2/23/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Vandalism at Mores Creek Bridge (High Bridge) project over Lucky Peak costs taxpayers money, compromises safety
BOISE - Recent vandalism at the Mores Creek Bridge project over Lucky Peak Reservoir, east of Boise on Idaho 21, is costly and could compromise public safety. It is not the first time the project site has been vandalized.
The recent vandalism not only involved theft, but tampering with Traffic Control Safety Devices on the project, including the Portable Traffic Signals and the Portable Message Signs.
"The Idaho Transportation Department and the contractor (RSCI, of Meridian) want people to know that this vandalism not only costs taxpayers money, but it can jeopardize the safety of the public. In addition to being just cause for the contractor to charge the state for the cost of the damaged/destroyed equipment, persistent vandalism could also threaten the timely completion of the project," said ITD project manager Dana Weiss.
The vandalism took place over the recent Presidents Day weekend. Most of the critical items have been repaired or replaced. Here's a list of the vandalism:
- Rocks were thrown and glass broken on two of the portable traffic signal lights;
- The contractor's trailer was broken into and small items stolen;
- Traffic drums and tubular markers were thrown over the side of the bridge;
- Parts of the signals and message boards were beaten with a bar or stick;
- The lock was broken off a portable message sign and part of the computer programming device stolen; - Wiring was pulled from a signal sensor; and
- Vandals threw a rock and broke one of the solar panels on the portable message signs.
If anyone witnessed any malicious or suspicious activity near this project, please contact (208) 890-4343 or (208) 343-1157 to report this information. RSCI is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone involved.
The $2.8 million project has been under way since mid-December 2010 to upgrade the bridge. The bridge deck is being repaved and structural upgrades made to the bridge and foundation.