7/15/2010
Construction of Menan-Lorenzo Interchange in full swing, accesses to city/county roads permanently closed
RIGBY - Construction of the Menan-Lorenzo Interchange overpass on U.S. Highway 20, north of Rigby, is ongoing, with access to city and county roads permanently closed, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Motorists are advised to not drive around barricades. Serious accidents, including fatalities, have occurred in the past for such aggressive driving.
Traffic is being reduced to one lane in each direction, and the speed limit is reduced to 45 mph in the construction zone. Traffic will be detoured around the construction area as needed.
During construction, motorists should watch for construction workers, equipment and obey all traffic signs.
All direct accesses to U.S. 20 between Rigby and the Snake River are permanently closed. This includes 700 North on each side of U.S. 20, 600 North, 605 North, old Menan-Lorenzo Highway exit and Blue Heron Inn exit. Motorists must access areas east and west of U.S. 20 by using the north Rigby interchange and the Menan-Lorenzo Interchange when it is complete.
These closures are necessary to eliminate dangerous conflict points between through and local traffic. Such closures have proven essential for highway safety.
The interchange project will elevate U.S. 20 to pass over the Menan-Lorenzo Highway, which will be realigned and improved south of its current location. The transportation department estimates the project will be finished next summer.
Visitors to the Blue Heron Inn must reach the bed and breakfast facility via a temporary access road north of the intersection of Island Canal and Yellowstone Highway. Drivers must reach this temporary road by way of 4200 East, which runs north and south on the east side of U.S. 20.
During construction, the Lorenzo Boat Access exit and the Archer exit (River Bridge Road) north of the river will remain open, except drivers will not be able to turn south onto U.S. 20 from the River Bridge Road intersection, which runs east into 6800 South in Madison County.
The new interchange will include north and south entrances and exits to improve entrance onto and exit from both U.S. 20 and the Menan-Lorenzo Highway.
For information on construction/maintenance projects along Idaho highways, visit the Idaho Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov or dial 5-1-1 on phones within the state. Outside Idaho, dial toll-free (888) 432-7623. Information is updated as conditions change.