11/16/2016
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Final pieces of work on Idaho 41 north of Rathdrum, funded by general fund surplus, underway
COEUR d'ALENE - Crews began reconstructing the right-hand turn lane at milepost 14.2 on Idaho 41 north of Rathdrum at Season's Road today (Wednesday, Nov. 16) at 8 a.m. The work is expected to finish by close of business Friday, Nov. 18.
This is the last of three intersections being addressed to reduce crash risks and improve safety for drivers. The three intersections being improved each have high crash ratings and significant volumes of turning traffic.
The work is part of a larger, ongoing $4.5 million project funded by surplus in the general fund, that brought heavy construction to portions of Idaho 41 starting last summer. The overall project to improve corridor safety, and restore and extend pavement life, is expected to finish by the end of the month.
The earlier work involved roadway-safety improvements, including sign and lighting improvements, chipsealing and the previous intersection work, encompassing 32 miles of roadway in the area. Commercial access and mobility were served through the project.
Crews will also start rebuilding a crushed storm drain at the railroad crossing at milepost 14.5 later this week. Traffic will be reduced to one lane with flaggers during this work, with the speed limit reduced to 45 mph in the work zone.
Poe Asphalt Inc., of Clarkston, Washington, is the prime contractor.
Check the Idaho Traveler Services site at 511.idaho.gov, or call 5-1-1 for the latest updates and road conditions in the area.
The Idaho Transportation Board selected road and bridge projects across Idaho in December 2015 for maintenance and repair work. The projects are all funded by the $54.1 million in general fund surplus provided by the Idaho Legislature last year. Selections came from a pool of projects based on analysis of each project’s return on investment in the areas of safety, mobility, economic opportunity, bridge condition, and right-of-way purchases.