3/30/2006
Construction update for south-central Idaho March 31 April 7
SHOSHONE - Following is the construction update for south-central Idaho for March 31 April 7.
U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route Stage 1: Construction on the U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route project from Washington Street to Blue Lakes Boulevard is under way.
Traffic on Pole Line Road from Grandview Drive to Blue Lakes Boulevard will shift to the westbound lanes beginning Sunday (April 2), the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Traffic will be reduced from four lanes to two, with one lane open in each direction.
The traffic shift allows crews to prepare for paving the eastbound section of the Twin Falls Alternate Route from Washington Street to the end of the project at Blue Lakes Boulevard. Crews will also be doing shoulder work and striping on the eastbound lanes from Grandview Drive to Washington Street.
Traffic signals at the intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard and Pole Line Road will operate on a pre-timed basis instead of the standard sensor system and left-turn lanes will be reduced from two to one.
The intersection of Fillmore Street and Pole Line Road will be controlled by portable traffic signals. Motorists are urged to use caution as they travel through the intersections due to increased congestion and altered lane configurations. Truck traffic is encouraged to use Blue Lakes Boulevard to Addison Avenue.
This second phase of the U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate route project is expected to be complete by mid-summer.
Within the next few weeks the contractor will finish work on Washington Street North.
Washington Street north of Pole Line Road is closed. A section of the old Pole Line Road from Washington Street to Blake Street is open for nearby residents of Villa Del Rio and Los Lagos. Motorists must use Canyon Crest Road to access businesses and all other residences located on Washington Street North.
Western Construction of Boise is the contractor for the $18.8 million Stage 1. Motorists are reminded to slow down in highway construction zones.
U.S. 30 Kimberly Road from 3200 East to Red Cap Corner: Rehabilitation work one mile east of Twin Falls on U.S. 30 Kimberly Road from 3200 East to Red Cap Corner (mile post 221-223) will begin Monday (April 3). Traffic will be reduced from four lanes to two, with one lane open in each direction. Flaggers will direct traffic and delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected.
The stretch of roadway will be rehabilitated using a process called Cement Recycled Asphalt Base Stabilization (CRABS). In this procedure, crews grind the existing roadway surface down to the gravel base while adding cement and compacting it. The surface then is covered with a new layer of pavement. The project will create a smoother ride for motorists and will extend the life of the roadway.
This phase of the $3.9 project is expected to be complete by mid May. H-K Contractors, Inc. of Idaho Falls is the project contractor.
Airport Road south of Twin Falls: Traffic on Airport Road south of Twin Falls, from 3400 North Road to 3500 North Road, will be detoured to allow reconstruction of deteriorated pavement. The project reconstructs a one-mile segment. The detour will be in place until mid-May.
The project includes replacement of the Highline Canal Bridge on Airport Road. Motorists should expect intermittent delays with brief lane closures in the area.
Stage 1 of this $2 million project is scheduled to be complete in June. Idaho Sand & Gravel of Jerome is the project contractor.
Idaho 77, Declo to Albion: This repavement project begins five miles south of Declo and continues to Albion (mileposts 18-23). Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible. Construction is expected to be complete by late this spring. The project will create a smoother and safer road surface.
U.S. 93, Salmon Falls Creek Canal Bridge: Traffic on U.S. 93 over the Salmon Falls Creek Canal Bridge (milepost 25), two miles south of Hollister, has been shifted to a new section of bridge. The traffic shift is part of a project to widen the existing bridge in conjunction with a future widening project for that section of U.S. 93. The speed limit will be reduced to 50 mph.
This stage of the $1.6 million project is expected to be complete by late spring. It will create a safer, smoother road surface for motorists. Idaho Construction Co. of Kimberly is the project contractor.
Idaho 81, Bridge Replacements: Crews are replacing the existing J&H Canal Bridges on Idaho 81 (milepost 23-25) one mile east of Declo. The $1.4 million project is expected to be complete in May 2006. Cannon Builders, Inc. of Blackfoot is the project contractor.
Travel Safe. Travel Smart. Dial 511 for 24-hour travel conditions on the phone or on the web at 511.idaho.gov.