ITD starting I-15 construction projects
The winter left behind some serious damage to roads, especially well-traveled sections of I-15. This summer and fall, the Idaho Transportation Department will be working to repair several sections of the interstate. On Thursday, ITD representatives spoke about the upcoming projects.
The Federal Highway Administration reports that in 2014, distracted driving caused 16 percent of fatal crashes in work zones. Another 29 percent were caused by speeding. So with construction season starting, ITD wants to remind drivers to be careful.
“We’re trying to get a message out now to alert drivers that we’re having a lot of construction this year and that work zone safety is important,” said Dan Harelson, engineering manager with ITD.
Harelson said people don’t pay attention to road signs or to speed limits that have changed because of construction. He said people are often distracted, by phones or otherwise.
“”Sometimes we’ll have congestion because people are looking at the activities and you got to watch the traffic so you don’t rear end the traffic ahead of you,” he said.
ITD wants to remind drivers to go slow in construction zones, allow plenty of extra travel time for construction, and obey the road signs. That way you don’t end up hurting yourself or a crew member.
There will be nine major I-15 projects happening this season. Harelson said it will be spending $50 million in projects this year, the average year is only $5 to $10 million. Projects range from McAmmon to near the Utah border to the Montana border. Projects will be ongoing from April through mid-October. The first major project will start Apr. 17.
One project will be repairing approximately eight miles of I-15 from the Lava Beds to the Bonneville County Line. The road surface is cracked and deteriorating and needs to be replaced. Sections of the guardrail will also be upgraded, slopes in the median will be flattened, and clearance under four bridges will be improved. Those bridges are Base Line Road, River Road, 1500 N/Woodville Road and 700 N/Woodville Church Road.
Another project is resurfacing about six miles of the interstate from Fort Hall-Pocatello boundary to Burns Road north of Pocatello. ITD will upgrade the guardrail and improve clearance in several sections.
A third project is rehabilitating several I-15 bridges in Pocatello. This includes repair and prevention of deterioration as well as some new signage. The bridges are located at South 5th Avenue, Barton Road, Terry Street and Pocatello Creek Road.
Another section of resurfacing is about seven miles from Arimo to McCammon. Another project is maintenance work on Inkom bridges at the South Inkom Interchange overpass and Rapid Creek bridge. Both of these were built in the 60s and are showing signs of wear.
More projects include the following areas: Sand Road to South Blackfoot Interchange, Idaho Falls bridges, Osgood Ramp exit, and Spencer to the Montana state line.
In all projects, lanes may be reduced to one lane. Speed limits will be reduced and some ramps or shoulders may be closed.
To receive construction updates, you can call call 208-239-3377, text INTERSTATE15 to 22828, or email i-15construction@itd.idaho.gov.
You can also visit ITD’s website for updates and information.
