2/24/2012
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Southwest Idaho highway construction report for Feb. 24-March 2
BOISE - The following projects are part of the GARVEE Transportation Program in southwest Idaho, which uses funds from Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to expedite highway projects.
BOISE - Interstate 84, Cole Road to Broadway Avenue widening
The project to widen I-84 between Cole/Overland and Broadway is nearly complete. Only overhead sign installation remains.
When it is scheduled, the sign installation will take place overnight so it will not interfere with heavier traffic volumes during the day.
The speed limit has been returned to 65 mph throughout.
Concrete Placing Co. Inc., of Boise, is the contractor on the $35.9 million project.
Following is an update on non-GARVEE state highway construction projects in southwest Idaho.
BOISE COUNTY
EAST OF BOISE - Mores Creek Bridge upgrade
After months of restrictions, users of the High Bridge over Lucky Peak Reservoir east of Boise on Idaho 21 will no longer be delayed by the traffic signals over the bridge. On Wednesday (Feb. 29), the bridge will open back up to two lanes, the width restriction removed, and the speed limit will return to 55 mph.
The return to two-lane traffic will begin after a few longer closures of up to 45 minutes on Wednesday morning following the morning commute.
Traffic across the bridge has been controlled by signals at either end, with only one direction allowed to pass through at a time. A nine-foot width restriction also limited wide loads, such as commercial hauling.
“We understand that this has been a huge inconvenience to the public, but the work was necessary to maintain this 59-year old bridge,” said project manager Dana Weiss. “The public has been more than patient. The work required above and under the bridge was labor-intensive and time-consuming.”
The bridge is now retrofitted with seismic (earthquake) restraint for the piers, the foundation for the south pier has been stabilized, the bridge deck has been resurfaced, and new railing and parapets have been installed, among other improvements.
Crews will need to return to the bridge briefly in the spring to complete some minor work, but this work will be performed under periodic lane closures. No signals will be necessary.
RSCI, of Meridian, is the contractor on the $2.8 million project.
NEAR LOWMAN – Fish-passage project
A fish-passage project east of Lowman is in winter shutdown mode, as the bridge has been reopened to traffic and the speed limit returned to 55 mph. The contractor will return in the spring to re-seed the work area and resume approach work.
This project is being funded through the U.S. Forest Service.
Cannon Builders Inc., of Blackfoot, is the contractor on this $1.2 million project.
PAYETTE COUNTY
PAYETTE – U.S. 95, Payette River Bridge replacement
The project to improve the U.S. 95 bridge over the Payette River south of Payette is under way. It is expected to finish in fall 2012.
Crews are replacing the existing northbound truss bridge (built in 1927) located on U.S. 95 between Fruitland and Payette. The new bridge will be two feet higher off the water. It will have no overhead bracing or struts, as the current one does, and will be 84 feet in width, eliminating current safety concerns regarding both width and height restrictions.
The new bridge will be constructed next to, and will attach to, the existing southbound bridge. The project also includes minor roadway realignment to tie into the new bridge location.
U.S. 95 is the main route connecting northern and southern Idaho. About 18,000 vehicles use this portion of the highway daily. By 2026, the volume is expected to be more than 25,000.
Crews are about only about a quarter of the way completed with removing the old bridge deck.
JC Constructors Inc., of Meridian, is the contractor for this $6.17 million project.