10/7/2005
Construction update for south central Idaho Oct. 7-14
SHOSHONE - Here is the construction update for south-central Idaho for Oct. 7--14:
U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route Stage 1: Utility trenching and reconstruction of the Perrine Coulee Bridge continue in the construction 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 begin paving preparations on the new eastbound lanes from west of Grandview Dr. to just west of Washington St. Aside from increased truck traffic in the area, traffic impacts should be minimal.
Access to the south entrance of Grandview Drive from Pole Line Road in Twin Falls will remain closed through October for concrete paving work. Motorists can access Grandview Drive by using North College Road and Falls Avenue.
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: U.S. 30 from the Hagerman Rest Area to Banbury Hot Springs (mileposts 184-191) is being reconstructed. 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. Speed limits will be reduced from 60 mph to 50 mph.
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 will be replaced.
The $2.3 million project, expected to be complete by mid-October, will create a safer, smoother road for motorists. Western Construction, Inc. of Boise is the project contractor.
U.S. 93, Salmon Falls Creek Canal Bridge Work: Crews are working on the U.S. 93 Salmon Falls Creek Canal Bridge near Hollister. This is the second phase of a project to replace the existing bridge in conjunction with a future widening of U.S. 93 in the area.
Motorists can expect intermittent delays of up to 10 minutes. Flaggers will direct motorists through the work zone at milepost 25, about two miles south of Hollister. The speed limit will be reduced to 50 mph. Vehicles will be limited to a maximum width of 14 feet through the construction zone.
This stage of the $1.6 million reconstruction project is expected to be completed by February. Idaho Construction Co. of Kimberly is the project contractor