Trust fund shortfall delays Idaho Falls project

A construction project on Pancheri Drive, between Skyline Drive and Bellin Road has been put on hold. The Idaho Falls Public Works Division said the delay was caused by a funding gap in the Federal Highway Trust Fund which delayed federal reimbursements to the state of Idaho.

Idaho Falls public works division completed design work a couple of months ago and is awaiting approval by the Idaho Transportation Department. The city will not be allowed to advertise for bids until the suspension is lifted.

City officials had hoped to coordinate the project with the Eagle Rock Junior High School and Skyline High School calendar to reduce the construction impact. Now, the city says, that will no longer be an option this construction year.

The project includes widening Pancheri Drive from Skyline Drive to Bellin Road to five lanes and installing three pedestrian activated signals to better accommodate pedestrian traffic in between the two schools.