11/9/2009
Reconstruction of two U.S. 30 canal bridges to begin this week
TWIN FALLS - The rebuilding of two aging U.S. 30 bridges spanning the Twin Falls Canal in eastern Twin Falls County will begin Wednesday (Nov. 11), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Both bridges will be reduced to one lane and temporary traffic signals will be posted at each bridge during the construction project. A 35-mph speed limit and 11-foot width restriction will be in effect at both work zones throughout construction.
To maintain traffic on U.S. 30 throughout the project, the construction window is expected to last nearly two years. The southern half of each bridge will be demolished and reconstructed this winter with the northern half of each bridge will follow next winter.
The winter construction schedule is required by a permit granted by the Twin Falls Canal Company and will facilitate work while canals are empty of irrigation water.
The bridge located about three miles east of Hansen was constructed in 1933 and was posted for a weight limit in March of this year. The bridge located near the outlet of Murtaugh Lake, at milepost 238, was constructed in 1956. The new bridges will have wider shoulders than the current crossings.
Cannon Builders Inc., of Blackfoot, is the contractor for the $1.6 million bridge reconstruction project.
ITD 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.