RIGBY – Beginning Wednesday the Idaho Transportation Department will be scaling rock on SH-75 between Challis and Clayton. Rock scaling is the safe removal of loose rock from the face of a mountain or hill to ensure it does not fall on the roadway.
Contractor Rock Supremacy will be working at four different sites over the next two weeks. Work will occur Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The four sites are:
MP 231.45 to 231.52 Site one: ~1-days
MP 231.66 to 231.75 Site two: ~3-days
MP 235.05 to 235.24 Site three: ~3-days
MP 236.67 to 236.76 Site four: ~4-days
During operations motorists should expect up to 20-minute delays. Drivers are encouraged to check road conditions on 511.idaho.gov
Weather dependent, work is expected to begin next week (March 8) on State Highway 75 north of Hailey. Construction for this project will be divided into two phases with initial work focusing on updates to pedestrian ramps and reconstruction of a section of the roadway.
“The first phase of this project will take place over the coming month and involve the reconstruction of sidewalks and pedestrian ramps at McKercher Boulevard and E Fork Road to bring them into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards,” said ITD South-central Idaho Project Manager Brock Dillé. “We will also reconstruct a portion of SH-75 near the Big Wood River Bridge to improve ride quality.”
While work is underway, lane restrictions will be in place with signs present to direct motorists through the work zone.
Once initial work is complete, crews will transition to the second phase of construction, which will involve rehabilitation of SH-75 from Cobblestone Lane to Timber Way. Additional information regarding rehabilitation efforts and traffic impacts associated with the second phase will be provided closer to that work beginning.
“We advise drivers to use caution and watch for workers and heavy equipment when traveling through the work zone,” stated Dillé. “We will be working to minimize impacts throughout this project and appreciate the patience of motorists as they travel through the area.”
Western Construction is the primary contractor on this project which is expected to be completed in May.
Widening of the highway is expected to begin next week at the intersection of State Highway 75 and Ohio Gulch Road north of Hailey. A contractor for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will construct a right turn bay on SH-75 for northbound traffic turning onto Ohio Gulch Road.
In addition to the turn bay, crews will also construct a northbound acceleration lane for motorists merging onto SH-75 from Ohio Gulch Road.
“This work and the recent changes in the area are part of a larger project that will rehabilitate 5.7 miles of the roadway from McKercher Boulevard to East Fork Road next spring,” said ITD District Engineer Jesse Barrus.
While construction is underway, northbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane. Motorists are advised to slow down and watch for workers and heavy equipment along the highway.
“Weather permitting, work is expected to be complete prior to Thanksgiving,” stated Barrus. “We appreciate the patience of community members while we make these improvements.”
