Districts come together to patch Interstate bridge

Months of preparation with multiple delays and last minute changes, the I-15 Blackfoot bridge was finally able to get repaired. After years of temporary patches to fill in potholes and disintegrating concrete, crews were able to come together as one big team to help fix the bridge and pulled off one of the biggest traffic control plans ITD has ever done internally.

This project involved many tasks. Of those tasks crews had to sandblast and resurface the bridge deck, replaced guardrail and completed other much needed shoulder work. This repair project was intended to temporary fix the bridge until we are able to begin a full bridge deck rehab project planned in the summer of 2020.

From October 7 – 9 crews shut down north bound I-15 and from October 15 – 17 south bound I-15 was temporarily shut down. With the intent to utilize all 3 days on each side of the interstate, crews worked diligently and fluidly to complete the project 1 day early on each side. Completing this project early on each side was no easy task but crews made it happen and it couldn’t have gone any smoother.

Originally planned for September, the bridgework had been delayed a few times due to project complications and local concerns. After working with the community and local politicians regarding the bridgework and road closures, ITD crews were able to work around the holidays and harvest. In working with the community so closely and openly, the project was incredibly successful and well received by many.

As numerous districts and crews from all over came out to help, the traffic control was also a key part to the success of this project. Spear heading the traffic control plans, D5 Blackfoot TTO’s Jared Loosli & Rocky Messick worked with numerous people and pulled off one of the largest traffic control jobs done internally throughout the state.

There was close to 10 miles of traffic control setup with crossovers, road closures barricades and numerous flaggers. The crews set the speed limit to 55 mph and with the help of ISP playing a huge role in transitioning and patrolling travelers, the project did not have any crashes…a few close calls but no crashes!

Crews provided 24hr coverage while traffic control was in effect. In closing each side of the interstate down and having such great traffic control, not only were crews able to get in and done with the project quicker but it was significantly safer. By doing this our crews felt safe and gave them the extra confidence that we (ITD) has their back to keep them safe.

As this project ended as a huge success, there was a little bit of a learning curve for the guys to take back for future projects. Learning with even a speed of 55mph to use bigger basses for the candlesticks so they don’t blow over as much and also to adjust exit ramps for the southbound for an easier and clearer transition for drivers.

“It was impressive to see the success of taking one project, bringing in so many people from different areas and working to well together”, said Jared Loosli, “It just goes to show that we can do big things if we’re asked to do big things, we can make it happen!”

Idaho drivers must provide proof of insurance to DMV, or have registration suspended, as new law takes effect in 2020

Drive Insured! Be safe, be smart! Insure your vehicle or lose your registration.

Vehicle owners will need to provide proof of insurance for two consecutive months or risk having their registration suspended beginning in 2020.

The law (Idaho Code Section 49-1234) was passed during the 2019 Idaho legislative session and goes into effect in January. It requires the Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Motor Vehicles to determine monthly whether the owner of a vehicle has insurance. The law applies only to non-commercial vehicles, and excludes trailers and off-highway vehicles.

A notification letter will be sent to affected vehicle owners to alert them of the law change.

Owners without insurance coverage for two consecutive months will receive a warning and be given 30 days to provide proof of insurance or obtain an exemption before their registration is suspended.

To reinstate a suspended registration, owners will need to provide proof of insurance and pay a fee of $75.

Some vehicles are exempt from this mandate. For a full list of frequently asked questions, please visit itd.idaho.gov/driveidaho

Paving begins on US-30 Georgetown to Nounan Road project

POCATELLO – Crews have begun paving US-30 between Georgetown and Nounan Road. This section of roadway has reached the end of its design life, and the roadway needs to be rebuilt to meet current design standards.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of October.

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane and motorists will be guided through the work zone by flaggers and a pilot car with a speed limit of 45 mph.

To save time and money, the city of Georgetown has been working with the Idaho Transportation Department to make improvements while the road is under construction. The city has hired a contractor to replace the water line through town. It is expected to be finished when the US-30 project is complete.

ITD encourages drivers to slow down, pay attention, follow the posted speed limit and watch for crews working in the area.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and check 511.Idaho.gov for driving conditions.

I-15 Exit 93 Blackfoot bridge repairs start Monday

BLACKFOOT – Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) maintenance crews will make repairs to the Blackfoot bridge on I-15 at Exit 93 for your safety and mobility. Repairs will begin Monday, Oct. 7, with plans to be completed by Oct. 17.

Crews will be sandblasting and resurfacing the bridge deck, replacing guardrail and completing shoulder work. This repair project is intended to temporarily fix the bridge until ITD is able to begin the bridge deck rehab project planned for the summer of 2020.

Construction will be performed on northbound I-15 from Oct. 7-9. Traffic control will be removed and traffic will resume as usual after Oct. 9 until southbound construction begins. Traffic control will continue for southbound I-15 construction from Oct. 15-17.

Drivers can expect traffic delays for the duration of the project. Reduced speed limits will be in effect and traffic will be shifted over periodically to single-lane, two-way traffic. Click here to see the pdf explaining the traffic-control plans.

Oversized loads will need to use appropriate alternative routes as there will be a 12-foot lane restriction through the construction zone.

Visit 511.Idaho.gov for current road conditions and information.

UPDATE: Southbound I-15 traffic will be routed around Rose Road Interchange (Exit 98) at night Sept. 19-20

POCATELLO – The Idaho Transportation Department will direct all traffic on southbound I-15 to use Exit 98 on the nights of Sept. 19-20 during construction at the Rose Road Interchange.

