7/12/2010
Construction of Idaho 21 Wildlife Underpass gets under way today (Monday, July 12)
BOISE -- Work began today (Monday, July 12) on a project to improve safety for motorists and wildlife on Idaho 21 east of Boise. ITD believes construction of a wildlife underpass will help reduce the number of large game/vehicle collisions along the scenic byway.
Before the underpass is constructed, crews must build a paved diversion road for traffic to move through the narrow two-lane corridor. Drivers are cautioned to watch for trucks entering and exiting the highway. The speed limit is reduced to 35 mph in that area, at approximately milepost 18.
The diversion road is expected to take 10 days to complete. Once traffic is moved onto the temporary bypass, a small section of Idaho 21 will be demolished and the soil underneath removed to create the underpass. A new bridge will be constructed over the excavated section and traffic returned to the highway.
The location of the underpass was selected because of its historic road-kill numbers and known migratory routes.
Each year there are 75-100 vehicle collisions with mule deer and 5-10 collisions with elk, costing the state an estimated $750,000 to $1 million in insurance claims, deductibles, medical expenses, disability leave, lost wildlife resources, and manpower and equipment for carcass removal.
McAlvain Construction is the contractor. The cost of constructing the underpass and surrounding fences is $756,000. Work should be completed by early fall.
ITD reminds
drivers to slow down in the work zone, watch out for construction trucks
moving
in and out of the roadway, and pay close attention to traffic signs and
signals. Motorists also are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or
visit
511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.