5/18/2010
Bridge construction on U.S. 26 diverting traffic through Ririe
RIGBY - Construction on Eagle Rock Canal Bridge east of the intersection of U.S. 26 and the U.S. 26 business loop is diverting westbound traffic through Ririe, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) advised. Crews started resurfacing the bridge today (Tuesday, May 18). Construction is scheduled for completion in early June.
Westbound traffic is being detoured around the bridge on the U.S. 26 business loop, with eastbound traffic being directed through the construction zone.
Crews are resurfacing the bridge deck with new concrete as part of a rehabilitation effort to extend the life of the deck.
The speed limit is reduced to 45 mph for surface blasting, but will be reduced to 25 mph for concrete placement and curing. The 25 mph speed‑limit reduction will last up to 15 days and be enforced around the clock.
Reduced speed helps minimize serious vibration or jarring from traffic crossing the deck during cure time, which is essential to concrete strength.
Commercial vehicles will be restricted to 12 feet in width and to legal weights.
Motorists are encouraged to watch for construction workers and equipment and to obey all traffic signs.
ITD is resurfacing five other bridges in eastern Idaho this summer:
- Butte Market Lake Canal Bridge south of the Roberts exit (Exit 135) on the northbound lanes of I‑15.
- Butte Market Lake Canal Bridge on Idaho 48 in Roberts.
- Idaho 48 Overpass on U.S. 20 in Rigby.
- Burgess Canal Bridge on U.S. 20. The bridge is approximately one‑quarter of a mile north of the south Rigby interchange, Exit 320, of U.S. 20 in Rigby.
- Burgess Canal Bridge on the U.S. 20 business loop. The bridge is approximately one‑fifth of a mile northwest of the south Rigby interchange, Exit 320, of U.S. 20 on the business loop in Rigby.
ITD awarded the $1.1 million contract for the Eagle Rock Canal bridge, as well as the five other deck resurfacing projects, to Conway Construction Company of Richfield, Wash. All six deck-resurfacing projects will be completed by the end of August.
For information on construction along state highways, visit the Idaho Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov, or dial 5‑1‑1 from phones within Idaho. Outside the state, dial toll‑free (888) 432‑7623. Reports are updated as road conditions change.