Tree removal efforts will resume Monday on State Highway 55 between Banks and Horseshoe Bend to make it safer for drivers and improve overall forest health. Travelers should plan for 30-minute delays as crews cut down dead and dying trees on the highway between mileposts 72 and 79.
Crews will be on site each weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the next several weeks. No work will take place on Fridays or weekends.
This phase of tree removal has been contracted with Falling Timber Enterprise, LLC. Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) workers will provide traffic control and clean up the trees.
“We hope to cut down up to 100 trees on SH-55 with this phase,” Operations Field Manager Eric Copeland said. “Impacts will be very similar to the work we completed in this same area in July.”
ITD anticipates preparing another contract in the future to thin trees in the Smiths Ferry area.
Travelers are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov for any delays before leaving.