6/26/2013
Traffic shifting to new alignment north of Shoshone
SHOSHONE – After months of watching road construction next to the aging Idaho 75 north of Shoshone, drivers await an opportunity to give it a test drive. That chance will come as early as Friday, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Crews are completing several small projects of the new alignment before traffic can be shifted. That includes striping, guardrail installation and roadside markers. The shift may not take until early next week, depending on progress of the remaining work. Drivers are encouraged to watch for signs that direct the traffic change.
After traffic is shifted, the contractor will continue to make connections to the county roads and access points on the west side of the highway. The contractor also must complete culvert crossings, remove three old bridges, remove the existing roadway and grade shoulders on the west side of the road.
Idaho Sand and Gravel Inc., of Jerome, is the contractor for the $13.2 million reconstruction project.
Construction of a the new alignment and replacement of three bridges began in May, 2012. Completion of this phase sets the stage for expansion of the roadway to four lanes in the future when funds become available.