$111.9 million Contract Awarded for Pocatello System Interchange

Overhead view of interchange — Westbound traffic from Pocatello Creek Road will pass under I-15 to merge with I-86.

POCATELLO – The Idaho Transportation Department has accepted a $111.9 million winning bid by Sundt-Cannon, a joint venture, to rebuild the I-86/I-15 system interchange at Pocatello. Work is scheduled to begin mid-July and will continue for approximately three years as the interchange undergoes modernization.

The old interchange was built in the mid-1960s and the aging and obsolete bridges need to be replaced. In addition, Pocatello and Chubbuck have grown significantly to the north of I-86 and east of I-15. Through traffic has also increased resulting in more congestion in the interchange.

Currently, a particularly challenging spot for drivers travelling west toward Chubbuck from the Pocatello Creek onramp. “Drivers have just 2,400 feet to move from the right lane to the far left lane to exit to I-86. This results in difficult maneuvers,” said District Engineer Todd Hubbard.

To eliminate this problem the new design will allow through traffic travelling north toward Idaho Falls to remain in a left lane. Motorists entering the freeway northbound from Pocatello Creek can continue north to merge with northbound traffic or they can merge with westbound traffic passing under a bridge to head toward Chubbuck. “This also eliminates traffic merging from the left coming from Chubbuck. That’s important because drivers expect merging traffic to come from the right,” said Co-Project Manager, Zak Johnson.

Construction will also include a significant change for Chubbuck Road. Currently the road passes over I-15 and has limited accommodation for bicyclists and pedestrians traveling toward the Wellness Complex. The new design makes Chubbuck Road into an underpass with sidewalk and bicycle lanes.

In addition, a north-south bicycle and pedestrian pathway is planned to help facilitate linking Pocatello Creek Road with the Portneuf Wellness Complex. This was designed in coordination with the Greenway Foundation. “Bicycle and pedestrian access to the Highland area was something the community saw as very important,” said Co-Project Manager, Greg Roberts.

The joint venture of Sundt Construction from Utah and Cannon Builders from Blackfoot is currently reviewing the project design and preparing a work schedule. Some equipment may be moved into position prior to the mid-July construction start date.

Motorists are encouraged to watch this I-86/I-15 Interchange overview video to understand how the new design will function. During construction it is important that drivers follow signage, slow down, and exercise caution.

Additional information will be posted as the project progress on the ITD I-86/I-15 System Interchange project page.

This project is partially funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build.

Overhead view of new Chubbuck Road underpass — The new design changes Chubbuck Road into an underpass with additional space for pedestrians and bicycle lanes.

Aerial survey to begin this week near Twin Falls

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin aerial surveys this week north of Twin Falls. The surveys are preliminary work related to an upcoming study that will look further into the feasibility of a potential future Snake River crossing in the region.

Surveyors will work at several locations in the area.

Part of the work will require crews to paint ground targets on city streets. The targets will serve as reference points and provide an elevation and location to compare with all gathered survey points.

“Targets will be placed on Bridgeview Boulevard near Sportsman’s Warehouse, Cheney Drive near WinCo, and Candleridge Drive east of Eastland Drive,” explained ITD Project Manager Nathan Jerke. “The paint will not conflict with any other roadway striping and will wear off the road surface over time.”

Short-term lane closures will be in place while crews place the targets on the roadway and complete other minor tasks. No major traffic impacts are anticipated.

Weather permitting, survey work is expected to be complete within two weeks.

Construction underway on State Highway 21 widening project in Boise

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has started construction to widen State Highway 21 between Technology Way and Surprise Way in Boise.

The project began Monday, May 16 and is expected to finish in late July. Planned improvements include a new center turn lane, wider shoulders, and dedicated right turn lanes at the intersections of Grand Forest Drive, Lake Forest Drive, Old Oregon Trail Road, and Surprise Way. An acceleration lane will also be installed for traffic turning onto southbound SH-21 from Surprise Way. When complete, this stretch of highway will feature two 12-foot wide travel lanes, a 14-foot center turn lane, and 6-foot shoulders.

Construction will begin on the south side of the highway. When paving is done, traffic will shift to the new pavement as crews complete paving on the north side of the road.

The anticipated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with work pausing on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and July 5.

Motorists should plan for reduced speeds through the construction zone, traffic shifts, and periodic delays with flaggers directing traffic. Access will be maintained to all neighborhoods throughout the project. ITD and the Idaho State Police urge motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Please plan ahead and visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.

For more information and project updates, visit itdprojects.org.

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.

