When it comes to local infrastructure projects, the show must go on. In these evolving times, transitioning to a career in the essential industry of heavy highway construction has never looked so appealing!
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is pleased to announce a new 4-6 week custom training program slated for August 2020. The selected twenty applicants will receive a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a Level 1 certification as a Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO), and more.
Much like an NFL Combine or Spring Training, contractors will be invited at the conclusion of the training to meet ITD’s trainees and watch firsthand as they operate tractor-trailers and heavy construction equipment in a safe and controlled environment. If the contractor likes what they see, they are welcome to hire new employees on the spot.
ITD’s Office of Civil Rights will be accepting applications and resumes from Friday June 12 – Friday July 10, 2020.
Send the completed application and a resume to Jasmine Platt, Contract Compliance Officer by email at civilrights@itd.idaho.gov, by picture message at 208-954-2053, or by mail at:
Idaho Transportation Department
ATTN: Jasmine Platt
P.O. Box 7129 Boise, ID 83707-1129
Applicants must be over the age of 21, hold a valid driver’s license with at least one year of driving experience, and must be able to pass a drug screening and DOT physical. No construction experience is necessary. ITD is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants regardless of experience may apply. Women and minorities especially encouraged to apply.
WHAT: CDL and HEO Level 1 Training
WHEN: August 2020
WHERE: Treasure Valley (exact location TBD depending on training vendor)
Construction is expected to begin south of Burley on Monday (June 8) at the intersection of Idaho Highway 27, West 600 South and South Pole Line Road.
“This safety improvement will widen the roadway and provide designated left turn lanes for motorists traveling on the highway,” said ITD Project Manager Brock Dillé. “It will also increase mobility in the area with through traffic no longer needing to slow down for vehicles making turns onto the adjacent roadways.”
During construction, traffic will be reduced to a single lane and guided by flaggers or temporary signals. Work is expected to continue until mid-July.
Motorists should anticipate minor delays and may encounter some access closures to county roads. Drivers are encouraged to consider another route while work on this project is underway.
The general contractor is Idaho Materials and Construction.
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.
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
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.
As early as Feb. 15, traffic will shift on US-93 between 200 S Road and 300 S Road in Jerome County. This is part of the 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 determined it would be best to build two temporary roadway diversions for this project,” said ITD South-central Idaho Project Manager Sam Purser. “This will allow traffic to continue moving through the area while construction is underway.”
Both northbound and southbound traffic will utilize these temporary roadways. Construction signage, candlesticks, and barrels will be in place to safely direct those traveling through the area.
Drivers can expect reduced speeds of 25 mph in the work zone. Motorists 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.
The west side intersection of US-93 and 200 South Road in Jerome County will be closed starting Monday of next week (Dec. 16). This closure will allow utilities work to occur in the area. Work is expected to be completed within the week.
Motorists will need to utilize 100 South Road or 300 South Road while this closure is in place. Drivers should be aware of crews and equipment while traveling through the area. US-93 will remain fully open during this time.
This work is in connection with the larger US-93, 200 South Road project, which will widen the existing roadway to four lanes.
“This project will improve safety at the US-93/200 South intersection for both passenger and commercial vehicles,” said ITD Project Manager Sam 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.
Underway since May 2018, substantial progress has been made on the Interstate 84/86 Salt Lake City Interchange in Cassia County. With this project, the Idaho Transportation Department is replacing the old interchange with a new structure that will meet current standards and provide a better driving experience for motorists.
“This is a vital travel and commerce corridor for not only this area, but for the entire state,” said ITD Project Manager Travis Hitchcock. “Our goal is to construct an interchange that will serve motorists for many years to come.”
As work proceeds, drivers should anticipate a continuation of reduced speeds and changing traffic patterns through the work zone.
“There will be varying detours over the next several months as work on specific portions of the structure occurs,” stated ITD Project Inspector Jack Kelly. “It’s important that motorists not follow their GPS but instead pay close attention to signage which is in place to safely direct motorists through the area.”
Construction is scheduled to finish by late 2020.
Wadsworth Brothers Construction, of Draper, Utah is the prime contractor on this project.
