7/13/2006
Construction update for south-central Idaho July 14-21
SHOSHONE - Following is the highway construction update for south-central Idaho for July 14-21.
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.
Traffic on Pole Line Road from the Perrine Coulee Bridge to Blue Lakes Boulevard is expected to shift to the eastbound lanes beginning Wednesday (July 19). Traffic will be reduced to two lanes, with one lane open in each direction. Motorists are urged to use caution as they travel through the intersections of Fillmore Street and Blue Lakes Boulevard due to increased congestion and altered lane configurations.
The traffic shift allows crews to prepare for reconstruction of the westbound section of the Twin Falls Alternate Route. Truck drivers are encouraged to use Blue Lakes Boulevard to Addison Avenue.
This phase of the U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate route project is expected to be complete by November. Western Construction of Boise is the contractor for the $18.8 million Stage 1 project.
Motorists are reminded to slow down in highway construction zones. Rear-end collisions account for most work zone crashes.
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 tire traction.
Crews are seal-coating a 25-mile section of I-84 between the Cotterel Port of Entry and the Sweetzer Interchange (mileposts 229-254). This section is expected to be complete by Tuesday (July 18).
On Thursday (July 20) crews will begin working from the Idaho 50 Interchange to the Burley Interchange (mileposts 182-208). This section is expected to be complete by Aug. 3.
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 through seal-coat work zones. Motorists are reminded to drive slowly and keep a safe distance from other vehicles to reduce risk of windshield damage.
Kloepfer Inc. of Paul is the contractor for the $3.3 million projects.
U.S. 30, seal coat projects: Two sections of U.S. 30 in Twin Falls County will receive seal coats beginning Friday (July 14). Seal coats prolong the life of highways and provide better tire traction.
The sections are Cedar Draw to Filer (mileposts 204-210); and Rock Creek to east of Twin Falls (mileposts 215-221).
Flaggers and pilot cars will direct motorists through the work zones. Delays of 10-15 minutes can be expected. The speed limit on U.S. 30 will be reduced in some areas, depending on surface conditions. Vehicles are limited to a maximum width of 14 feet through the work zones. Motorists are reminded to drive slowly and keep a safe following distance from other vehicles to reduce risk of windshield damage.
Seal coat projects begin with a layer of asphalt and then a cover coat of gravel. The highway is rolled and traffic allowed to help pack the surface before final brooming removes excess gravel. A light fog-coat of asphalt is applied several days after brooming to help seal the surface. Permanent lines will be added later.
Work on these two sections is expected to be complete by Thursday (July 20). Kloepfer, Inc. of Paul, Idaho is the project contractor.
Idaho 75, Basin Creek Bridge: Crews began replacing the Basin Creek Bridge on Idaho 75 (milepost 197), seven miles north of Stanley, on June 19. Traffic is reduced from two lanes to one, controlled by a portable traffic signal. The speed limit is 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, which is expected to be complete by November.
Idaho 21, Banner Summit to Vader Creek: Rehabilitation work on Idaho 21 (mileposts 105-116) began July 6. Flaggers and pilot cars are directing 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 and extend the life of the roadway.
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 July 21.
Motorists are reminded to slow down in highway construction zones.