9/11/2015
U.S. 26, Idaho 31 slope maintenance to improve safety begins Monday (Sept. 14)
RIGBY - Slope maintenance to improve highway safety along U.S. 26 between the South Fork Snake River Bridge and the Wyoming line, and on Idaho 31 southwest of Victor, will begin Monday (Sept. 14). The project is scheduled for completion in October, weather permitting.
A four-man team of professional rock scalers will repel down rocky slopes above the highway to dislodge loose rock and drape selected rock faces with wire mesh, designed to prevent future rock slides from reaching the road. Crews also will fell unstable trees and plant native grasses to deter erosion.
The crews will work from approximately 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The project is scheduled to be west of Wyoming Sept. 14-30, and east of the South Fork Snake River Bridge on U.S. 26 and between mileposts 10 and 16 on Idaho 31 Oct. 1-9.
The transportation department conducts slope stabilization each year.
Motorists can expect delays of up to 20 minutes. Travel will be reduced to one lane.
Commercial drivers transporting permitted loads wider than 12 feet need to contact Maintenance Operations Manager Ken Hahn (208-745-5640) 24 hours in advance for special authorization to pass through the construction zone.
Motorists should watch for rock on the road and for construction equipment along the highway.