1/19/2010
Pole Line Road flyover to be part of Twin Falls Alternate Route
TWIN FALLS - The construction of an eastbound overpass from Pole Line Road onto the new U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route will be constructed this summer and will be completed with the new route, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced.
The flyover was part of the original plans, but was changed in favor of a traffic signal to help reduce overall costs when the Alternate Route was bid last summer. Construction savings on several projects throughout south-central Idaho allowed ITD to return to the original design.
Without the traffic signal, Alternate Route traffic will continue around the 60-mph curve near the intersection of 2400 East and 4100 North roads (two miles north of the U.S. 93/U.S. 30 junction). Meanwhile, eastbound Pole Line Road traffic will travel -- or "fly" -- over the Alternate Route and merge into traffic without stopping.
"It is a more costly option, but the flyover will increase safety to drivers," District Engineer Devin Rigby said. "Eliminating the traffic signal and the need for drivers to stop eliminates several potential conflict points and maintains the traffic flow intended by the construction of the Alternate Route."
The project is being advertised to potential contractors, with the bid opening scheduled for Feb. 9. Construction of the flyover is expected to be completed at the same time as the rest of the Alternate Route.
The estimated cost for the flyover is $3.1 million.
For more information about the U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route and a link to live construction photos of the new Rock Creek bridge project, go to itd.idaho.gov; follow the links named Projects, South-central Idaho, and U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route.
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.