Construction on Thornton intersection begins Monday

A total of 144 people have been injured in more than 80 crashes at the Thornton intersection. The Idaho Transportation Department starts its work on a new overpass in the area Monday . ITD officials hope the overpass will decrease accidents in the area.

Three people died near the Thornton intersection in 2015. The Idaho Transportation Department says it thinks the problem is because the intersection is at the same level as Highway 20. Construction begins Monday morning on the $20 million overpass project.

4985 S., the Thornton intersection on either side of Highway 20 will shut down. River Bridge Road toward Archer and Lyman near Bear World will also close, as will 3800 South Burton Road, which leads to Lone Pine Nursery will be closed.

Lanes will merge to one lane and construction speed drops to 35 miles per hour.

Alternate routes to U.S. 20 will go through Rexburg Exit 332 toward BYU-Idaho, Menan Exit 325, or Rigby Exit 322.

The Transportation Department asks motorists to slow down, follow traffic signs, and be aware of other traffic when traveling through the area.

For interactive maps of the closures and alternate routes, click here.