3/23/2011
U.S. 20 traffic between Rigby and Thornton to be shifted to northbound lanes this week
RIGBY ‑ Two‑way traffic on U.S. 20 between Rigby and Thornton may be shifted to northbound lanes as soon as Thursday (March 24), weather permitting.
The Idaho Transportation Department announced that traffic will be shifted between milepost 325 and 327 to allow construction of the Menan‑Lorenzo overpass and its approaches. Construction was suspended for much of the winter.
Traffic will detour around the east side of the new interchange. The speed limit will remain at 55 mph and be reduced to 45 mph when workers are present. Commercial vehicles will be restricted to 13 feet in width.
The project will elevate U.S. 20 to pass over the Menan‑Lorenzo Highway, which will be realigned and improved south of its current location. The highway project is scheduled for completion in August 2011.
Traffic control will be similar to that used last fall.
Motorists will be able to access Bear World at Bear World Drive, which is the existing entrance. Drivers must exit the drive‑through wildlife park onto Nelson Road (4300 West) and proceed north to 5200 South in Madison County to reach Thornton and U.S. 20.
Southbound traffic also will be able to turn right into the Lorenzo Boat Access and turn right out of the boat access. Southbound traffic then will be detoured off U.S. 20 at the south end of the Lorenzo Bridge to the Menan‑Lorenzo Highway.
Northbound traffic will be able to turn right onto River Bridge Road, which runs east into 6800 South in Madison County. Traffic from River Bridge Road will be able to turn north but not south onto U.S. 20; southbound traffic on U.S. 20 will not have access to River Bridge Road.
Motorists should proceed cautiously, watching for merging traffic, uneven surfaces, dips in the road and traffic signs.
Questions? Visit us online at itd.idaho.gov, follow ITD on Twitter (IdahoITD) or Facebook and check travel conditions at 511.idaho.gov or dial 5-1-1. Please slow down in highway construction zones and pay attention. Safety - for drivers and workers - is our highest priority.