6/30/2006
Idaho 55 Independence Day travelers encouraged to avoid traffic congestion
BOISE - Recreationists who use Idaho 55 over Independence Day weekend can avoid heavy traffic by traveling outside peak travel times or using an alternate route, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The transportation department's holiday traffic control project will assist motorists at the intersection of Idaho 55 and Banks to Lowman Road on Tuesday (July 4). Flaggers have assisted motorists at this intersection on summer holidays since 1995.
"Congestion is heaviest in this area, as recreationists traveling from the Garden Valley area access Idaho 55," said Assistant District Engineer Dave Kuisti. "We want everyone to have a safe and fun weekend."
Motorists also should be aware of construction work on Idaho 55 at Rainbow Bridge near Smiths Ferry. Work to rehabilitate the historic and often-photographed bridge started May 15.
During Independence Day weekend, both lanes will be open to traffic from Friday at noon through Wednesday at noon. Motorists traveling outside these times should expect delays of up to 15 minutes.
The project is designed to preserve and protect the structure for future generations and improve safety for today's traveler. Mowat Construction Company will make improvements to the arch piers, bridge rail, floor beams, deck joints and columns of the bridge. Lane closures on the bridge will not occur on weekends, holidays or when scheduled community events will result in a considerable increase in traffic.
Construction crews will take precautions to avoid impacts to rafters and kayakers on the North Fork of the Payette River.
The work is scheduled to be complete this fall.
The transportation department offers the following tips for holiday weekend travelers:
- Congestion is heaviest on the last evening of the holiday weekend, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Consider returning from your trip before or after this time to avoid the rush.
- Consider using an alternate route. To use U.S. 95, travel north on Idaho 55 from McCall, take U.S. 95 south and use Interstate 84 to return to the Treasure Valley. This route may take less time than using Idaho 55 on a congested day. Recreationists leaving the Garden Valley area may want to use Idaho 21 to return to the Treasure Valley.
- If you choose to use Idaho 55 when congestion is heaviest, be patient and plan an extra hour or two for your return trip.