With drivers back on the road, ITD kicks off another work zone awareness week

Crew removing brush on US-2 as an example of a short duration operation

National Work Zone Awareness Week is traditionally held in April, but with more drivers back on highways, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is again spotlighting work zone safety.

ITD asks media partners and drivers to tune in each day this week (May 18 – 23) to the department’s Facebook and Twitter pages to see different types of work zones.

Drivers are familiar with larger road construction projects, which are typically well-marked and have better visibility, but they may not be as familiar with short-duration operations.

These can pop up anywhere, at any time. Whether it is a highway worker stopping to remove a shredded tire or animal carcass from the road, or performing maintenance work like repairing guardrail right next to the travel lanes, these jobs generally put workers closer to the road, and closer to danger. There is less time for the worker or the driver to take evasive action when encountering short-duration operations.

Just last year, an ITD operator was killed outside Arco in a short-duration operation, reminding us all of the importance of being safe and vigilant in work zones across the state.

During this week, ITD also remembers the sacrifices of other workers lost over the years while on the job – many of them were killed in work zones. Since this picture was taken, there have been two more markers added to the Fallen Workers Memorial, bringing the total to 40 workers since 1960.

“Work zones can be the most hazardous areas on our state highway system,” ITD Safety Manager Randall Danner said. “We urge drivers to use extreme caution when passing through these areas so they can arrive at their destination safely and our workers can return home to their loved ones.”

In addition to short-duration maintenance operations, ITD has dozens of projects planned this year with information on itdprojects.org. Each project is different in terms of traffic revisions and reduced speed limits. Please check 511.idaho.gov for traveler information.

Construction on I-84 in Jerome County to begin next week

Westbound Interstate 84 near Jerome, Idaho

Rehabilitation of the westbound lanes on Interstate 84 between Jerome and Twin Falls is expected to begin next Monday (May 11). Work will encompass approximately seven miles of highway (milepost 166 to 173) and provide a safer and smoother ride for motorists.

“Initial work will include construction of traffic crossovers and temporary ramps,” said ITD South-central Idaho Project Manager Brock Dillé. “Building a temporary ramp at Exit 173 will allow us to keep traffic moving without detouring motorists during construction.”

The first phase of the project is expected to last until July of this year. Once construction of crossovers and temporary ramps are complete, rehabilitation of the roadway will begin.

“This project was originally scheduled to begin in 2022,” said Dillé. “Due to efficiencies and cost-savings throughout the department, ITD was able to expedite this high priority route in order to provide a better highway for commercial and passenger vehicles two years earlier than anticipated.”

While construction is underway, traffic on this section of I-84 will be reduced to a single lane in each direction. Motorists should anticipate reduced speeds and watch for workers and heavy equipment throughout the work zone.

Rehabilitation of the westbound lanes is expected to be complete by the end of this year. Work on the eastbound lanes will begin in the spring of 2021.

The general contractor is Western Construction of Boise.

Bridge replacement to begin next week on ID-75 north of Ketchum

Four Mile Bridge over the Big Wood River in Blaine County

The Idaho Transportation Department is expected to start construction on a bridge replacement next week on Idaho Highway 75 in Blaine County. Commonly referred to as the Four Mile Bridge because of its proximity to Galena Lodge, the structure spans the Big Wood River approximately twenty miles north of Ketchum at milepost 148.2.

“The current bridge was built in 1953 and has exceeded its life expectancy,” said South-central ITD Project Manager Brock Dillé. “In the coming months, we will replace the existing three-span bridge with a new single-span structure. Unlike the current bridge, the new structure will not have any piers in the water which will more readily allow for the natural meandering of the river.”

The new structure will be wider in order to accommodate 12-foot lanes with 3-foot shoulders in each direction. This will provide for more separation between vehicles and bicycles on the roadway and improve safety in the area.

While construction is ongoing, traffic will be reduced to a single lane. Temporary traffic signals will be in place and motorists can expect average wait times of approximately 15 minutes.

