Eroding bank on ID-200 prompts proactive maintenance
led by a D1 maintenance worker

Idaho Highway 200 winds its way east of Sandpoint along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, providing drivers scenic views as they access recreational opportunities in nearby national forests. Several rivers also intersect with the highway as they dump into the lake.
 
Each spring, ITD operations crews monitor and mitigate any effects from runoff, and for years one stretch near the Clark Fork River has remained under regular observation.

This last spring season removed much of the material that served as the barrier between the river and the highway. Although runoff this year did not result in closures or safety concerns, members of the nearby District 1 maintenance shed, particularly Bill Libbers, anticipated bigger problems next year and took action.

“We took five days in September to dump 100 loads of rock along 180 feet of shoreline,” said Libbers, who led his team and the operation as part of achieving his next step in his horizontal career path.

Their efforts created a rock armor for the bank, extending it up to six feet by placing additional material. The rock armor had to be about 30 feet tall to cover the distance between the low watermark and the edge of the highway.
 
“It was not a small fix,” Libbers aid. “I learned a lot about leadership and planning, especially in terms of coordination of equipment and material.”

Foreman Jamie Miller speaks highly of the project and its leader: “This project would be a challenge for even the most experienced team member. Bill took control from the beginning and used his team’s knowledge to overcome hurdles.”

In the end, Miller said the project came in under budget and exceeded his expectations.

“I’m proud that we were able to be proactive and take care of this before it really became a hazard to the public,” Libbers said. “That’s what is important.” 

Published 11-30-18