7/24/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
UPDATE: Idaho 55 closed near U.S. 95/Idaho 55 junction near Homedale and Marsing; repairs could take days
HOMEDALE - Crews are on scene to mitigate the washout of a 20-foot section of roadway near Homedale and Marsing, but repair of the road is expected to take a few days, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The failing culvert at milepost 0.3, about 3/10ths of a mile toward Marsing from the Ion Truck Stop at the junction of Idaho 55 and U.S. 95, happened late Sunday afternoon, between 3:30 and 4 p.m.
A detour route is in place, manned initially by law enforcement before ITD took over traffic control. Drivers are being detoured via Pershall, Edison and Thompson roads.
An excavator and operator from the irrigation district are being used tonight to open up the area above the culvert and remove debris. After the extent of the damage is assessed, necesary repairs will begin with replacement of the culvert. It may be Tuesday (July 26) before repairs are completed and the road re-opened.