“There will be occasions when certain construction activities will require slightly longer wait times,” said Dillé. “Our goal is to keep these as minimal as possible throughout the project.”

A push button will also be in place for bicyclists who recreate in the area. Drivers and cyclists alike are advised to adhere to signals and watch for crews and heavy equipment during working hours.

Construction on the project is expected to be completed by late October of this year. The general contractor is Cannon Builders of Blackfoot.

Change in traffic on US-93 in Jerome County starting early next week

Crews and heavy equipment work along US-93 in Jerome County.

Traffic flow is expected to change Monday, April 27 on US-93 between 200 S Road and 300 S Road in Jerome County. This is part of the ongoing US-93 widening project, which will see the highway transition from two lanes to four to increase mobility and traffic flow in the area.

“We will be placing temporary traffic signals at both ends of the project early next week,” said ITD South-central Idaho Project Manager Sam Purser. “While these signals are in place, crews will tie the newly constructed southbound lanes into the existing highway.”

Temporary signals will be utilized for approximately three to four weeks. The intersection at US-93/200 South will also be closed during this time to allow for the construction of new turn bays.

Motorists can anticipate minor delays and are encouraged to plan ahead if commuting through the area. In addition to the signals, construction signage, candlesticks, and barrels 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-93/200 South intersection for both passenger and commercial vehicles,” explained Purser. “The end result will be a divided highway similar to what drivers encounter two miles south of this area.”

Idaho Materials and Construction is the prime contractor for this project.

For more information visit https://itdprojects.org/projects/us-93-200-south-road

State’s old Highway Advisory Radio system being decommissioned

The Idaho State Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) communication system is being decommissioned. The use of the old system was suspended on April 1. ITD is evaluating whether existing HAR equipment and infrastructure can be repurposed to meet other needs.

There are 25 HAR sites and 58 beacons located around the state, broadcasting emergency information on the am radio frequency. However, the equipment had reached the end of its useful life, and no longer met the technology security requirements of the state.

In addition, surveys showed that the HAR system, although once popular, was now ranked well behind other more viable sources for information distribution, such as 511 or roadside electronic message boards.

ITD increases frequency of cleaning at major rest areas

Drone shot of both exits for the Huetter Rest Area between Post Falls and CDA

Update as of June 22: At this point in time, only the touch points at rest areas at on US-95 south of Midvale and Blacks Creek on I-84 east are being cleaned every two hours.

Rest areas will stay open to support the delivery of goods and services through Idaho and the nation, with key rest areas to be cleaned more frequently to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

“Rest areas provide an essential service as a respite for truckers,” said Nestor Fernandez, ITD’s mobility services engineer. “While we’re seeing fewer passenger vehicles on the highway, freight services are in full tilt. We have heard from our partners in the trucking industry that they need these areas open, and we are working to meet that need.”

Rest areas at Midvale Hill on US-95 south of Midvale, Blacks Creek on I-84 east of Boise and Huetter on I-90 west of Coeur d’Alene will be cleaned every two hours with a focus on commonly touched surfaces like door handles.

All rest areas are cleaned two times a day, but due to high usage at these locations they will be cleaned more often. ITD is working with vendors responsible for cleaning rest areas to make sure they have the resources they need.

The rest area on US-12 at Lolo Pass on the Idaho-Montana border, which is jointly managed with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), is currently closed.

“Out of an abundance of caution for our employees and the public, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests has made the decision to close the Lolo Pass Visitor Center, including the restrooms, until further notice,” said Jennifer Becar, public affairs specialist with the USFS. “This decision was made in order to best protect the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, and the public, and is consistent with the forest’s shift to only offering virtual services at offices and other facilities at this time.”

For more information on other USFS closures, visit www.fs.usda.gov/nezperceclearwater.

Another rest area on eastbound I-84 on the Idaho-Oregon border near Fruitland continues to be closed due to issues with the septic system.

The department is also exploring options to allow food trucks to offer services at remote rest areas to support truck drivers as they continue to deliver goods across the United States.

