City officials honor contractors involved in 17th Street and Woodruff construction project
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Elected officials and the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce commemorated all the hard work throughout the summer during one of the biggest construction projects in the area at the 17th Street and Woodruff intersection during a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning.
While the projects may have affected commutes and businesses near the intersection, the city is grateful for everyone's support.
Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper emphasized the importance of this project at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
"It means a safer intersection, one where there's going to be less congestion," Casper said. "Tempers won't flare. If you're sitting in your car, you won't have to sit through two cycles of a of a stoplight. We have dedicated right and left turn lanes, which are much safer and much more efficient. New traffic signals, all of those things help with the flow of traffic. So it's a great thing and it's a response to growth, but it's also a response to the need for safety."
According to an Idaho Falls press release, the improvements to the 17th Street and Woodruff Avenue intersection were necessary due to population growth resulting in the intersection operating at over capacity levels during peak hours, with motorists experiencing delays of more than 1.5 minutes. Forecasted traffic flow data showed a 30% increase in demand, resulting in a 2.5 to 4-minute delay by the year 2040 without intersection improvements.
The improvements included an additional left turn lane and a dedicated right turn lane on each intersection approach, as well as updates to waterlines, curb, gutter, landscaping and the traffic signal. Concrete medians were added to restrict left turns and reduce traffic accidents. Idaho Falls Power removed power poles and ran the existing fiber and power lines underground.
To date, the total cost of the project approaches $7 million. Federal funding was used to complete this project.
