On Monday, Sept. 27, a specialized crew will begin scaling operations along US-93 between Salmon and Challis. This work occurs regularly throughout Eastern Idaho to remove loose rock along the canyon wall that has a potential to fall onto the highway and create a hazard for motorists.
“Beginning next week and continuing through October, a team of five specialists will rappel down selected slopes to assess the area and dislodge rocks that may pose a danger,” ITD Geologist Shawn Enright said.
Scaling will occur Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the safety of motorists, the roadway will be closed to traffic for up to 20 minutes at a time while work is underway. Drivers are advised to watch for flaggers who will be present to direct traffic through the work zone.
If necessary, emergency vehicles will be allowed to travel through active scaling areas once crews determine it is safe to do so.
Work will start north of Salmon and progress toward Challis. The following six locations will be addressed with this project:
- US-93 milepost 314.5 to 314.85
- US-93 milepost 286.55 to 286.7
- US-93 milepost 274.75 to 275.2
- US-93 milepost 259.91 to 259.94
- US-93 milepost 259.05 to 259.2
- US-93 milepost 252.8 to 252.9
“Since we began this work in 2005 we have noticed a substantial reduction in rock fall along our highways,” Enright stated. “Reducing unplanned rock fall allows our maintenance crews to focus on other activities throughout the year and, more importantly, it provides for a safer roadway for motorists.”
Construction is expected to begin Tuesday (June 1) on a pavement restoration project near Shoshone. Throughout the summer, crews will rehabilitate the base and resurface the roadway to provide a smoother and safer driving experience for motorists.
“We will begin work on the east side of Shoshone and then continue toward Marley for approximately 12 miles,” ITD Project Manager Tom Logan stated. “This project will use a combination of new and existing roadway materials to stabilize and extend the life of the highway.”
The E 20 North intersection will also be reconstructed as part of this project to improve safety and curves will be upgraded and realigned to meet current standards where necessary.
While crews are on site, the roadway will be reduced to a single lane – Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the possibility of some work occurring on Saturdays. Flaggers and pilot cars will be present to direct traffic through the work zone. Motorists are advised to slow down and watch for workers and heavy equipment in the area.
Knife River Corporation is the primary contractor on this $7 million project that is expected to be complete in September.
Traffic flow is expected to change as early as Friday, June 19 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 later this week,” said ITD South-central Idaho Project Manager Sam Purser. “While these signals are in place, crews will tie the newly constructed northbound lanes into the existing highway.”
Temporary signals will be utilized for approximately three to four weeks.
“We are not anticipating any additional intersection closures at this time,” stated Purser. “If we find closures are necessary for safety of the traveling public, we will implement them accordingly.”
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
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 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.
Motorists traveling on US-93 south of Shoshone next week will encounter a change in traffic pattern as newly constructed climbing lanes open for use. The new lanes are expected to open on Tuesday (Nov. 5).
“The addition of these climbing lanes will allow drivers to safely pass slower vehicles that may be traveling along the elevated stretch of roadway,” said south-central Idaho project coordinator Kenny Lively. “These new lanes will improve safety in the corridor for both commercial and passenger vehicles.”
Since May of this year, the Idaho Transportation Department has been constructing a divided highway with approximately three miles of northbound and southbound lanes near Notch Butte.
Portable message signs have been added on US-93 alerting drivers of the upcoming change in pattern. Motorists should pay attention while driving through this area as they become familiar with navigating the new roadway.
