9/22/2010
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Two-way traffic on U.S. 20 between Rigby and Thornton to be rerouted to northbound lanes this week
RIGBY ‑ Two‑way traffic on U.S. 20 between Rigby and Thornton may be rerouted to northbound lanes as soon as Thursday (Sept. 23).
The Idaho Transportation Department announced that rerouting will be between milepost 325 and 327 to allow reconstruction of southbound lanes, changing the highway grade and construction of southbound ramps for the Menan‑Lorenzo Interchange currently being built.
Traffic will detour around the east side of the new interchange on newly constructed northbound ramps, with the speed limit 55 miles per hour. Commercial vehicles will be restricted to 13 feet in width.
The interchange (overpass) 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 major highway project is scheduled for completion next summer.
Motorists will be able to access Bear World at Bear World Drive, which is the existing entrance. Drivers must exit the drive‑through wildlife park onto Nelson Road (4300 West) and proceed north to 5200 South in Madison County to reach Thornton and U.S. 20.
Southbound traffic also will be able to turn right into the Lorenzo Boat Access and turn right out of the boat access. Southbound traffic will then be detoured off U.S. 20 at the south end of the Lorenzo Bridge to the Menan‑Lorenzo Highway and Idaho 48 in Jefferson County.
Northbound traffic will be able to turn right onto River Bridge Road, which runs east into 6800 South in Madison County. Traffic from River Bridge Road will be able to turn north but not south onto U.S. 20, while southbound traffic on U.S. 20 will not have access to River Bridge Road.
Motorists should proceed cautiously, watching for merging traffic, uneven surfaces, dips in the road and traffic signs.
For information on construction/maintenance projects on 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.