6/10/2015
Reconstruction of Idaho 46 through Wendell begins Monday (June 15)
WENDELL – The full-width reconstruction of Idaho Street between Interstate 84 and the north end of town will reduce traffic to a single lane in each direction and limit business and pedestrian accessibility during construction, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Work is expected to begin on Monday (June 15). All work is expected to be complete by the end of September.
The project will rebuild and pave Idaho 46 from near the railroad tracks at the south end of Wendell to the north city limit, replace sections of sidewalk and pedestrian ramps to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and complete a base stabilization and repaving of West Main Street between Idaho Street and I-84.
Work will begin on the east half of the roadway by removing the asphalt surface and specified sidewalk sections. The roadway and sidewalk will close, with limited access to cross at some business locations and city streets. Concrete work and base construction will take place first, followed by paving the first of two layers of asphalt before switching to the west side of the roadway, near the end of July.
The top layer of asphalt surface will be placed across the entire roadway following construction of the western half, expected in early September. Resurfacing of West Main Street, which is a spur route of Idaho 46, is expected to begin in late August with paving taking place in September.
“This project is going to have a major impact on businesses and the traffic flow through Wendell,” said Resident Engineer Justin Price. “Everyone will need to make adjustments to the way they drive and routes to businesses during construction. But when construction is complete, the road will continue to serve the public’s needs for many years.”
Idaho Materials and Construction (formerly Idaho Sand and Gravel), of Jerome, is the contractor for the $2.13-million project.