4/30/2010
Yellowstone Avenue lanes to close Sunday for the start of widening project
POCATELLO - Construction will begin Sunday (May 2) on a major project that widens Yellowstone Avenue from Pole Line Road to the Interstate 86 interchange, announced the Idaho Transportation Department. The widening is part of a project to add a third lane to the interstate for the convenience and safety of local motorists.
Southbound lanes of Yellowstone Avenue will be closed for reconstruction and widening, beginning Sunday evening. Traffic will be restricted to a single lane in each direction, with a center turn lane. When the southbound lanes are completed, traffic will be moved to the new lanes and work will begin on the northbound side of Yellowstone.
Traffic signal timing for north- and southbound traffic will be increased to help reduce congestion. No left turns will be permitted onto Yellowstone Avenue from business routes. Access to adjacent businesses will be maintained throughout the project.
Construction by Knife River will continue throughout the summer and into the fall. The $8.1 million project is funded through federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus program and will create or sustain an estimated 145 jobs in the Pocatello area.
When the project is complete, Yellowstone Avenue will have three lanes in each direction with a center turn lane.
Motorists are urged to use alternate routes to access businesses along Yellowstone Avenue during construction.
ITD reminds drivers that work zone safety is everyone's responsibility. Motorists should use extra caution when entering and driving through work zones to ensure their own safety and that of construction workers. Traffic violations are subject to enhanced penalties in highway work zones.
For information about construction activity on state highways or other travel conditions, dial 5-1-1 toll-free from any phones in Idaho or visit the 511 Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov.