9/20/2011
New Golf Course Road signal to be activated on Wednesday
JEROME – The new traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 93 and Golf Course Road is scheduled to begin operation on Wednesday (Sept. 21), the Idaho Transportation Department announced. With initiation of the signal, drivers will need to be aware of speed and lane changes surrounding the intersection.
The signal will be activated and tested for timing and traffic detection during the day on Wednesday and, barring any complex issues, will continue operation. Drivers are reminded to pay close attention to the signal as they adjust.
One major change for drivers will be a reduced speed limit to 45 mph between the north Twin Falls city limit at the south end of the Perrine Bridge to north of the signal.
In the coming weeks, advanced warning beacons such as those at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Hankins Road in eastern Twin Falls will be installed on U.S. 93 to give additional notice of an upcoming red light. The reduced speed limit and advanced warning lights will provide a safer speed-reduction area near the signal designed to reduce rear-end collisions.
Drivers also may use the dual left turn lanes from northbound U.S. 93 onto Golf Course Road. Another change is the redesigned right-turn bay and acceleration lane onto southbound U.S. 93; drivers will now be required to stop or yield before turning south, but the acceleration lane has been extended to provide a safer merge into southbound traffic.
Lane restrictions and short delays may still take place for the next couple of weeks as work is finalized. Drivers should use caution through the work zone and be mindful of workers and equipment.
Gordon Paving, Inc., of Twin Falls, is the contractor for the $985,000 federally funded project.