8/1/2007
Interstate 15 eastbound off-ramp to close temporarily near exit 69 in Pocatello
POCATELLO - A portion of the Center/Clark Street off-ramp (Interstate 15 exit 69), near Pocatello will close temporarily Thursday morning as construction continues on interstate structures and expansion of the major access to Idaho State University.
The closure affects eastbound traffic from the off-ramp, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. A short detour will be marked and remain in effect until early next week. Occasional closures will be necessary for the next several weeks, and motorists should expect short delays.
Motorists traveling west on Center/Clark Street into Pocatello might experience increased traffic and possible lane restrictions because of the eastbound detour, but otherwise will not be affected by the closure.
Cannon Builders Inc. of Blackfoot has begun work on Center/Clark Street that will transform the existing four-lane route under the interstate into seven lanes - three lanes westbound and four lanes eastbound.
Clark/Center Street traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions for the next several weeks during excavation, installation of storm sewers, curbs, gutters, reconstruction of the roadway and paving. Motorists using the Clark/Center Street exit should expect occasional delays, detours and changing traffic control during reconstruction.
The $5.8 million project, which spans two construction seasons, should be ready for motorists at the end of October, with completion anticipated in mid-November.
For information about other highway construction in Idaho, call 511 or visit the Idaho Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov .