2/14/2013
Highway rehabilitation projects highlight 2013 Southern Idaho construction
SHOSHONE – As winter fades to spring in southern Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department prepares for the transition from highway maintenance to a busy construction season.
Three large construction projects are expected to continue for much of the 2013 season and have daily impacts on drivers in each area. Projects include the second stage of the Interstate 84/U.S. 93 junction, reconstruction of Idaho 75 between Timber Way and Big Wood River bridge south of Ketchum, and rehabilitation of westbound I-86 to Raft River.
The second stage of the I-84/U.S. 93 junction project will rebuild the I-84 eastbound bridge and ramps, relocate and install a new signal south of the junction and extend the merge lane onto westbound I-84. Work is expected to begin in April.
A project on Idaho 75 from Timber Way to the Big Wood River Bridge will rebuild and expand 3.25 miles of roadway to four lanes with turn bays and a new signal at Hospital Drive. Work is expected to begin in April.
The rehabilitation of westbound I-86 from its junction with I-84 to the Raft River interchange (exit 15) will mirror the work completed on eastbound lanes in 2011. The project will complete base stabilization and paving of the 15-mile stretch. Work is expected to begin in April or May.
Much like 2012, bridge work is planned throughout the district. More than a dozen bridges will receive a surface overlay or maintenance. Among those that will impact drivers will be three bridges over the Malad River on I-84 and U.S. 30, three bridges over the Main Twin Falls Canal in eastern Twin Falls County and the Hansen Bridge on Idaho 50.
Several bridges that were scheduled for work in 2012 were delayed and will be completed this year instead, including the Perrine Bridge. The project to resurface the driving surface of the bridge, which will reduce the roadway to two lanes for nearly a month. It is expected to begin this spring. The project also will address pedestrian railing and several other bridge maintenance items.
Two bridges on Idaho 81 in Declo will be reconstructed. The South Side Canal bridge and Marsh Creek bridge construction will slow traffic beginning in March.
Finally, drivers should watch for seal coat operations on about 55 miles of highways, sign and guardrail upgrades, striping and the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Idaho 50 – known as Red Cap Corner – at the north end of Kimberly.
Drivers are reminded to use caution when traveling through a construction zone, watch for workers and equipment, and exercise patience with the workers and other drivers.
2012 PROJECTS LOCATIONS
I-84 Cotterell Rest Area and Ramps, Cassia County
Idahome to Sublett Eastbound, Cassia County
Districtwide Sealcoats, various locations
I-86 Salt Lake Interchange to Raft River Westbound, Cassia County
U.S. 30 Idaho 50 Intersection Signal, Twin Falls County
U.S. 93 Junction I-84 Stage II, Jerome County
South Rail Street/Shoshone RR Crossing, Lincoln County
Idaho 75 Timber Way to Big Wood River Bridge, Blaine County
Idaho 77 Spur City of Rocks Byway, Cassia County
Idaho 81 700 South Road to 300 South Road, Cassia County
300 South Road to Satellite POE, Cassia County
Marsh Creek Bridge, Cassia County
Southside Canal Bridge, Cassia County
Bridge Deck Preservation
I-84 Malad River Gorge Bridges (2), Gooding County
South Jerome interchange (partially complete), Jerome County
2800 South overpass, Gooding County
2100 South overpass (partially complete), Gooding County
West Wendell interchange, Gooding County
U.S. 30 Malad River Bridge, Gooding County
Twin Falls Main Canal Bridges (3), Twin Falls County
U.S. 93 Perrine Bridge
Idaho 50 Hansen Bridge
Idaho 81 H Canal, Cassia County
J Canal, Cassia County