Hitt Road’s development getting down to the wire

In preparation of Cabela’s and several other “big-box” stores, Idaho Falls and Ammon are scrambling to get construction plans together for a half-mile stretch of Hitt Road South of Sunnyside Road.

The stretch of road would need to be widened, affecting the power pole lines along Hitt Road. Also, the intersection of Hitt and Sunnyside would also be redesigned.

With Cabela’s opening next spring, the City of Idaho Falls wants the road construction to be completed by Nov. 20. At a city council work session Monday, council members voted on a proposal that will be given to the City of Ammon. To date, no firm payment agreement is in place between the cities.

The total construction cost is estimated to be $3.5 million. The City of Idaho Falls has proposed that the cost of the intersection and road improvements be split, with Ammon paying any premiums or additional costs. Idaho Falls would likely have to use funds from the general fund reserve. Sharon Parry was the only one to vote against the proposal, because of the funding.

Council President Michael Lehto said the project would typically be a two-year process, but it will instead be squeezed into the next six months.

“Moving the power pole lines is a big part of it, the redesign of that intersection getting the rights of way to put in those acceleration lanes, those deceleration lanes, and then just building the road,” said Lehto.

The City of Idaho Falls will need a response from Ammon by Thursday night.