Construction work at the intersection of U.S. Highway 26 (Yellowstone) and Anderson/Lincoln Road in Idaho Falls begins this weekend and will continue June 8-9. Anderson/Lincoln will be closed to through traffic and no left turns will be allowed off Yellowstone. Roads will re-open and traffic resume as normal on Sunday night both weekends. The intersection was also a work zone last year and was unable to be successfully completed with the onset of winter weather.
The City of Idaho Falls requested that the Idaho Transportation Department arrange to have work done over weekend time frames to affect the fewest commuting drivers. ITD is working with the contractor to ensure the most minimal impact while fully completing improvements at the intersection. It is the project goal to complete one half of the work this weekend on June 1-2, and the other half over June 8-9 to ensure the least amount of closure and detours possible. Any changes to that schedule will be communicated if necessary.
Motorists will see the current road surface being milled up and removed to put stronger asphalt in place. Stone matrix asphalt (SMA), a newer construction alternative than the concrete previously used at this intersection, will be laid in solid segments to avoid weak joints and give the new section of road as much as a 20-year life cycle.
Remember to use caution and be patient through construction zones as the Idaho Transportation Department and our contractor partners work to make the road better for the future. Stay up to date on status of this project and others by visiting 511.idaho.gov, calling 5-1-1 or downloading the app.