6/15/2006
Construction update for south-central Idaho June 16-23
SHOSHONE - Following is the highway construction update for south-central Idaho for June 16-23.
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.
Paving continues at the intersection of Fillmore Street and Pole Line Road, closing the south entrance to Fillmore Street from Pole Line Road.
Closing the Fillmore Street access and paving half of the intersection at a time will shorten the project and reduce inconvenience to motorists and local businesses. The closure is expected to be in place until June 26.
Motorists can access Twin Stop Chevron, the Hampton Inn and other affected businesses by using Cheney Drive or North College Drive to Fillmore Street.
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 complete and the street is open.
Traffic on Pole Line Road from Grandview Drive to Blue Lakes Boulevard continues to travel on the westbound lanes. Traffic is reduced from four lanes to two -- one in each direction. 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.
The eastbound phase of the U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route project, from Washington Street to Blue Lakes Boulevard, is expected to be complete by mid-July. Westbound lanes will be reconstructed in the next phase.
Western Construction of Boise is the contractor for the $18.8 million stage 1.
Interstate 84, seal coat projects: Four sections of Interstate 84 will receive seal coats over the next few months. Seal coats prolong the life of highways and provide better traction for motorists.
The project started on Monday (June 12) with a 10-mile section of I-84 between Wendell and Jerome (mileposts 157-167). This section is expected to be complete by Saturday (June 17).
Crews will begin seal-coating a 12-mile section of I-84 between Bliss and Tuttle (mileposts 137-149) on Monday (June 19). This section is expected to be complete by June 27.
I-84 will be reduced from four lanes to two, with one lane open in each direction. Flaggers and pilot cars will direct motorists through the work zone. Delays of 10-15 minutes can be expected. The speed limit will be reduced to 65 mph. Vehicles are limited to a maximum width of 16 feet throughout seal-coat work zones. Motorists are reminded to drive slowly and keep a safe distance from other vehicles to reduce risk of windshield damage.
The seal coats are expected to be complete by the end of August. Kloepfer Inc. of Paul is the contractor for the $3.3 million projects.
Idaho 75, Basin Creek Bridge: Crews will begin replacing the Basin Creek Bridge on Idaho 75 (milepost 197), seven miles north of Stanley, on Monday (June 19). Traffic will be reduced from two lanes to one with a portable traffic signal to direct traffic. The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph and delays of up to 10 minutes should be expected. Vehicles are limited to a maximum width of 12 feet in the work zone. Cannon Builders Inc. of Blackfoot is the contractor for this $1 million project expected to be complete by November.
Airport Road south of Twin Falls: Pavement reconstruction on Airport Road south of Twin Falls, from 3400 North Road to 3500 North Road, is complete and the one-mile section of road open.
The project included replacement of the Highline Canal Bridge on Airport Road. Motorists should expect intermittent delays and brief lane closures as crews place guardrail and stripe the new roadway.
Stage 1 of this $2 million project is expected to be complete by June 23. 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 June 23. It will create a safer, smoother surface. Idaho Construction Co. of Kimberly 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.
Upcoming construction projects:
Idaho 21, Banner Summit to Vader Creek: Rehabilitation work on Idaho 21 (mileposts 105-116) will begin in early July. Flaggers and pilot cars will direct motorists through the work zone. Lane closures and delays of up to 20 minutes are likely. Work is expected to be complete by September.
H-K Contractors Inc. of Idaho Falls is the contractor. The project will create a smoother ride for motorists and extend the life of the roadway.
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.