9/20/2005
Construction update for eastern Idaho for Sept. 20-27
RIGBY - Here is the eastern Idaho highway construction update for Sept. 20-27:
Sunnyside I-15 Interchange to I-15B: Traffic on Interstate 15 south of Idaho Falls continues to be one lane in each direction between mileposts 115 and 117. The speed limit is reduced to 55 mph. Idaho Construction of Kimberly is the contractor for the $23 million project, scheduled for completion by fall 2006.
U.S. 20, Hitt and St. Leon interchanges: Paving will continue for at least another week north of Idaho Falls on the ramps and connector roads for the new Hitt and St. Leon interchanges. Traffic is one lane in both directions with a reduced speed limit of 55 mph. Western Construction of Boise is building the $19 million project, which is scheduled for completion by the end of October. Seal coating will be done next year.
Idaho 33, Canyon Creek Bridge: Idaho 33 will be closed from midnight Wednesday (Sept. 21) to about 8 a.m. Thursday (Sept. 22) while the middle section of the new bridge deck is placed at Canyon Creek east of Newdale. The speed limit through the construction area is 45 mph. Alternate routes are Idaho 32 from Tetonia to Ashton or Idaho 31 over Pine Creek Pass. Sletten Construction of Great Falls, Mont. is scheduled to complete the $4.3 million project this fall.
Idaho 33, Intersection of 12th West to U.S. 20, near Rexburg: Motorists can expect occasional lane closures and a 25 mph speed limit on Idaho 33 west of Rexburg to 12th West where the highway is being widened to five lanes. A traffic signal and turn lanes will be installed, along with curb and gutter, and minor alignment changes will be made. The $575,730 project is scheduled for completion about mid-October. The contractor is H-K Contractors, Inc. of Idaho Falls.
Idaho 33, Traffic Signal, Second East and First North: Installation of a new traffic signal is under way at the intersection of Second East and First North in Rexburg. Motorists should be aware of lane closures and possible street closures, and use alternate routes around the work zone. Mountain West Electric of Blackfoot is the contractor on the $239,310 project.
Idaho 33, Teton East and West: Some pavement grinding remains to be done on Idaho 33 between Sugar City and Newdale. Motorists may encounter some disruptions to traffic for the next two weeks.
Idaho 87, Henry's Lake Fish Passages: A detour is in place around Idaho 87 at Howard and Targhee Creeks west of U.S. 20 and north of Henry's Lake. The culvert at Howard Creek will be replaced, and a bridge will be built over Targhee Creek. The $1.82 million project is scheduled for completion in November. The project is a multi-agency effort to improve fish migration.