Bridge replacement underway on State Highway 46 in Gooding County

Work began earlier this week to replace the bridge over Big Wood River at milepost 112.9 on State Highway 46 north of Gooding. Built in 1947, the current structure has reached the end of its service life.

“We will raise the height of the new bridge approximately 3.5 feet,” ITD Project Manager Tom Logan said. “The additional height will allow for more flood water to pass underneath the structure.”

The new bridge will also be both wider and longer to increase mobility and safety.

Initial work will first include setup of traffic control and then demolition of a portion of the old bridge. While work is underway, traffic will be reduced to a single lane. Temporary traffic signals will be in place to direct motorists throughout the duration of the project.

“Drivers can anticipate wait times between two and five minutes when traveling through the area,” Logan stated. “Lane width will also be restricted to 12 foot during construction, and we advise motorists to plan ahead and use caution while traveling through the work zone.”

Short-term closures of SH-46 will also be required for different portions of the project to allow for crews to safely complete various stages of work. When these closures occur, signs will be in place to direct motorists through a detour route. Approximately four closures are anticipated throughout construction.

Cannon Builders of Idaho are the primary contractor on this replacement project that is expected to be complete this fall.

Paving to begin next week on SH-75 project in Blaine County

Image of State Highway 75 north of Hailey

Work will resume next week on State Highway 75 north of Hailey. This is the final stage of a highway resurfacing project that has been underway since March of this year that will extend the life of the roadway and improve the driving experience for motorists.

“On Monday, we are planning to start paving work at Ohio Gulch Road and move south along the highway to Buttercup Road,” ITD Project Manager Brock Dillé explained. “Once that portion of roadway is complete, we will continue operations south but will need to detour traffic to safely complete the work.”

When work south of Buttercup Road occurs, daytime traffic traveling northbound on SH-75 will be detoured from McKercher Boulevard to Buttercup Road. The detour is expected to begin on Thursday (May 19) and last for approximately two weeks.

“Ours crews will not work during the Memorial Day weekend to allow for heavier traffic to flow more smoothly through the region,” stated Dillé.

Once paving operations are complete, striping will occur. At the intersection of SH-75 and Ohio Gulch Road/Starweather Drive, a new lane configuration will be implemented to better accommodate traffic flow. No other striping changes will occur within the project limits.

Motorists are advised to slow down, watch for workers and follow traffic signs when traveling through the work zone.

Western Construction is the primary contractor on this project that is expected to be complete in early June.

Public invited to attend open house for US-93 improvements in Twin Falls

Photo of Blue Lakes and Fillmore Intersection in Twin Falls

Members of the public are invited to learn more about upcoming construction plans that are scheduled to begin this spring on U.S. Highway 93 (Blue Lakes Boulevard) in Twin Falls.

Next Thursday (May 19), the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host a public meeting and an online meeting to share plans about construction that will occur over the coming months on Blue Lakes Boulevard from the Perrine Bridge to Pole Line Road.

The project includes replacing the pavement, upgrading pedestrian ramps to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, and replacing the traffic signal at the Blue Lakes Boulevard and Fillmore Street/Bridgeview Boulevard intersection.

The meeting will be hosted in a drop-in, open house format. Members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions and share information about construction plans and impacts.

Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Twin Falls High School
1615 Filer Ave. E, Twin Falls

For individuals unable to attend the in-person meeting, please join the self-guided online meeting beginning May 20 at itdprojects.org/projects/us-93improvements. An online comment form will be available for questions and comments.

To learn more about the project and sign up for construction updates, please visit the project website at itdprojects.org/projects/us-93improvements.

As part of Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative, the 2021 Idaho Legislature dedicated $126 million of one-time funds from Idaho’s budget surplus to transportation projects statewide. The funds were split 60/40 between ITD and local jurisdictions. Construction on the Blue Lakes project is paid for with ITD’s portion of the funds that will accelerate projects to replace bridges, restore pavements, and improve mobility in communities across Idaho.

Preliminary signal work to start next week on US-93 in Twin Falls

Signal work is expected to begin next week at the intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard (U.S. Highway 93) and Fillmore Street/Bridgeview Boulevard. This is part of a larger pavement rehabilitation project scheduled to occur this summer on Blue Lakes Boulevard from the Perrine Bridge to Pole Line Road.

In the coming weeks, crews will complete preliminary foundation work on the traffic signal. A total signal replacement will occur at the intersection after the paving on US-93 is finished later this summer.