Public invited to review alternatives for US-20 improvements from Ashton to Idaho State Highway 87

RIGBY — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host two public meetings to share information about its Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study and alternatives examining ways to modernize, improve safety, and reduce congestion on US-20 between Ashton and the SH-87 junction. ITD intends to adopt the findings of the PEL study into a future federal environmental clearance process.

The purpose of these meetings is to share alternatives developed from public workshops and the results of the screening committee. ITD will gather public comment on alternatives moving forward including concerns about environmental impacts. Information on access management strategies and opportunities for multi-use crossings along the corridor will also be shared. The public has two opportunities to participate. Both meetings will share the same information.

May 25, 2022,
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Island Park EMS Building
4378 County Circle
Island Park, ID 83429

May 26, 2022
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ashton Community Center and Library
925 Main Street
Ashton, ID 83420

Increasing traffic is causing congestion and crashes. Improvements are needed to maintain a safe roadway, meet driver expectations, and provide a reliable connection to adjacent communities, Yellowstone National Park, and the region.

Using technical data and input gathered at public meetings in October and December 2021, the project team developed dozens of alternatives that have been evaluated against a range of criteria, including safety, capacity, and environmental impacts to identify the most promising alternatives for additional consideration.

Both meetings will be held in an open house format. Please stop by any time from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For those who can’t attend in person, an online meeting will be available from May 26 through June 9 at itdprojects.org/projects/us-20-ashton-to-sh-87-jct/

The comment period will remain open until June 9, 2022.

Public open house planned May 24 for US-20/26 Chinden West corridor improvements

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites the public to learn more about the future widening of U.S. Highway 20/26 between Middleton Road and Star Road.

ITD will host an open house on Tuesday, May 24 to share preliminary design plans and gather feedback on proposed improvements to this heavily traveled section of US-20/26.

This project will widen the highway and improve intersections to enhance safety and mobility for all users of the transportation system, including nearby residents, businesses, commuters, and freight carriers.

The public is encouraged to attend the drop-in style open house, share input on the plans, and meet members of the project team.

Tuesday, May 24, 2022
5-7 p.m.
Middleton United Methodist Church
104 E. Main Street (State Highway 44)
Middleton, ID

All materials provided at the open house will also be available online at itdprojects.org/chindenwest beginning May 25, for those who can’t attend in person. Comments will be accepted through June 7.

The design of this project is funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of the Leading Idaho TECM Program. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address Idaho’s rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build. Funding for the next phase of work will be determined when the project progresses to that stage.

To learn more about the project and sign up for email updates, visit itdprojects.org/chindenwest.

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.

ITD Preparing Projects on I-86 Through Power County

AMERICAN FALLS – The Idaho Transportation Department is beginning the summer work schedule with several projects in the I-86 corridor through Power County. These projects include repairing the Rockland Exit 36 bridge, repairing the Sunbeam and Seagull Bay bridges, and a pavement preservation project along I-86 through Power County.

The Rockland Interchange repair is scheduled to begin in June and will consist of surface repairs, girder repairs, and the installation of a new waterproof membrane for the deck. Motorists should expect some delays.

The Sunbeam and Seagull Bay bridge repairs are scheduled to begin in early August. Both will undergo surface repairs and new concrete overlays. During construction, traffic will be moved to one side of the interstate via crossovers and slowed through the construction area. Motorists should expect some detours during this project.

The pavement preservation project will consist of a micro-seal application which is intended to extend the lifespan of the pavement. ITD currently plans to perform this work after the bridge repair projects are completed. The micro-seal application is scheduled to be completed by the end of September. During work there will be lane closures and reduced speeds in work zones.

Drivers are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app for the latest updates on construction and road conditions.

Blasting begins tomorrow on US-95 south of Culdesac

Update as of May 11: The blast has been rescheduled for next week. Up to three blasts are expected in the next two weeks, with each lasting up to one hour.

The first blast of the season is expected to close U.S. Highway 95 south of Culdesac for up to one hour starting 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Blasting this spring will make room for a new passing lane for southbound drivers. Blasts will generally be timed to avoid peak travel times and require a one-hour closure.

“We are expecting more blasting this month, but the schedule will be sporadic,” Resident Engineer Curtis Arnzen said. “Generally, there will be less blasting this year compared to previous work in the canyon.”

Construction this year will add 2.3 miles of passing lane and is part of a series of projects to add an 11-mile passing lane in Culdesac Canyon.

Crews will also replace the culvert for Rock Creek. For most of construction, drivers can expect all existing lanes to remain open. The contractor may reduce the highway to one lane at night.

Download a corridor fact sheet.

Drivers should pay attention to signs in the work zone to learn about the timing of the next blast or check 511.idaho.gov. Work is scheduled to end by early November.