Idaho Falls, ID – The City of Idaho Falls has a busy schedule for construction activities on S Boulevard this summer. Four separate projects are planned over the next couple of months. These include the Elm St/S Boulevard roundabout and the S Boulevard Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacon (RRFB) lights, storm drain improvements and seal coating.

The work on the roundabout project actually began in May 2018 with a new storm drain between Elm Street and A Street. The work was then suspended until after the Independence Day holiday.

ROUNDABOUT

Currently, Knife River has resumed construction on the S Boulevard roundabout. The contractor will remove infrastructure in advance of the roundabout construction. Motorists should expect lane restrictions and short delays. Access to the Common Cents convenience store, other businesses and the YMCA will be preserved throughout the construction. The anticipated completion time is September.

RRFB LIGHT INSTALLATION

Pedestrian safety is the primary focus on the S Boulevard RRFB light installation. The contractor, DL Beck will make the improvements on S Boulevard at Birch Street and 9^th Street. The curbs will be extended to minimize the crosswalk distance. Pushbutton-activated strobe-like lights will be installed to provide active warning to motorists of crossing pedestrians. This project will begin on Tuesday, July 17 and continue through September.

STORM DRAINAGE

The S Boulevard storm drain improvements will include storm drainage and other improvements on S Boulevard between 2^nd Street and 4^th Street, between 13^th Street and 14^th Street and at Hartert Drive. Motorists should expect lane restrictions at each of these locations. The improvements at 13^th Street include some work west of S Boulevard to reconfigure how Maple Street and 13^th Street intersect S Boulevard. Those improvements are designed to improve the safety and efficiency of that intersection area. Work will begin within the next two weeks. The contractor on this project is HK Contractors.

SEAL COAT

S Boulevard will also receive an improved surface as part of this year’s seal coating. This will extend from Northgate Mile/US Hwy 20/N Yellowstone Avenue to Sunnyside Road. TMC Contractors anticipates having the work completed by mid- to late-August.  

RE-STRIPING

Following the seal coat, the final step in the process is re-striping the roadway. This will include a center turn lane and one lane each direction throughout the entire length of S Boulevard, with additional lanes near the 17^th Street intersection.

Please reduce speeds, obey posted traffic control signage and watch for construction crews throughout the work zones. We appreciate the community’s continued patience as we complete all of the construction projects this summer.

Additional information on City of Idaho Falls construction projects can be found on the homepage of the city’s website or by clicking HERE.

Media Contact:  Kerry Hammon, Public Information Officer, (208) 612-8122 or khammon@idahofallsidaho.gov.