“Being able to start the initial foundation work now will help expedite the construction timeline and further reduce impacts to motorists traveling through this busy corridor this summer,” said ITD Project Manager Steve Hunter.

No lane adjustments or changes to current traffic patterns will occur with the signal replacement.

“We are not altering how motorists travel through the intersection, just replacing the traffic signal, foundation, and associated components,” stated Hunter.

Motorists are encouraged to watch for lane reductions and crews in the area. Most signal work will occur during daytime hours.

In conjunction with the signal replacement, ITD will improve the pavement on Blue Lakes Boulevard starting in June. More details about construction will be shared at an upcoming public meeting.

Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Open House Format)
Location: Twin Falls High School
1615 Filer Ave. E, Twin Falls

For individuals not able to attend the meeting in person, an online option will be available on the project website.

To learn more about the project and sign up for construction updates, please visit itdprojects.org/projects/us-93improvements.

As part of Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative, the 2021 Idaho Legislature dedicated $126 million of one-time funds from Idaho’s budget surplus to transportation projects statewide. The funds were split 60/40 between ITD and local jurisdictions. Construction on the Blue Lakes project is paid for with ITD’s portion of the funds that will accelerate projects to replace bridges, restore pavements, and improve mobility in communities across Idaho.

Two-week closure at US-93 intersection in Jerome County starting early next week

On Monday (May 2), a closure is expected to begin at the intersection of U.S. Highway 93 and 100 S Road that will prevent drivers from accessing the highway from the west side. This is part of the ongoing widening project, which will transition the highway from two lanes to four to increase mobility and traffic flow in the area.

“Closing 100 South Road at US-93 will allow crews to tie the new roadway alignment into the existing approach,” said ITD Project Manager Jake Turrittin. “Through traffic on US-93 will not be impacted, but drivers will not be able to turn onto or from the western approach of 100 S Road.”

The closure is expected to be in place for approximately two weeks. An additional closure will be required for the east side of 100 S at a later date.

While crews tie in the new alignment, construction of the new southbound lanes will also continue. Motorists can anticipate minor delays and are encouraged to plan ahead if commuting through the area. Signage will also be in place to safely direct those traveling through the work zone.

Drivers are advised to use caution and watch for workers and heavy equipment entering and exiting the highway.

“This project will improve safety at the US-93 and 100 South intersection for both passenger and commercial vehicles,” explained Turrittin. “The end result will be a divided highway similar to what drivers encounter one mile south of this area.”

Idaho Materials and Construction is the prime contractor for this project, which is expected to be completed this fall.

Public invited to learn more about upcoming SH-27 improvements in Burley

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is hosting a public meeting next week to share information on three upcoming projects on State Highway 27 in the Burley area. The meeting will be held in an open house format on April 21 and will feature displays and maps showcasing the projects which will focus on preserving and improving the functionality of the highway.

SUMMER 2022: SH-27 Rehabilitation – Burley to Junction I-84 (milepost 22.7 – 24.1)
WINTER 2025: SH-27 Culvert Replacement – G Canal (milepost 20.4)
SUMMER 2026: SH-27 Rehabilitation – Main Street to Overland Bridge (milepost 21.8 – 22.7)

The public is invited to attend anytime between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Mountain View Elementary located at 333 W 27th Street in Burley. Members of the project team will be on-hand to answer questions and accept comments during this time.

For those who are not able to attend the open house in person, a self-guided online meeting option will be available between April 21 and May 5 at itdprojects.org/projects/sh-27improvements.

If individuals have questions or comments about the project and are unable to attend the in-person or self-guided online meetings, contact ITD Project Manager Brock Dillé at (208) 544-7906 or brock.dille@itd.idaho.gov.

Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down

National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 11-15

IDAHO – National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) will be observed April 11-15 with this year’s theme of “Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down.” The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is asking motorists to observe NWZAW and prepare to safely drive through work zones across Idaho.

As part of NWZAW, Idahoans are encouraged

to participate in Go Orange Day on April 13 by wearing orange as a visual reminder of work zones. Photos can be posted on social media using the hashtags #NWZAW and #GoOrange4Safety.

The awareness week ends with a moment of silence on April 15 for people killed in work zone incidents.

Statistics from the National Work Zone Safety

Information Clearinghouse demonstrate the importance of work zone safety and participating in NWZAW to spread the message that everyone has a role in getting roadway workers home safely.

