Memorial Drive remodel to soon begin

A major project in Idaho Falls is less than 48 hours away from commencing.

A total makeover of Memorial Drive downtown is set to begin over the weekend.

“All of the parking on Memorial Drive will disappear on Sunday, July 8,” said Kent Fugal, city engineer.

Memorial Drive downtown is a fairly busy street. With parking spots available between the greenbelt and downtown businesses disappearing, city engineers said drivers will have to look elsewhere to park their cars.

“We’ve provided some additional on street all-day parking on D Street as well,” said Fugal.

Engineers said for a little more than $3 million, the city will be home to a new and improved Memorial Drive.

During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. The good news? The road will be completely open to travelers during the daytime hours Monday through Saturday.

“We’re going to be able to add considerably to the green space around the greenbelt with the narrowing of the roadway,” said Fugal. “The other thing I’m excited about is the reconstruction with the roundabout that’s proposed at that location.”

City officials said one of the biggest misconceptions, though, is that there will be fewer parking spots around the downtown area.

In fact, more parking opportunities have been opened up — they may just be less convenient.

Construction begins at 5 p.m. on Sunday and the plan is to have parking on Memorial Drive restored by late October or early November.

For a detailed map of allowed parking areas, visit http://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/