5/18/2011
U.S. 26 closed between mileposts 154 and 165 for emergency repairs
SHOSHONE - An electric transformer dropped from the trailer on which it was being hauled Tuesday (May 17) afternoon, resulting in damage to U.S. 26 east of Shoshone and closure of the route for repairs.
Electronic signs and flaggers on both ends of the closure are being used for traffic control.
Southwest Industrial Rigging of Phoenix was transporting the oversized load from Gooding to Jerome when a weld on the trailer apparently failed at about 1:30 p.m., dropping the 952,000-pound transformer onto the highway.
The route is closed today to enable reloading of the transformer to another trailer. Once it is removed, ITD will assess damage to the highway and make appropriate repairs. U.S. 26 will remain closed between mileposts 154 and 165 until early evening, at the earliest.