There were 762 fatal crashes in work zones resulting in 842 deaths in 2019.
Of the 842 fatalities in 2019, 135 were roadway workers.
Most people killed in work zones were motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.

NWZAW has been observed for more than 20 years and was launched as a public awareness campaign to help everyone understand they play a role in keeping motorists and roadway workers safe.

As construction season kicks off around the state, it’s important for drivers to remember that work zones come in all shapes and sizes. They can be long or short duration and can occur anywhere, from the middle of a large city to even the most rural routes. ITD encourages all motorists to plan ahead, follow signs, and drive engaged each time they get behind the wheel.

To learn more about NWZAW, visit nwzaw.org.

Second phase of work begins next week on State Highway 75 in Blaine County

Work is expected to begin next week on State Highway 75 north of Hailey. This is the second phase of a larger project that started in March with updates to pedestrian ramps and reconstruction of a section of the roadway near the Big Wood River Bridge.

During the coming months, crews will rehabilitate SH-75 from Cobblestone Lane to Timber Way. Changes in striping will also occur to improve the crosswalk alignment at East Fork Road and the intersection layout at SH-75 and Ohio Gulch Road/Starweather Drive. Motorists turning left from Ohio Gulch Road will have a protected acceleration lane once the striping is complete.

While work is underway, lane restrictions will be in place. Detours will also be necessary for a portion of the project.

“When work occurs between McKercher Boulevard and milepost 120, traffic will be detoured onto Buttercup Road,” explained ITD Project Manager Brock Dillé. “We anticipate this detour to begin in late April and last for approximately two weeks.”

Signs will be present to direct motorists through the work zone. Drivers are encouraged to plan for extra time when traveling through the area and watch for workers and heavy equipment entering and exiting the highway.

“We will be working to minimize impacts throughout this project and appreciate the patience of motorists as they travel through the area,” said Dillé.

Western Construction is the primary contractor on this project which is expected to be completed in May.

Preliminary work to begin next month on US-93/US-26 in Lincoln County

Image of US-93/US-26 construction zone near Richfield

The initial phase of construction is expected to occur in April on a two-phase project that will rehabilitate approximately six miles of U.S. Highway 93/U.S. Highway 26 from Marley Road to Jim Byrne Slough (milepost 177.5-182.8). This project will improve both the safety and driving experience for motorists in the area.“In the coming weeks, crews will replace irrigation structures along the roadway,” said ITD Project Manager Tom Logan. “This portion of work needs to occur early on in the project, before water is flowing through the irrigation system.”

Replacement of the irrigation structures is expected to last throughout the month of April.

While work is underway, traffic will be reduced to a single lane on the highway. Motorists are advised to watch for flaggers and plan for delays up to 10 minutes.

Once irrigation work is complete, there will be a break in the project until July, when crews will return to the area and proceed with resurfacing the roadway.

“During the second phase of construction, we will mill and repave the existing surface of the highway,” explained Logan. “We will also reconstruct the profile of the roadway in three areas to remove hills south of Richfield. This will increase sight distance for motorists and improve safety.”

Western Construction is the primary contractor on this project.

First of two US-93 pavement rehabilitation projects to begin next week in Twin Falls

Image of US-93/Pole Line Road in Twin Falls

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will resurface two sections of U.S. Highway 93 through Twin Falls this spring and summer.

Work is expected to begin the week of March 21 on Pole Line Road from Grandview Drive to Blue Lakes Boulevard to maintain the roadway, provide better traction and enhance safety for motorists.

Construction involves grinding the top layer of existing concrete, while placing small grooves in the pavement to improve traction on surfaces that have become slick over time from heavy traffic and winter weather.

During construction:

Work will occur overnight from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. to reduce impacts and congestion during commute hours for residents, businesses, and motorists.
During night work, lane reductions will be in place. All lanes will be open during daytime hours.
Access to businesses will be maintained but may be briefly limited when equipment moves in front of an intersection or driveway.
Construction will be noisy, including equipment and back up alarms.

This project is expected to be completed in May.

Upon completion of the first project, crews will proceed with rehabilitating and reconstructing the pavement on Blue Lakes Boulevard from the Perrine Bridge to Pole Line Road. Other improvements will include Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades to pedestrian ramps and replacement of the traffic signal at the intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard and Fillmore Street/Bridgeview Boulevard.

ITD will host an open house and online meeting in May to share more information about the second project.

To learn more about each project and sign up for construction updates, please visit itdprojects.org/projects/us-93improvements.