8/4/2006
Construction update for south-central Idaho (Aug. 4-11)
SHOSHONE - Following is the highway construction update for south-central Idaho for Aug. 4-11.
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 Grandview Drive to Blue Lakes Boulevard has shifted to the eastbound lanes. 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 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 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.
Burley area seal coat projects: A section of Idaho 25 from the Kasota Interchange to Paul (mileposts 37-45) will receive a seal coat, beginning Friday (Aug. 4). A section of U.S. 30/Idaho 24 from the Y-Dell in Burley to Rupert (milepost 258 on U.S. 30 to milepost 3.7 on Idaho 24) will be seal coated beginning Tuesday (Aug. 8). Seal coats prolong the life of highways and provide better tire traction.
Flaggers and pilot cars will direct motorists through the work zones. Delays of 10-15 minutes can be expected. The speed limit will be reduced in some areas, depending on surface conditions. Motorists are reminded to drive slowly and keep a safe following distance from other vehicles to reduce risk of windshield damage. Vehicles are limited to a maximum width of 14 feet through the work zone.
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 are added later.
Work is expected to be complete by Aug. 10. Kloepfer Inc. of Paul is the project contractor.
Ride Idaho event: More than 100 bicyclists will join in a non-competitive, supported ride through southern Idaho beginning Sunday (Aug. 6) in Melba and ending in Lowman on Saturday (Aug. 12). The Idaho Transportation Department urges motorists to use caution when encountering riders and their support teams.
Ride Idaho is a seven-day event designed to take participants into many small communities for breaks, meals and overnight stays. Many host communities will use the opportunity as a fund-raiser.
- Day 1: Melba to Glenns Ferry (Idaho 45 and 78)
- Day 2: Glenns Ferry to Buhl (frontage roads and U.S. 30)
- Day 3: Buhl to Shoshone (Idaho 46 and U.S. 26)
- Day 4: Shoshone to Hailey (U.S. 26/93, U.S.20 from Picabo to Idaho 75)
- Day 5: is a layover day in Hailey
- Day 6: Hailey to Stanley (Idaho 75)
- Day 7: Stanley to Lowman (Idaho 21)
Riders are expected to be on the roadways for up to eight hours each day. The event is coordinated by the Treasure Valley YMCA.
For information about the ride, contact the Treasure Valley YMCA, (208) 344-5502 or visit the Ride Idaho website at www.rideidaho.org.
Idaho 75, resurfacing: Crews are working on a 13-mile resurfacing project on Idaho 75 from Ketchum to Airport Way Road in Hailey (mileposts 115-128).
Motorists should expect restricted lanes throughout the work zone, with highway segments of two lanes reduced to one and detours used. Flaggers will direct traffic. Brief daytime traffic delays should be expected. Vehicles are limited to a maximum width of 12 feet through the work zone.
To minimize impacts to morning commuter traffic, northbound detours will not start until 9 a.m. Work is expected to be complete by late August.
Constructed by Intermountain Slurry Seal Inc. of Salt Lake City, this $1.6 million project will provide motorists a smoother ride with better traction, will protect the highway from weather damage and will create a more bicycle-friendly surface.
U.S. 30, Twin Falls Canal Bridge: Crews continue bridge deck rehabilitation on a Twin Falls Main Canal bridge on U.S. 30 (milepost 238), a mile east of Murtaugh.
Traffic is reduced to one lane over the bridge, guided by a temporary traffic signal. Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes. Vehicles are limited to a maximum width of 15 feet through the construction zone, and the speed limit is reduced to 35 mph.
This project includes reconstructing the top portion of the bridge deck with new concrete, replacing bridge joints and repairing deteriorated sections of the bridge.
Construction is expected to complete by mid-October. Cannon Builders Inc. of Blackfoot 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: Crews are doing rehabilitation work on Idaho 21 between mileposts 105-116. 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.
Travel Safe. Travel Smart. Dial 511 for 24-hour travel conditions or log on to the ITD Web site at 511.idaho.gov.