7/30/2010
Construction to reduce lanes on U.S. 20 overpasses in Idaho Falls starting next week
RIGBY ‑ Construction will reduce lanes on two U.S. 20 overpasses in Idaho Falls as early as Monday (Aug. 2), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The highway will be reduced to a single lane in each direction at the Eastern Idaho Railroad and Science Center Drive overpasses for resurfacing.
The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph for most of the work and 25 mph for concrete placement and curing. The 25 mph speed-limit reduction will continue as long as 10 days for each overpass and be enforced around the clock.
Lower speeds help minimize the damaging effect of traffic jarring the adjacent deck during cure time, which is essential to concrete stability.
Commercial vehicles will be restricted to 12 feet wide and to legal weights.
As part of the project, crews will clean and repaint portions of the bridge beams.
Motorists should watch for construction workers and equipment. Construction on the overpasses is scheduled for completion in September.
For information on construction/maintenance projects along Idaho highways, visit the Idaho Traveler Services website 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.