Beginning Monday, September 18, and continuing through Thursday, September 21, the Idaho Transportation Department will replace old signal cabinets in Soda Springs. The cabinets control the operation of the lights and are more than 30 years old.
Cabinets will be replaced at the following intersections:
- Hooper Avenue and Third East Street
- Second South Street (U.S. Highway 30) and Third East Street
- Second South Street (US-30) and Main Street.
Replacements are expected to take one day per signal, during which signal heads will be covered and stop signs placed to guide motorists. Stop signs will not be used on US-30 to keep highway traffic flowing.
When complete the signals will operate very similar to before, but a flashing yellow arrow will be available to allow drivers to make additional left turns. The flashing arrow indicates motorists turning left should yield to oncoming traffic until it is safe to turn.
Travelers are reminded to know before they go and check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app for traffic impacts.
SHOSHONE – Construction work resumed today on US-30 Heyburn Bridge over the Snake River. The epoxy overlay repair is expected to be completed by early June. Motorists can expect lane restrictions during construction and are advised to slow down.
ITD, Idaho State Police, and local law enforcement caution motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.
POCATELLO – At approximately 6:30 pm on Tuesday a mud slide necessitated the closure of SH-36 between Ovid and Preston. Continued warming temperatures resulted in two more slides in the area. As of 2:30 pm Wednesday the highway remains closed north of Mink Creek.
ITD crews are working to clear ditch and culverts to help the spring runoff waters move away from the highway. However, the safety of the travelling public is the primary concern and the road will remain closed until engineers are confident the roadway is safe.
To travel between Preston and Montpelier motorists can detour via SH-34 and US-30.
As Idaho enters the late spring, this winter’s heavy precipitation in the Franklin, Caribou, and Bear Lake Counties presents a significant chance of flooding. Motorists need to be aware of local conditions and not drive through water running over the roadways.
To get the latest updates on road conditions and closures, please check 511.idaho.gov or download the 511 app.
Work is expected to begin Monday (June 13) on the U.S. Highway 30 Heyburn Bridge over the Snake River. In the coming weeks, crews will apply a sealing treatment to the driving surface to extend the life of the bridge.
“Besides protecting the surface from water and other elements, bridge joints that allow the bridge to expand and contract with the weather will also be replaced as part of this project,” ITD Project Manager Bruce Christensen said.
Construction is expected to occur Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Occasional work may occur on Saturdays as needed.
While work is underway, lane restrictions will be in place. Adjustments to the traffic signal on the north side of the bridge may also be needed during construction.
“We will work with our contractor to make adjustments to our work schedule and traffic control as necessary,” Christensen stated.
Motorists are advised to slow down, watch for signs and use caution when traveling through the area. Drivers should plan ahead and expect delays.
Cannon Builders is the prime contractor on this project that is expected to be complete this summer.
Weather permitting, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin seal coating the road surface of several regional rest areas next week to preserve the pavement and provide better traction for motorists.
“Over the next three weeks, we will seal coat four different rest area locations on our state routes,” said ITD South-central Idaho Project Manager Sam Purser. “This will improve the area for travelers who use these facilities.”
While work is underway, the rest areas will be temporarily closed. Electronic message boards and barricades will be in place to notify traveling motorists. A list of anticipated closure dates for each location is as follows:
- July 21-22: Timmerman Rest Area (Junction of Idaho Highway 75 and US-20), south of Bellevue
- July 28-30: Bliss Rest Areas (Interstate 84), west of Bliss
- July 30-31: Hagerman Rest Area (US-30), south of Hagerman
- August 3-5: Cotterel Rest Areas (Interstate 84), north of Sublett
“In addition to the rest area parking lots, we will also be seal coating the on and off ramps and various short portions of I-84,” stated Purser.
Seal coating is a surface treatment performed during the summer months to preserve and extend the life of Idaho’s roadways by applying a layer of oil and rock chips. It also provides a skid-resistant surface for better vehicle traction.
The process requires hot temperatures and dry weather for rocks to properly adhere to the oil.
Rock chips placed during seal coats have potential to cause windshield damage so drivers are cautioned to slow down when traveling to and from these facilities. Motorcyclists are also encouraged to exercise extreme caution when traveling through these areas.
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.
Next Wednesday and Thursday (Oct. 30 & 31) the Idaho Transportation Department is planning to place a bridge deck on the newly constructed Salmon Falls Creek Bridge near Banbury Hot Springs in Twin Falls County.
“While the deck is being placed, motorists will encounter longer than normal delays,” says ITD Project Manager Kenny Lively. “Although most construction delays have been minimal, this upcoming work could result in wait times upwards of 30-40 minutes. As such, we are recommending motorists utilize an alternate route during these days.”
Weather permitting, placement of the deck is expected to take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. In the mornings and evenings, when work is not underway, the area will be open to single lane traffic with a temporary traffic signal in place.
This is part of a larger bridge replacement project that has been underway since June of this year. When completed, the new structure will be both wider and longer – accommodating two 12-foot lanes in each direction, and incorporating a new left-turn lane as well.
Construction on the project is expected to be complete by early summer of next year.
The general contractor is RSCI from Boise.
Work is expected to begin Monday, June 10 on Salmon Falls Creek Bridge near Banbury Hot Springs in Twin Falls County. During construction, ITD will replace the US-30 bridge structure, rebuild approaches, and replace associated guardrail. Construction on the project is expected to be complete by next spring.
The current bridge has exceeded its life expectancy. The new structure will be both wider and longer – accommodating two 12-foot lanes in each direction. A left-turn lane will also be added as part of this project.
Traffic on this section of US-30 will be reduced to one lane through the work zone with a temporary traffic signal in place. Motorists may encounter minor delays and are cautioned to watch for crews during working hours – Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The general contractor is RSCI from Boise.
