Turn lane construction underway on Hwy. 95

Published by admin on Wed, 08/28/2024 - 7:00pm

Workers lined up an array of barrels and cones Monday in preparation for excavation work to widen the road adjacent to the new Maverik gas station on Highway 95. The extra room is needed for a new turn lane. The road shoulder, above left, was cut away following this photo and was dropped about 26 inches. In the background, left, is the new Maverik station, which will accommodate semi-trucks, motorhomes and trucks, and passenger cars. Photo by Philip A. Janquart
By: 
Philip A. Janquart
There are a lot of orange barrels and “tubular markers” on Highway 95 lately as the new Maverik project continues.
 Crews have spent the last couple of months using specialized boring equipment to bring water and sewer under the river to the gas station/convenience store. 
 The boring itself is finished, but that portion of the overall project is not yet wrapped up and the two adjacent southbound lanes still funnel traffic down to one lane traveling south before the bridge.
 This weekend, ITD (Idaho Transportation Department) began setting the stage to widen the section of highway just south of the bridge to make room for a turning lane that will accommodate traffic coming from the south wanting to turn left into the new store.
 It was initially anticipated that ITD would bring that stretch of road down to one lane and use alternating stop lights for traffic control.
 According to ITD spokeswoman Shona Tonkin, however, both lanes will remain open.
 “There will be two lanes, but they will be reduced,” she told the Signal American Monday. “While they are doing shoulder work, the lanes are going to be narrowed and there will be somebody out there constantly making sure the [barrels and tubular markers] are picked up in case they fall over.”
 Tubular markers are often referred to as candlestick cones, which are narrow and more conducive to working in tight work zones, as is the case in front of the new Maverik. Tonkin said the widening portion of the road project, referred to as Phase I, will last about a week, though it could take up to two weeks.
 “It will take two or three days to do excavation and get it all leveled out and widened and then sloped the way they need it to be. Then they need to get asphalt in,” she said.
 Tonkin was less sure about the duration of the turn lane project as a whole.
 “It all depends on how fast they go. You know, getting concrete, getting asphalt,” she said. “All of those things, you have to schedule them and depending on how busy everybody is, that dictates when you can get stuff done because everybody is so busy right now; it’s hard to get contractors.”
 According to City of Weiser Public Works Supervisor Mike Campbell, the speed limit will not be lowered and will remain 35 miles per hour, which has some concerned about safety.
 An unnamed worker suggested the room for driver error is slim considering the shoulder on the east side of the highway will initially be cut away and taken down about 26 to 29 inches, leaving a sudden drop off.
 Acting Weiser Mayor Herb Haun said it will be dicey going through the area in light of traffic that is actively diverted to Highway 95 due to projects taking place on Highway 55 going north into McCall.
 He suggested taking an alternate route for local motorists heading south, out of town.
 “I would think if somebody is heading in that direction, it might be easier to take [Highway] 201,” he said. “Boy, that’s leading right into Labor Day weekend, too. You know how that highway is on holidays anymore.”
 Motorists are asked to use caution and exercise patience while driving through the area.

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Signal American

18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

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