Idaho

Transportation Department

7/20/2006






Construction update for south-central Idaho July 21-28
SHOSHONE - Following is the highway construction update for south-central Idaho for July 21-28.   
 
U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route Stage 1:  Construction on the U.S. 93 Twin Falls Alternate Route from Washington Street to Blue Lakes Boulevard is under way.

Traffic on Pole Line Road from Grandview Drive to the Perrine Coulee Bridge has shifted to the eastbound lanes. Traffic is 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 because of 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 project is expected to be complete by November. Western Construction of Boise is the contractor for the $18.8 million Stage 1.

Motorists are reminded to slow down in highway construction zones. Rear-end collisions account for most work zone crashes.

U.S. 93, resurfacing project: A five-mile portion of U.S. 93 north of Interstate 84 (mileposts 53-58) will be resurfaced beginning Monday (July 24).

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 45 mph in some areas, depending on surface conditions. Vehicles are limited to a maximum width of 14 feet through the work zones.

Work is expected to be complete by Aug. 8. The project will provide a smoother ride and better traction, and will protect the highway from weather damage. Idaho Sand & Gravel of Jerome is the project contractor.

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 began seal coating from the Idaho 50 Interchange to the Burley Interchange (mileposts 182-208) on Thursday. 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.

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.

Motorists are reminded to slow down in highway construction zones.