Major I-15 road construction starts this month
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IDAHO FALLS — A number of major road construction projects are getting underway along Interstate 15 in eastern Idaho.
The Idaho Department of Transportation has announced nine construction projects that will be started between spring and fall 2017. The projects include 44 miles of pavement resurfacing in various locations between the Montana and Utah border.
Additionally, ITD will be fixing deteriorating concrete and guardrails on bridges, adjusting bridge clearance and replacing sign structures, according to a news release.
The department plans to invest $95 million into the I-15 improvements in 2017 and 2018, and construction is expected to continue for the next several years.
The projects
Starting spring 2017
- Lava Beds to Bonneville County line project: A resurfacing of 8 miles of I-15, upgrading guardrails and increasing clearance under bridges. The project is expected to be completed in the summer.
- Fort Hall to Burns Road resurfacing: A resurfacing of 6 miles of I-15, upgrading guardrail and repairing two bridges. The project is expected to be completed in the fall.
- Pocatello bridges: Rehabilitate six bridges on I-15 in Pocatello and upgrade the guardrail. The project is expected to be completed in the summer.
- Inkom bridge maintenance: Rehabilitate four I-15 bridges in Inkom and upgrade the guardrail. The project is expected to be completed in the fall.
- Arimo to McCammon: A resurfacing of seven miles of I-15 and upgrading guardrails. To be completed this summer.
Starting summer 2017
- Spencer to Montana state line: A resurfacing project of 15 miles of I-15 from Spencer to the Montana border. To be completed in the fall.
- Osgood exit ramps: Resurfacing the ramps at the Osgood interchange. To be completed in the fall.
- Idaho Falls bridges: Resurfacing bridges on I-15 in Idaho Falls and upgrading guardrail. To be completed in the fall.
Starting fall 2017
- Sand Road to South Blackfoot interchange: No details have been announced, but the projected is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2018.
Be safe
ITD is reminding drivers to slow down and put away distractions — for their safety and that of the construction workers.
“Safety is our highest priority at ITD,” ITD District 5 Engineering Manager Dan Harelson said in a news release. “Our message to motorists during I-15 construction is to plan extra time to drive through the area, slow down and pay attention to signage.”
The Federal Highway Administration reported that in 2014, distracted driving was a factor in 16 percent of fatal crashes in work zones. Speeding was a factor in 29 percent of crashes, according to the news release.
“Our crews will often be working near live traffic during construction. It is so important for motorists to drive with caution and watch for new traffic patterns in the work zone,” said Matt Abrams of Knife River Construction.
Knife River is the contractor for the I-15, Fort Hall to Burns Road project, which is scheduled to begin in mid-April.
ITD will continue to update the community as the I-15 projects begin. To sign up for text notices about I-15 construction, text INTERSTATE15 to 22828.
Details also will be posted to www.itd.idaho.gov/I-15construction.
