4/29/2010
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Construction under way on I-15 between Idaho Falls and Osgood
RIGBY - Construction is under way on Interstate 15 between Idaho Falls and Osgood, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced. Work is expected to be complete in mid-June.
Crews are resurfacing the eight‑mile stretch using $2.2 million in savings from federal stimulus projects last year. A highly competitive construction environment led to significant savings on the eight original projects funded by the federal stimulus program ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).
Work will consist of overlaying the highway with 1.5 inches of new asphalt and seal-coating the new surface. Seal-coating closes the pavement to water and air and provides a semi-rough surface for improved vehicle traction.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph for overlaying and 45 mph for seal-coating. Motorists should watch for construction workers and equipment.
A width restriction of 16 feet will be in force for commercial vehicles. Work will take place weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Other Stimulus Projects
ITD plans seven other Eastern Idaho highway projects using federal stimulus funds:
Idaho Falls Streets ‑ Crews will seal-coat and apply pavement markings on various arterial and collector roads in Idaho Falls this summer. ITD is administering this stimulus‑funded project in cooperation with the city, the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) in Boise, and the contractor using federal funds.
Rigby High School to Yellowstone Highway ‑ Crews will seal-coat and apply pavement markings to Idaho 48 between Rigby High School and Yellowstone Highway, finishing a major reconstruction project that began last year. The project included widening the highway to three lanes, adding a right‑turn bay to the high school entrance, including a bike lane on both sides of the street and installing curb, gutter and sidewalk along the busy route in Rigby. Work on this stimulus‑funded project will be completed this summer.
St. Anthony Main Street ‑ Crews will improve one-half mile of Main Street in St. Anthony between Bridge Street and 6th East this spring. This project will include upgrading drainage, curb, gutter, sidewalk, ramps, manholes and valves. ITD is administering this stimulus project in conjunction with LHTAC.
Teton Highway ‑ Crews will seal-coat a 5.3‑mile stretch of Teton Highway in and south of St. Anthony this summer. ITD is administering this stimulus project in conjunction with LHTAC.
Henry's Lake Flat Passing Lanes ‑ Crews will seal‑ and fog‑coat new passing lanes on northbound U.S. 20 between Island Park Lodge and Red Rock Road and on southbound U.S. 20 between the Henry's Fork Outlet Bridge and the junction of Idaho 87. The contractor will seal‑coat the lanes of this stimulus‑funded project this summer.
Main Street in Dubois ‑ Crews will resurface and improve drainage along Main Street in Dubois, between Idaho 22 and Riverside Boulevard, this summer. ITD is administering this stimulus project in cooperation with the city, LHTAC and the contractor using federal funds.
Trail Creek Road ‑ Crews will resurface a three‑mile stretch of Trail Creek Road from milepost 38 to 41 in Custer County. It is being funded with $460,000 of federal stimulus money.
For information on construction/road conditions of Idaho highways, visit the Idaho Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov, or dial 5-1-1 on phones in Idaho. Outside the state, dial toll-free (888) 432-7623. Information is updated as conditions change.