1/22/2010
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Construction on U.S. 26 between Idaho Falls and Ririe to start Monday (Jan. 25)
RIGBY ‑ Construction on U.S. Highway 26 between Idaho Falls and Ririe will start Monday (Jan. 25), weather permitting, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Crews will begin reconstruction of a 10‑mile stretch of U.S. 26 from two to four lanes between Beaches Corner and the intersection of the Ririe business loop.
Reconstruction will improve traffic safety and flow by increasing the federal route's capacity and by adding turn lanes at major county intersections.
Initial work will be improving irrigation facilities such as underground pipe, ditches, pipe crossings and canal bridges. Most of the construction will be adjacent to the existing roadway and will not impede traffic.
However, starting as early as Wednesday (Jan. 27), traffic will be reduced to one lane at various pipe crossings along the route as crews begin replacing the conduit. During construction, motorists can expect delays of up to 15 minutes. Travel will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers directing traffic through work zones. The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph.
A width restriction of 12 feet also will be in force for commercial vehicles. Work will take place on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Major highway construction is scheduled to start in late February or early March, assuming acceptable weather conditions. Work will include building a temporary roadway to accommodate two‑way traffic while each side of the highway is reconstructed.
The project will be constructed in two‑mile sections, starting near Ririe. Completion is expected by Thanksgiving, with seal coating and striping to be added in 2011.
The transportation department awarded the $13.2 million contract to Knife River Corporation's southern Idaho division based in Boise.
Chief Estimator Kent Magleby, of the Knife River Southern Idaho Division in Idaho Falls, predicted the project will create or preserve more than 40 jobs.
At all times, motorists should watch for construction workers and equipment, merging traffic and uneven surfaces, and obey all traffic signs.
For current information on road conditions of Idaho highways, visit the Idaho Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov or dial 5‑1‑1 from phones within the state. Outside Idaho, dial toll‑free (888) 432‑7623. Information is updated as conditions change.