6/30/2016
Southbound U.S. 20 traffic in Thornton returns to southbound lanes late today (June 30), in time for holiday travel
RIGBY - Southbound traffic on U.S. 20 in Thornton will return to southbound lanes and to newly constructed southbound ramps of the new Thornton Interchange late today (June 30). The return to southbound lanes, between milepost 327 and 330, will allow two lanes of traffic in each direction of travel during the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend.
The new interchange will improve safety and operational effectiveness by eliminating the final at-grade (level) intersections with U.S. 20 in the 34-mile stretch between Idaho Falls and Sugar City. The route will be a full-access control divided highway, improving safety, mobility and economic opportunity for the public.
The new interchange also will connect Madison County’s planned 5000 South project, designed to improve traffic flow in the southern part of the county.
The project is scheduled for completion in October.
The speed limit will be 55 mph, and commercial vehicles will be restricted to 14 feet in width. Motorists should obey all traffic signs and watch for construction workers and equipment Monday through Saturday when work is underway.
Starting Wednesday, July 6, southbound traffic will be diverted again onto the northbound passing lane so that crews can continue work on the new alignment to U.S. 20. Both northbound and southbound traffic will detour around the east side of the new interchange on the northbound ramps.
The interchange project is elevating U.S. 20 to pass over 4700 South and will realign this county road north of its current location.
Click here for a picture of Thornton Interchange's final configuration.
Click here for a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the interchange project.
Click here for a video showing the drive through of the interchange from each direction.
Commercial drivers transporting permitted loads wider than 14 feet need to contact Resident Engineer Wade Allen (208-745-5680) or Staff Engineer Bryan Young (208-745-5682) 24 hours in advance for special authorization to pass through the work zone.
Western Construction Inc., of Boise, is the contractor for the $11.2 million project. Total cost of the new interchange, including land acquisition, design, construction and landscaping, will be nearly $20 million.
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