3/3/2006
Work resumes on Sunnyside/I-15 interchange, bridge
Note: The following corrects a news release distributed earlier this afternoon. Please disregard the previous version.
-----
RIGBY - After a three-month break to accommodate wintering bald eagles, construction resumed this week on the new Sunnyside Interchange to I-15B in Idaho Falls, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Restricting construction activity during the winter limits the impact on the eagles' habitat and enhances their winter survival. As a result, the transportation department suspends construction activity near the interchange from Dec. 1 to March 1.
Wednesday Idaho Construction Co. began the third and final construction season on the new interchange that will connect the southern part of Idaho Falls with I-15. The $24 million project should be completed by late this fall.
Despite cement shortages throughout the region, Idaho Construction has commitments from its supplier to provide enough cement to complete the final two deck pours on the five-lane bridge over the Snake River just downstream from the city of Idaho Falls power plant. Concrete work will be scheduled as the weather allows.
Work also will resume on the I-15 interchange, ramps and roadway that will connect 33rd South to Sunnyside Road at the Yellowstone Highway (I-15B). Paving will begin when weather permits. The state project will extend across the railroad tracks and tie into Sunnyside Road.
The speed limit on I-15 through the construction area was raised to 75 mph in late January, but motorists can expect lower speed limits as construction resumes. Motorists are asked to drive with caution through work zones and to obey posted signs.