4/14/2010
Motorists can expect significant impacts as bridge work begins on Interstate 90 through Post Falls
COEUR D'ALENE
- The Idaho Transportation Department advises motorists that a bridge
rehabilitation project on Interstate 90 through Post Falls beginning April 26 will create significant
impacts to traffic. I-90 will be reduced to one lane in
each direction on a 24-hour basis, until about mid-June.
The project
includes both east- and westbound bridges from the Washington State Line to
Spokane Street in Post Falls - approximately 4.6 miles of interstate.
The bridge decks will have a 1.5-inch layer of concrete
removed, damaged areas will be repaired and the bridge decks will be overlaid
with a new concrete surface. The bridge approaches will receive a new asphalt
surface and bridge joints also will be repaired. This work will extend the life
of the bridge decks.
The contractor will use the following work schedule:
- April 26-May 3: The contractor will be working 8 p.m. to 5
a.m., including weekends. One lane in each direction will be closed overnight,
and re-opened during the day.
- Beginning May 4, one lane in each
direction will be closed on a 24-hour basis, for approximately 30 days.
- Once the bridge work is complete, night
lane closures will continue for approximately 20 days to allow the contractor to
pave and stripe the road surface in each direction.
The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph. Motorists
are encouraged to use alternate routes as long delays (more than 15 minutes)
and congestion are expected during construction.
A highly competitive construction environment led to
significant savings on the eight original projects funded by the federal
stimulus program American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This
project is one of nine smaller projects financed through bid savings.
The contractor for this $2.4 million project is Penhall
Company, of Mukilteo, Wash. The project is expected to be completed by
mid-June.
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.