Amidst record breaking temperatures and less than usual snowfall, the Idaho Transportation Department has been on the road in ways beyond just clearing snow this winter. Unique weather conditions have allowed maintenance crews to work on other needful projects.
These include guardrail repair and replacement, maintaining reflective delineators along state highways and interstates, sign renewal and installation, pavement preservation efforts, trash cleanup, mowing and more.
As part of this unexpected winter maintenance, motorists should plan to encounter lane closures for center line pothole repair on U.S. Highway 20 through Rexburg this week. Crews have been repairing more minor areas of pavement on US-20, State Highway 32 and others. These efforts will continue through the next month as the weather allows.
Roadway repairs done this time of year use a specialized form of asphalt that allows it to be placed in colder temperatures and is highly successful at repairing damages.
In Idaho Falls, crews are working to repair guardrail, reduce hazardous vegetation and clear trash along Interstate 15 and ramps at Exits 113, 118 and 119. This work will include daytime and overnight temporary closures as well.
“We aren’t going to just sit around and do nothing while we wait for snow,” Idaho Falls Foreman Jared Loosli said. “There’s always more to do than we can get to and we’re using this chance to make it happen.”
ITD cautions drivers to remember to slow down through work zones and stay engaged to keep everyone safe. Road reports for all areas where traffic impacts are in place for this unique winter work can be seen on the Idaho 511 app and at www.511.idaho.gov.