11/4/2005
Construction update for south-central Idaho Nov. 4-11
SHOSHONE - Following is the construction update for south-central Idaho for Nov. 4-11. Motorists are reminded to slow down in highway construction zones.
U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route Stage 1: Utility trenching continues at the intersection of Pole Line Road and Fillmore Street. Flaggers will direct traffic through the intersection. Some lane closures should be expected along with delays of up to 10 minutes. The use of alternate routes is encouraged.
Crews are paving the new eastbound lanes from west of Grandview Drive to just west of Washington Street. Aside from increased truck traffic in the area, impacts should be minimal.
Access to the south entrance of Grandview Drive from Pole Line Road is closed through mid-November during concrete paving. Motorists can access Grandview Drive by using North College Road and Falls Avenue.
Idaho 77, Declo to Albion: This road reconstruction project begins five miles south of Declo and continues to Albion (mileposts 18-23). A width restriction of 12 feet is in effect. Any vehicles exceeding that will be required to detour 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 complete by Nov. 15, will create a smoother and safer road surface.
U.S. 30, Improvement Project near Hagerman: Crews are reconstructing U.S. 30 from the Hagerman Rest Area to Banbury Hot Springs (mileposts 184-191). Traffic is reduced from two lanes to one during daylight hours with flaggers and pilot cars directing motorists. Delays of 10-15 minutes can be expected. Speeds 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). In this procedure, crews grind the existing roadway 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 also be replaced.
The $2.3 million project, expected to be completed by mid-November, will create a safer, smoother road surface. Western Construction, Inc. of Boise is the project contractor.
U.S. 93, Salmon Falls Creek Canal Bridge: 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. Idaho State Police officers will be present at the construction site to monitor and enforce speed limits as part of Idaho's enhanced work zone safety program.
Idaho 81, Bridge Reconstruction: Repairs are being made to the J&H canal bridge on Idaho 81 (milepost 23-25), one mile east of Declo. Vehicles traveling through the work zone will be limited to a maximum of 12 feet wide and 45 feet long. Vehicles exceeding those dimensions will be required to detour around the work area using Idaho 77 from Declo to Interstate 84 at exit 216, and I-84 to Idaho 81 at exit 228. Flaggers will be used periodically. Motorists should expect delays of up to 10 minutes.
The $1.4 million project to extend the life of the bridge is expected to complete in May 2006. Cannon Builders, Inc. of Blackfoot is the project contractor.
Idaho 46, Blasting North of Wendell: Crews will blast rock on Idaho 46 (milepost 4-5) north of Wendell on Tuesday (Nov. 8) from 1-2 p.m. Only one blast is planned. Motorists should expect delays while crews clear the highway. The use of an alternative route is encouraged.
This work is in preparation for a future project to widen that section of road.