11/5/2014
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Second phase of Cheyenne South Valley Connector in Pocatello expected to get underway soon
POCATELLO - The second phase of a long-awaited project to build an east-west connector between Bannock Highway and South 5th Avenue on the south end of Pocatello is one step closer with selection of an Apparent Low Bidder Oct. 21. WW Clyde & Co., of Orem, Utah, submitted the lowest bid to accomplish the work satisfactorily, at $13.46 million. Their bid was one of nine received.
The first phase of construction on this project just recently concluded. During this second phase, limited construction is expected through the winter, with work accelerating in earnest once the ground thaws next spring. The work is expected to finish by early December 2015.
A new steel bridge will cross over both the Portneuf River and Union Pacific Railroad, then go under the interstate. The work includes blasting and excavation to obliterate the old road, repairing soft spots, installing pipes under the new road, constructing a new steel bridge and backfilling the area. The construction will use hot-mix asphalt paving, and will place an epoxy coating on the new bridge deck concrete surface to combat weather and salt damage. The connector will be a two-lane highway with concrete dividers running down the center. A chain-link fence on the bridge will help ensure safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
At the conclusion of the project, crews will re-seed the area to provide vegetation, and install an erosion blanket to protect the new construction environment.