Memorial Dr. construction bid in, gridlock not expected during project

A major project in Idaho Falls will be a step closer to reality after a city council meeting on Thursday night.

The winning bid for a total overhaul of Memorial Drive downtown is set for approval.

“We do need to get started as quickly as we can to be able to get done on time,” said city engineer Kent Fugal.

Fugal said the winning bid for the project was offered by HK Contractors and came in at just over $3 million.

“For this size of project, that is a very close bid,” said Fugal. “There was very competitive bidding for the project.”

He said the difference between the winning bid, and the next lowest bid was about $35,000.

City council is expected to approve the $3 million dollar bid in a meeting on Thursday night. It is good news for folks who’ve been wondering when the work will start.

There’s also a clearer picture of how the project might affect traffic.

“We are intending to keep Memorial Dr. open to traffic through the day time hours Monday through Saturday,” said Fugel.

Fugal said Memorial will only be closed at night, and on Sundays. He also said there’s still a lot to do.

Contractors and the city must secure erosion control and storm drainage permits from the environmental protection agency.

“A big focus between us and the contractor, as soon as the project is awarded, is that we need to get going on getting everything filed with the EPA,” he said. “So that we can start construction as planned.”

The city has projected a July 9 start date, and Fugal said the project is on track.

The city will host a public meeting to discuss the Memorial Drive and D-Street underpass projects. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 27 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the City Hall Annex in Idaho Falls.