6/1/2006
Construction update for south-central Idaho June 2-9
SHOSHONE - Following is the highway construction update for south-central Idaho for June 2-9.
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.
Pole Line traffic from Canyon Crest Road to Harrison Street has been diverted onto the south side of the new Perrine Coulee Bridge. This allows crews to begin work on the north portion of the bridge. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and use caution through the work zone.
Work on Washington Street from Pole Line Road to North College Road is expected to be complete and the street open to traffic by Wednesday (June 7). The closure was necessary to reconstruct portions of Washington Street.
Crews are paving the new eastbound lanes from Washington Street to Blue Lakes Boulevard. Traffic impacts should be minimal, except for possible increases in truck traffic.
Traffic on Pole Line Road from Grandview Drive to Blue Lakes Boulevard has shifted to the westbound lanes. Traffic is reduced from four lanes to two, one 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.
Traffic signals at the intersection of 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 at the intersections because of 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 is expected to be complete by mid-July.
Western Construction of Boise is the contractor for the $18.8 million stage 1.
U.S. 30 Kimberly Road, Red Cap Corner to the junction of Interstate 84 and Idaho 50: Rehabilitation continues from Red Cap Corner to the junction of Interstate 84 and Idaho 50 (mileposts 0-5), and includes paving of the I-84 westbound on- and off-ramps. Crews will work an accelerated schedule from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week to complete the project as quickly as possible.
Flaggers and pilot cars will direct motorists through the work zone. Lane closures and delays of up to 30 minutes should be expected. Vehicles are limited to a maximum width of 12 feet throughout the work zone. Access to and from county roads will be limited during the paving. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes. Work is expected to be complete by early June.
H-K Contractors Inc. of Idaho Falls is the contractor.
The highway 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 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 for pavement reconstruction. The project rebuilds a one-mile segment. The detour will be in place until early June.
The project includes replacement of the Highline Canal Bridge on Airport Road. Motorists should expect intermittent delays and brief lane closures.
Stage 1 of this $2 million project is expected to be complete by June 15. Idaho Sand & Gravel of Jerome is the contractor.
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 shift is part of a project to widen the existing bridge. That segment of U.S. 93 also will be widened in the future. The speed limit is reduced to 50 mph.
This stage of the $1.6 million project is expected to be completed by early summer. It will create a safer, smoother surface. Idaho Construction Co. of Kimberly is the contractor.
Idaho 81, bridge replacements: Crews are replacing the 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 exit 216 to 228. The $1.4 million project is expected to be completed in late May. Cannon Builders Inc. of Blackfoot is the contractor.
U.S. 20, guardrail replacements: Crews are replacing guardrail on U.S. 20 from Chimney Creek to Soldier Mountain (mileposts 143-151). Flaggers will direct motorists through the work zone. Delays of up to 15 minutes should be expected. The speed limit is reduced to 55 mph. Work is expected to be complete by late June.
Motorists are reminded to slow down in highway construction zones.
Travel Safe. Travel Smart. Dial 511 for 24-hour travel conditions or log onto the ITD Web site at 511.idaho.gov .