5/15/2006
First Connecting Idaho project goes to bid in southeast Idaho
POCATELLO The first project under Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's Connecting Idaho plan to improve the state's highways was advertised for construction bids on Monday.
A contract to improve U.S. 30 from Topaz to Lava Hot Springs in southeast Idaho was advertised in the Idaho State Journal. Topaz to Lava Hot Springs is the first of several projects to widen U.S. 30 between McCammon and Soda Springs.
This project will widen a 3-mile segment west of Lava Hot Springs to four lanes with a center turn lane where needed. The project will also enhance a wetland area near Price Road, south of McCammon.
The Idaho Legislature passed the Connecting Idaho plan in April. It provides funding to make Idaho's highways safer and more efficient for people and commerce. The legislation authorizes the sale of $200 million in Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds for the first year of Connecting Idaho. The bond program leverages future federal highway funds to expedite construction projects.
Currently, U.S. 30 is two lanes wide with few opportunities for passing. Widening the roadway will make it safer for the numerous commercial trucks and passenger vehicles that use the road.
U.S. 30 is an important commercial and economic connection for southeast Idaho. Approximately 35 percent of the vehicles on U.S. 30 are commercial trucks, which is a significantly high proportion. U.S. 30 connects Idaho with Wyoming and links the area to Interstate 15.
It is anticipated the contract will be awarded in July. Construction is expected to begin this summer and be completed in the fall of 2008. Because of winter weather, work on the project will stop in the late fall through the winter every year. The estimated cost for the project is between $20 and $25 million.
U.S. 30 will remain open and accessible during construction. There will be occasional lane reductions in the area and flaggers will be used as necessary.