The Idaho Transportation Department is evaluating an application to allow loads of up to 129,000 lbs. on the Idaho Highway 81 Spur in Cassia County.
A public hearing will be held this month in Burley to provide citizens an opportunity to comment on the route application. The hearing will be an open house format with staff from ITD on hand to answer questions regarding the application or the 129k process.
Thursday, October 22
4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Burley City Hall
1401 Overland Ave, Burley
At the hearing, citizens can give verbal or written testimony on the proposed 129k route:
– ID-81 Spur: From the I-84/Yale Road Interchange to ID-81 east of Declo (MP 0.0 – 0.34)
The comment period will remain open until Friday, October 30. Those interested in viewing the application or submitting comment online before or after the hearing can visit: https://itd.idaho.gov/freight.
Citizens who can’t attend, can record verbal comments by calling 855-785-2499. Written comments can also be submitted to ITD Freight Program Manager Scott Luekenga via e-mail to scott.luekenga@itd.idaho.gov, or mail to:
Idaho Transportation Department
ATTN: Scott Luekenga
PO Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707-1129
Individuals may also contact Scott Luekenga directly with questions regarding 129k routes or the approval process by calling 208-334-8057.
The Department is required to conduct an analysis and public hearing on all requests to operate 129,000 lbs. on the state highway system before the Idaho Transportation Board makes a final decision.
Idaho Transportation Department personnel will adhere to best practices during the public hearing and request that individuals who attend follow recommended guidelines relating to COVID-19.
Dependent on weather, drivers can expect lane restrictions and possible delays near Twin Falls next week as crews from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) perform routine bi-annual inspections on the Perrine Bridge.
From Monday, September 14 through Friday, September 18 crews will walk the arch and deploy ITD’s under-bridge inspection truck along the bridge deck.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction while crew members are utilizing the inspection truck. Work will occur at non-peak hours to help lessen traffic congestion through the area and is expected to following the below schedule:
– Northbound Right Lane Closure: Monday – Tuesday, 8:15 am to 3 pm
– Southbound Right Lane Closure: Wednesday – Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm
Short duration (15 minute) single lane closures will also occur each day in the left northbound lane when workers access and exit the lower half of the structure.
Motorists may consider using an alternate route between the hours listed above.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution near the work zone and watch for crew members and equipment. ITD appreciates the patience and cooperation of those driving through the area.
BOISE – The results are in and after a statewide enforcement and awareness effort to buckle up, participating officers issued 1,265 citations for seat belt violations.
In Idaho, the seat belt use rate is 85%. The mobilization efforts exist for the remaining 15% who still don’t buckle up. In the last five years, from 2015-2019, 56 percent of vehicle occupants killed in Idaho were not restrained and 1,207 unrestrained vehicle occupants were critically injured in traffic crashes.
“Despite major advancements in vehicle protection, the most effective way to reduce serious injury or fatalities in crashes still remains the simplest task of all: wearing a seat belt,” said Highway Safety Grants Officer Josephine Middleton.
The mobilization launched July 25 and wrapped up August 7. Typically, the Click It or Ticket campaign runs in May, but given the downturn in traffic counts this spring due to COVID-19, the Office of Highway Safety ran the mobilization effort later in the summer when more cars were on the road.
“Even with the challenges of this year, many agencies found a way to make sure that Idahoans were buckled up when driving during the 100 Deadliest Days,” added Middleton.
As early as Monday (August 24), traffic will shift on Interstate 84/86 at the Salt Lake Interchange project. Motorists traveling from Utah toward Burley on I-84 will now be routed underneath the newly built bridge structures.
“This is a different traffic pattern than what we have had in place for the duration of this project,” ITD Project Manager Travis Hitchcock said. “It is important that drivers traveling through the area pay close attention to signage and message boards that will be in place to safely direct them through the area.”
Traffic will remain reduced to a single lane in each direction, and the turn offs toward Salt Lake City from eastbound I-84 will remain the same.
This project is scheduled to finish by late 2020.
Drivers should still anticipate reduced speeds through the work zone and watch for crews and heavy equipment.
Wadsworth Brothers Construction, of Draper, Utah is the prime contractor on this project.
Drivers can expect overnight lane restrictions near Twin Falls next week as crews perform specialized inspections of the Perrine Bridge.
On Monday and Tuesday of next week (August 24-25), single lane closures will occur on the bridge to allow inspections on the bridge deck.
Work is scheduled during evening and nighttime hours to help reduce traffic congestion through the area. Drivers may consider using an alternate route between the hours of 8 pm to 5 am.
On Wednesday (August 26) a short duration (15 minute) single lane closure will occur in the left northbound lane at approximately 9:30 am as crews access the lower half of the structure. Another short duration closure will occur in the afternoon once inspections are complete.
“The Perrine Bridge is a unique structure that plays a vital role in the region,” stated ITD South-central Idaho Operations Manager Seth Helms. “Routine and specialized inspections are performed regularly to assess the bridge and ensure the longevity of the structure.”
Motorists are urged to exercise caution near the work zone and watch for crew members and equipment. ITD appreciates the patience and cooperation of those driving through the area.
Two closures are expected next week in relation to the construction on US-30 from N 400 West to Parke Avenue in Burley.
“This project has been underway since February, and we are expected to finish later this year,” said ITD Project Manager Kenny Lively. “We are transitioning four miles of the roadway from a two-lane to a four-lane highway which will enhance safety and increase mobility in the area.”
During the closures, crews will construct new approaches on the roadway. Utilities work will also occur during this time.
The first closure is scheduled for Monday through Tuesday (August 17-18). Access from 200 W to US-30 will be closed to traffic during this time.
The second closure is scheduled to take place Wednesday through Friday (August 19-21). Access from Washington Avenue to US-30 will be closed to traffic during this time.
Drivers should exercise caution and watch for signs which will be in place to safely direct motorists through the area.
Western Construction Inc. is the prime contractor for this project.
Dependent on the weather, controlled blasting will occur tomorrow afternoon (Friday, July 31) in the median of Interstate 84 between Twin Falls and Jerome. For safety, traffic will not be allowed through the area while this activity is underway.
Carefully controlled blasting is required to loosen the hard rock in the median.
This work was previously scheduled to begin in the evening, but has been moved to 2:00 pm in order to avoid potential adverse weather. Drivers may encounter delays up to 60 minutes.
ITD is asking motorists to consider using alternate routes while this work occurs. Electronic message boards and signage will be activated on the interstate in advance of the event. Motorists are advised to adhere to signs and pay attention to flaggers and Idaho State Police who will be assisting with slowing traffic on the interstate.
For more information on the project click here.
On Tuesday and Wednesday evening of this week (July 28 and 29) controlled blasting will occur in the median of Interstate 84 between Twin Falls and Jerome. For safety, traffic will not be allowed through the area while this activity is underway.
Carefully controlled blasting is required to loosen the hard rock in the median.
Work will not begin before 7:30 pm. Drivers may encounter delays up to 60 minutes.
ITD is asking motorists to consider using alternate routes while this work occurs. Electronic message boards and signage will be activated on the interstate in advance of the event. Motorists are advised to adhere to signs and pay attention to flaggers and pilot cars that will be utilized to slow traffic on the interstate.
For more information on the project click here.
