2/9/2010
Busy road construction season is under way in Southern Idaho
SHOSHONE - While snow and frosty mornings continue to be an everyday part of life in Southern Idaho, the 2010 road construction season is already in full swing, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Early season road projects are starting at a handful of construction sites following a busy winter construction season. Much of the winter construction focused primarily on irrigation crossings or bridge work. The focus will soon shift to road building. About two dozen road construction and improvement projects have been placed under contract, with a few others nearing announcement to potential bidders.
"This year will probably be the busiest road construction seasons ever for ITD in south-central Idaho," District Engineer Devin Rigby said. "Not only with big projects like the Twin Falls Alternate Route and a couple big interstate projects, but we'll also see many rehabilitation and pavement preservation projects districtwide."
Major road construction will be centered in the Mini-Cassia area as Interstate 84 between Burley and the I-84/I-86 interchange will be reconstructed. But that is not to be outdone by a total reconstruction of Idaho 27/North Overland Avenue between the Snake River and I-84.
In Twin Falls, ITD will continue to administer contracts for road work on the U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route, Washington Street North, Airport Road (South Washington Street), and a new traffic signal on Idaho 74 at the intersection of Washington Street and Orchard Drive.
"There really isn't a corner of the Magic Valley that is not going to be affected by road construction in the coming year," Rigby added. "We want to remind drivers to use extreme caution and be mindful of the numerous potential hazards while driving through any work zone."
CURRENTLY UNDER CONTRACT (**Currently under construction)
** U.S. 93, Twin Falls Alternate Route Stage II, Twin Falls County
U.S. 93, Twin Falls Alternate Route Flyover, Twin Falls County
U.S. 93, Milepost 180 to Jim Byrne Slough, Lincoln County
U.S. 93, Newmans Corner to Shoshone, Jerome/ Lincoln County
I-84, Burley to Declo, Heyburn Interchange Overpass, Minidoka County
I-84, Declo to Salt Lake Interchange, Cassia County
I-84, South Jerome Interchange, Jerome County
I-84, West Jerome Interchange bridge, Jerome County
**U.S. 30, Twin Falls Main Canal Bridge and Canal Bridge #2, Twin Falls County
** Statewide Dynamic Message Signs
** Washington Street North, Twin Falls
U.S. 30 County Road, 4825 East to 750 West, Twin Falls/Cassia County
District Four Sign Upgrade
Idaho 24, Milner-Gooding Canal to Shoshone High School, Lincoln County
Idaho 74, Washington St. & Orchard Dr, Twin Falls
Idaho 75, Slate Creek Bridge, Custer County
Idaho 75, Timmerman Rest Area, Blaine County
Idaho 81, Jct. Idaho 77 to milepost 9.5, Cassia County
**Airport Road, Stage II, Twin Falls County
City of Rocks Scenic Byway Stage IV, Cassia County
**Bob Barton Road, Jerome County
8th Avenue & Lincoln to Date Street & Main, Jerome
Soldier Road, U.S. 20 to North City Limit, Fairfield
North 600 West Road, Lincoln County
PROJECTS YET TO BID
Hagerman Rest Area
Idaho 27, North Overland, Burley
Snake River Overlook, Twin Falls
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.