11/23/2005
Construction update for south-central Idaho Nov. 25 - Dec. 2
SHOSHONE - Following is the construction update for south-central Idaho for Nov. 25 - Dec. 2 Motorists are reminded to slow down in highway construction zones.
Work will be suspended Thursday (Nov. 24) through Sunday (Nov. 27) to accommodate holiday travelers.
U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route Stage 1: On Monday (Nov.28) traffic is scheduled to shift from the old section of Pole Line Road to the new eastbound and westbound lanes from west of Grandview Drive to just west of Washington Street.
New stop sign configurations and yield signs have replaced the four-way stop signs at the intersection of Pole Line Road and Washington Street. The temporary traffic control will be used until late spring of 2006. Because of the change, motorists are urged to use caution when approaching the intersection.
Most of the mainline construction work is finished, allowing the traffic to be rerouted onto the new concrete roadway. Crews will continue to work on the project and reconstruction of the Perrine Coulee Bridge throughout the winter. They also will prepare for construction on the section from just west of Washington Street to Blue Lakes Boulevard and the concrete intersection of Pole Line Road and Washington Street.
As part of the winter construction, Washington Street north of Pole Line will be closed until early spring 2006. This closure is necessary to construct the Washington and Pole Line Road intersection.
A section of the old Pole Line Roa from Washington Street to Blake Street will be kept open for nearby residents of Villa Del Rio and Los Lagos. Motorists must use Canyon Crest Road to access businesses and all other residences located on Washington Street North.
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.
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 over-width vehicles 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 mid-December, will create a smoother and safer road surface.
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: Crews are repairing the J&H Canal Bridge on Idaho 81 (milepost 23-25) one mile east of Declo. Vehicles traveling through the work zone are limited to a maximum width of 12 feet and length of 45 feet. Vehicles exceeding those restrictions must detour using Idaho 77 from Declo to I-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 be complete in May 2006. Cannon Builders, Inc. of Blackfoot is the project contractor.