To check the status of specific rest areas, visit 511.idaho.gov or download the app.

Second phase of reconstruction project to begin next week on ID-81 in Cassia County

Work is expected to begin next week on Idaho Highway 81 between Declo and Burley. This is the second phase of a project that began in February with the replacement of box culverts and irrigation structures at various locations along the highway.

Work will resume this month with replacement of a box culvert near the intersection of ID-81 and US-30 and then transition into reconstruction of approximately five miles of roadway.

“This project will improve and extend the life expectancy of the highway,” said ITD South-central Idaho Project Manager Brock Dillé. “It will also provide a safer and more enjoyable driving experience for motorists.”

Drivers can expect reduced speeds and width restrictions throughout the work zone. Pilot cars, flaggers and temporary traffic signals will also be utilized. Motorists should anticipate lane reductions, and are encouraged to find an alternate route during construction if possible.

Western Construction Inc., of Boise, is the contractor on this project.

Adopt a Highway program suspended during COVID-19 pandemic

ITD truck loaded with bags of trash from an Adopt a Highway pickup

The Idaho Transportation Department has suspended the Adopt a Highway and other volunteer programs to focus on essential services and promote community safety.

Under the program, volunteers adopt a section of highway for two years at a time and commit to removing litter twice a year. These sections are marked by special white and blue signs on the highway.

The department provides volunteers with safety vests, trash bags and road signs but decided to temporarily suspend the program in late March. There were concerns about encouraging large groups to gather and the ability to clean shared items between uses.

Groups are being notified via email and mail of the suspension. Organizations will not lose their adopted sections if they do not meet the required number of pickups this year.

“We appreciate the willingness of our fellow Idahoans to keep our state beautiful by picking up trash but unfortunately have to temporarily halt the program,” said Judi Conner, the volunteer services coordinator. “For the time being, drivers should expect to see more trash as ITD and our volunteers follow guidance to keep our communities safe.”

Other volunteer programs that allow nonprofit organizations to offer free refreshments at rest areas or offer educational presentations to schools have also been put on pause.

ITD aims to support volunteer services again once cleaning supplies are readily available and guidance from health experts changes.

More information about volunteer programs and contact information for program coordinators may be found at itd.idaho.gov/road-mtce.

Bridge treatments on I-84 in Jerome & Minidoka counties to begin next week

Work is expected to begin next week on four Interstate 84 bridges and one overpass bridge on 850 West Road near Burley. ITD will resurface the bridges in order to extend their operational life.

Resurfacing will first occur on the 850 West Road overpass and traffic over the bridge will be detoured to the Burley/Paul Overpass at Exit 208 while this work is underway.

“Detouring traffic while the overpass is resurfaced allows us to complete work on the project more quickly. It also allows us to reduce project costs and lessen impacts to travelers,” said ITD project manager Randal Brunello.

While work takes place on I-84, traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone and motorists may encounter minor delays. As work shifts from one bridge to another, traffic patterns will also change.

Drivers should expect reduced speeds throughout the area and watch for crews during working hours.

Construction on the project is expected to be completed by September of this year. The general contractor is Coldwater Group.

Traffic to shift on US-30 in Cassia County starting next week

As early as March 10, traffic will shift on US-30 between Parke Avenue and 400 West Road in Burley. This is part of a highway widening and utility improvement project that has been underway since February of this year and is expected to finish this fall. The work will enhance the safety of drivers and enhance mobility.

“With this project, we will see the roadway transition from a two lane highway to a four lane highway for an approximate four mile stretch,” said ITD South-central Idaho Project Manager Kenny Lively.

Flaggers and pilot cars will be present during working hours – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Drivers can expect reduced speeds and minor delays near the work zone and are encouraged to find an alternate route.

“In addition to the two eastbound and westbound lanes, we will also be building a center turn lane,” said Lively. “This will provide easier access to businesses in the area and improve safety for motorists.”

Western Construction Inc. is the prime contractor for this project.