9/22/2005
South-central Idaho highway construction update for Sept. 23-30
SHOSHONE - Here is the highway construction update for south-central Idaho for Sept. 23-30:
U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route Stage 1: Utility trenching and reconstruction of the Perrine Coulee Bridge continue in the corridor from Fillmore Street to Grandview Drive. Motorists should anticipate 10-15 minute delays while flaggers direct one-way traffic through parts of the work zone. The use of alternate routes is encouraged.
Crews will start preparing the new eastbound lanes for paving from west of Grandview Drive to just west of Washington Street. Travel impacts should be minimal except for increased truck traffic.
Significant utility trenching, one-half mile west of the Grandview intersection, adjacent to Pole Line Road, will begin Wednesday (Sept. 28). Crews will work day and night until completion of the project, which is scheduled for Sept. 29. Motorists should anticipate delays while flaggers direct one-way traffic through the work zone.
Idaho 77, Declo to Albion: This reconstruction project begins five miles south of Declo and continues to Albion (mileposts 18-23). Vehicles exceeding 12 feet in width are required to detour around the work area using Idaho 81 from Declo to Malta, and then Idaho 77 from Malta to Albion. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible. The speed limit is 35 mph, and traffic is reduced to one lane. This project, expected to be completed in October, will create a smoother and safer road surface.
Idaho 77, City of Rocks Backcountry Byway: This reconstruction project from Idaho 77 to Almo (7.5 miles east of Malta) involves a detour, using 2975 South Road, 750 East Road, and 2800 South Road. Delays of 15 minutes are expected. Work is scheduled for completion by mid-October.
U.S. 30, Improvement Project near Hagerman: Reconstruction of U.S. 30 from the Hagerman Rest Area to Banbury Hot Springs (mileposts 184-191) began Monday (Sept. 19). Traffic will be reduced from two lanes to one during daylight hours with flaggers and pilot cars directing motorists. Delays of 10-15 minutes can be expected. The speed limit will be reduced from 60 mph to 50.
The highway will be rehabilitated using a process called Cement Recycled Asphalt Base Stabilization (CRABS). Crews will grind the existing surface down to the gravel base, add cement and compact it. The surface then is covered with a new layer of pavement. Guardrails along the seven-mile route also will be replaced.
The $2.3 million project, expected to be completed by mid-October, will create a safer, smoother road for motorists. Western Construction, Inc. of Boise is the project contractor.