8/7/2018
US-93 slope maintenance to improve safety begins Monday
SALMON - Slope maintenance to improve highway safety along U.S. 93 will begin Monday, August 13, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The project is scheduled for completion by September 7, weather permitting.
A three-man team of professional 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 approximately 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The project is currently scheduled to be north of Ellis and north of Salmon at Wagon Hammer Springs.
The transportation department conducts slope stabilization each year.
Motorists can expect delays of up to 20 minutes. Travel will be reduced to one lane. Oversized loads will be temporarily restricted near Ellis as lanes will be reduced to 12 feet wide.
Commercial drivers transporting permitted loads wider than 12 feet need to contact Maintenance Operations Manager Wade Allen (208-745-5680) 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.