4/27/2006
Construction update for south-central Idaho April 28-May 5
SHOSHONE - Following is the construction update for south-central Idaho for April 28-May 5.
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.
Work on Washington Street north of Pole Line Road is complete and the street ihas reopened to motorists. The portion of Washington Street from Pole Line Road to North College Road is temporarily closed. This closure is necessary to construct the intersection of Washington Street and Pole Line Road. The closure is expected to be in effect until mid-June.
Traffic on Pole Line Road from Grandview Drive to Blue Lakes Boulevard has been shifted to the westbound lanes. Traffic is reduced from four lanes to two, with one lane open in each direction.
This 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 also will work on the highway shoulders and stripe eastbound lanes from Grandview Drive to Washington Street.
Traffic signals at Blue Lakes Boulevard and Pole Line Road will operate on a timed basis instead of the standard sensor system, and left-turn lanes are reduced from two lanes to one.
The intersection of Fillmore Street and Pole Line Road will be controlled by temporary traffic signals. Motorists are urged to use caution as they travel through the intersections because of increased congestion and altered lane configurations. Truck drivers are encouraged to use Blue Lakes Boulevard to Addison Avenue. This second phase of the U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate route is expected to be complete by mid-summer.
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 continues one mile east of Twin Falls on U.S. 30 Kimberly Road, from 3200 East to Red Cap Corner (mileposts 221-223).
The route is reduced from four lanes to two, with one lane open in each direction. Flaggers direct traffic, and delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected. Vehicles are limited to a maximum width of 12 feet throughout the work zone. This phase of the $3.9 million project is expected to be completed by mid-May.
H-K Contractors, Inc. of Idaho Falls is the project contractor.
The roadway will be rehabilitated using a process called Cement Recycled Asphalt Base Stabilization (CRABS). Crews grind the existing surface 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.
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.
Stage 1 of this $2 million project is scheduled to be completed in June. Idaho Sand & Gravel of Jerome is the contractor.
Idaho 77, Declo to Albion: This resurfacing 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 completed by late spring. The project will create a smoother ride for motorists and safer travel conditions.
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 preparation for future widening of that segment of U.S. 93. The speed limit will be reduced to 50 mph.
This stage of the $1.6 million bridge project is expected to be completed by late spring. It will create a safer, smoother surface. Idaho Construction Co. of Kimberly is the contractor.
Idaho 81, bridge replacements: Crews are replacing the existing J&H Canal bridges on Idaho 81 (mileposts 23-25) one mile east of Declo. Vehicles longer than 45 feet will be required to detour around the work areas using Idaho 77 from Idaho 81 to Interstate 84, and I-84 from milepost 216 to 228. The $1.4 million project is expected to be completed in late May. Cannon Builders, Inc. of Blackfoot is the contractor.
Travel Safe. Travel Smart. Dial 511 for 24-hour travel conditions or log onto the ITD Web site at 511.idaho.gov .