12/16/2010
Winter suspension for Washington Street project begins Friday
TWIN FALLS - Reconstruction of Washington Street will be suspended Friday (Dec. 17) for the remainder of winter, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced.
Crews have been working for the past two weeks to open two lanes of travel in each direction through the work zone to improve safety for drivers until work resumes in the spring.
Since reconstruction of the 1.1 miles of roadway began in late June, crews have completed roadway reconstruction including a new signal at North College Road, and median and sidewalk between Northstar Drive and Cheney Drive. Final reconstruction of the roadway between Northstar Drive and Wirshing Avenue will be completed after the winter suspension.
The contractor, DEBCO Construction of Orofino, is allowed to suspend work without penalty until March. Work is expected to continue after winter weather subsides.
Drivers are urged to use caution through the construction zone and watch for uneven pavement between Filer and Falls Avenues throughout the winter months. Periodic lane closures during regular working hours may also occur for construction activities during the work suspension.
When complete next summer, the new roadway will include a storm water drainage system, center median with left turn bays, bicycle lanes, new sidewalk, illumination and traffic signals.
The federally funded, $6.5 million project is sponsored by the city of Twin Falls and administered by ITD.