8/6/2010
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Short delays expected on Idaho 21 overnight Sunday for wildlife undercrossing girder placement
BOISE - Drivers will
encounter delays of up to 15 minutes on Idaho 21 east of Boise in the area of
Warm Springs starting Sunday (Aug. 8) at
10 p.m. through Monday morning (Aug. 9) at 5 a.m. as crews work on a
project to improve safety for motorists and wildlife.
The Idaho Transportation Department advises that construction
of a wildlife underpass will help reduce the number of large game/vehicle
collisions along the scenic byway. Crews are excavating the existing roadway
and constructing a new 75-foot bridge to allow wild game animals to cross under
the highway.
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.