9/21/2012
Slope stabilization to improve safety along U.S. 93 north of Ellis begins Monday (Sept. 24)
RIGBY - Slope stabilization to improve motorist safety along U.S. 93 north of Ellis near milepost 273 will begin Monday (Sept. 24), the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The project is scheduled for completion Oct. 5, weather permitting.
Working approximately 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, crews will remove loose rock from slopes and install mesh to catch and prohibit rockfall. The project will be adjacent to Hat Creek on a 500-foot section of U.S. 93.
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.
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.