A detour will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. both nights. All traffic on southbound I-15 will be directed to use the off-ramp at Exit 98, and then to use the southbound on-ramp at Exit 98 to continue on I-15. All Exit 98 ramps and Rose Road will remain open.

The nighttime restrictions will allow contractors to demolish the southbound side of the old Rose Road Bridge over I-15. In early October, the contractor will demolish the northbound side.

This work is a part of a project to reconstruct the interchange at Rose Road (Exit 98) on Interstate 15. The interchange is expected to open later this year with additional construction activities to be completed in spring 2020.

More information about the $10.8 million I-15, Rose Road Interchange project is available at itdprojects.org/rose. Citizens may sign up for email updates by texting INTERSTATE 15 to 22828 or emailing I-15construction@itd.idaho.gov.

Work closing southbound I-15 off-ramp to Malad at Exit 13 for realignment Sept. 9

POCATELLO – The southbound Interstate 15 off-ramp to Malad at Exit 13 will close starting on Monday (Sept. 9) as crews realign the ramp, eliminating a free-running right to improve safety.

This graphic shows the current interchange configuration overlaid in blue with the new configuration.

Drivers will need to use Exit 17 as the detour during this work, and loop back to Malad via Old Highway 191.

Idaho Materials & Construction is the contractor on this project.

Motorists can visit 511.idaho.gov for project details and updates on this and other roadwork in the area.

Rose Road Interchange (Exit 98) will be closed Sept 3-5 for paving

POCATELLO – The Idaho Transportation Department will close the Rose Road Interchange (Exit 98) for paving on Tuesday, September 3 from 7 a.m. to Thursday, September 5 at 7 p.m. The north and southbound off-ramps will also be closed during this time.

Traffic will be detoured around the closure and will be notified with digital messaging boards prior to the closures. See detour map.

This work is a part of a year-long project to reconstruct the interchange at Rose Road (Exit 98) on Interstate 15 to maximize the safety and mobility for motorists using this interchange. Construction includes widening the Rose Road overpass and increasing its vertical clearance, reconfiguring and lengthening the interchange ramps, and replacing two canal structures to support current traffic loads.

The interchange is expected to open later this year with additional construction activities to be completed in Spring 2020.

More information about the I-15, Rose Road Interchange project is available at itdprojects.org/rose. Community members may sign up for email updates by texting INTERSTATE 15 to 22828 or emailing I-15construction@itd.idaho.gov.

Chubbuck and ITD will partner to replace damaged signal cabinet at Chubbuck/Yellowstone intersection Sunday

CHUBBUCK – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will partner with the city of Chubbuck to replace a damaged signal cabinet at the intersection of Chubbuck Road and Yellowstone Avenue (US-91) on Sunday, August 11.

The signal cabinet to be replaced was heavily damaged last winter due a car accident. The cabinet was in working condition, though, and has been used until this replacement.

Work is expected to take just one day, beginning at 5 a.m.

The traffic signal at the intersection will be turned off until the replacement is complete. Appropriate traffic control will be set up and flaggers will be present to direct traffic.

ITD advises drivers to pay attention to the traffic control and please use an alternate route until the project is complete.

I-15 traffic to be diverted Tuesday and Wednesday night as girders are set for new Northgate Interchange

POCATELLO – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will divert Interstate 15 northbound traffic onto US-91 on Tuesday night, August 6, while girders are placed at the new Northgate Interchange from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Drivers will exit on Interstate 86 at Exit 61 (Chubbuck interchange) and re-enter I-15 at Exit 89 (South Blackfoot Interchange). Pictured are pillars used to hold the girders.

Traffic control will continue for those same hours Wednesday night, August 7, as ITD diverts southbound traffic on US-91. Drivers will exit I-15 at Exit 89 and re-enter at Exit 61 on I-86. ITD will also have traffic control set up at the Fort Hall Interchange to divert traffic as needed.

Girders are the massive concrete structures that will support the new bridge. The contractor will be placing 12 girders each night, 24 total, that are 85 ft. long and weight 120,000 lbs. each.

This work is part of a year-long project to construct the new Northgate interchange on I-15. The project is expected to be completed in late fall 2019.

Open house will feature plans for new roundabout at I-86B/SH-39 intersection in American Falls on Aug. 1

AMERICAN FALLS – The Idaho Transportation Department has invited members of the community to review plans for a new roundabout at the intersection of Pocatello Avenue (I-86B) and State Highway 39 at an open house on Thursday, Aug. 1.

The drop-in event will run from 4 to 7 p.m. at the American Falls District Library (308 Roosevelt St.).

In response to concerns about safety and operations, ITD considered many alternatives for improving the intersection. Each alternative was evaluated based on factors such as cost, traffic capacity, delays, safety, right-of-way needs and community input.

Community members were invited to give comments at a series of workshops in 2018.

“We would like to thank every person who participated in the design process,” said ITD Engineering Manager Dan Harelson. “We received valuable input that helped us ensure the new intersection will serve both commercial and local traffic.”

The new roundabout will allow a continuous flow of traffic without requiring drivers to wait for a light or a stop sign. A video of a similarly sized roundabout, as well as background materials about this project, is available at https://itdprojects.org/pocatelloave_i86b.

Construction is expected to begin in 2022.