10/31/2005
Road construction update for eastern Idaho for Nov. 1
RIGBY Construction season is drawing to a close, and work is wrapping up on a number of projects in eastern Idaho. Motorists are reminded to use extra caution in work zones.
Sunnyside I-15 to I-15B - Work will continue on the Snake River Bridge until Dec. 1 work is suspended to protect winter eagle habitat. Construction of the bridge and roads will resume after April 1. The speed limit on I-15 south of Idaho Falls between mileposts 119 and 114 will remain 55 mph through the winter.
U.S. 20, Hitt and St. Leon Interchanges - Construction of the two new interchanges and connections to Hitt and St. Leon roads is complete, and the project should be open to traffic by the end of the week. The opening was delayed when the paint truck broke down before the striping could be done. The northbound lanes will open at mid-morning Tuesday. The on- and off- ramps will remain closed until stop signs, stop bars and other safety features are completed later this week. Occasional lane closures will be required throughout the week to complete the traffic control items.
U.S. 93, Tom Cat Hill, East - Preliminary work on 8.8 miles of U.S. 93 through the Craters of the Moon National Monument began with blasting and excavating to fill crevasses. Through November, the road will close on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for blasting. Intermittent 15-minute closures also may be possible at other times. There are no local detours around the project site. Work will be suspended for the winter about Thanksgiving and some blasting will resume after April 1. The project road work will continue through the summer of 2006.
Idaho 33 at 12th West, Rexburg - Paving will be done this week on Idaho 33 west of Rexburg. Construction on the street widening, intersection improvements, and curb and gutter is complete, but it will be another four to six weeks before the traffic signal is installed and operational.
Idaho 33, Second East and First North, Rexburg - The poles for the new traffic signal have been installed at the intersection of Second East and First North. The lights must be tested before the signal is activated and the intersection is opened to traffic.
Idaho 33, Canyon Creek Bridge - Gravel for the new roadway is being hauled this week. Construction is complete on the bridge. Traffic will be routed over the old bridge throughout the winter, and construction on the new highway alignment will be finished next year.
Idaho 87, Targee and Howard Creek Bridges - Targhee Creek Bridge will be paved this week. Girders will be set on the Howard Creek Bridge next week. Work is on schedule for completion by the end of November.