9/7/2012
Slope stabilization to improve safety along Idaho 75 east of Clayton begins Monday (Sept. 10)
RIGBY - Slope stabilization to improve motorist safety along Idaho 75 east of Clayton will begin Monday (Sept. 10), the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The project is scheduled for completion Sept. 21, weather permitting.
Working approximately 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, crews will remove loose rock from slopes and install rockfall mesh. The project will be one mile east of Clayton on a 500-foot section of Idaho 75.
One three-man team of professional rock scalers will repel down the rocky slopes above the highway to dislodge loose rock and drape selected rock faces with wire mesh designed to prevent future rock slides from reaching the road. Crews also will plant native grasses to deter erosion.
The transportation department conducts slope stabilization each year to reduce rock slides and prevent dislodged rock from reaching the road.
Motorists can expect delays of up to 20 minutes. Travel will be reduced to one lane.
Commercial drivers transporting permitted loads wider than 12 feet need to contact Maintenance Operations Manager Ken Hahn (208-745-5640) 24 hours in advance for special authorization to pass through the construction zone.
Motorists should watch for rock on the road and for construction equipment along the highway.