficient." This means it needs maintenance or repair and eventual rehabilitation or replacement to address deficiencies.
The transportation department will repair components as needed to keep the structure safe until it is expected to be replaced in 2012. The department inspects the overpass annually.
The transportation department last inspected the Pancheri Overpass in May, after which the department's Bridge Section lowered its rating of the superstructure from four out of nine to three out of nine. The rating of the deck and substructure was already rated three. A rating by the state of three or lower signals a bridge is nearing its design life and should be considered for replacement.
The transportation department held an open house on the proposed project at Eagle Rock Junior High School in Idaho Falls on June 30. Sixty‑nine people viewed plans and provided input on the project's preliminary design.
The project will include replacing the overpass, reconstructing approaches to it and improving Pancheri Drive through its intersection with Skyline Drive. The new roadway will include a shared‑use path for bicycles and pedestrians in each direction of travel.
The purpose of the bridge/road construction project is to improve traffic safety by reducing congestion between Utah Avenue and Skyline Drive.
Participating in this federally funded project are the transportation department, the Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization, Bonneville County and the City of Idaho Falls.
The project is part of a larger plan by the Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization, Bonneville County and Idaho Falls to upgrade the corridor between the Yellowstone Highway and Bellin Road in Idaho Falls.
The transportation department and the Idaho State Police caution 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.