2/9/2010
Controlled burn on U.S. 26 east of Idaho Falls planned Wednesday (Feb. 10)
RIGBY - The Idaho Falls Fire Department will do a controlled burn of a vacant house on U.S. 26 east of Idaho Falls Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 10) in a training exercise, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced.
Located 11 miles northeast of downtown Idaho Falls, west of milepost 344 on U.S. 26 (7734 Ririe Highway), the house is being removed to enable realignment of a bend in the federal route at that location.
Removal of the house, which ITD purchased last year, is part of reconstructing a 10-mile stretch of the highway between Beaches Corner and the intersection of the Ririe business loop from two to four lanes.
The house borders the south side of the highway. Motorists should slow down and proceed cautiously when passing the burn site.
Reconstruction of the highway got under way Jan. 25, with crews installing underground pipes. Pipe replacement is progressing as weather permits.
This week, traffic will be reduced to one lane at various locations to accommodate bridge and pipe‑crossing installations. Motorists can expect delays of up to 15 minutes. The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph through the construction zones.
A width restriction of 12 feet will be in force for commercial vehicles. Work on the project takes place weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Major reconstruction is scheduled to start late this month or early in March, if weather cooperates. Crews will build 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.
Motorists should obey all traffic signs and watch for construction workers, equipment, merging traffic and uneven surfaces.
Reconstruction of U.S. 26 between Idaho Falls and Ririe will improve traffic safety and flow, increase the highway's capacity and add turn lanes at major county intersections.
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.