ITD expedites Thornton overpass project
A new US Highway 20 interchange near Thornton in Madison County is now expected to begin in 2017. The $16.9 million estimated project will be built near 4700 South or Smith Road. Until now, there had been no established construction schedule for the project.
The project was expedited as part of a resolution approved by the Idaho Transportation Board Thursday that will move approximately $180 million of highway construction projects forward.
Board Chairman Jerry Whitehead said, “With low interest rates, the need to improve safety, grow the economy through construction jobs, remove bottlenecks to commerce and improve traffic flow, the board decided unanimously to advance these projects.” He said the state would do that through department efficiencies, cost savings, and cash management. The board also decided to issue GARVEE bonds totaling $80 million.
The Thornton overpass project is one of two in eastern Idaho that will be affected by the action. The other will add a turn lane on Idaho 39 at Thomas Lane west of Blackfoot. Construction of the $500 thousand project was scheduled for 2016, but will now begin in 2014.
