ITD suspends highway constructio

ITD suspends highway construction for holiday

August 28, 2012

Work that could impact travel will be suspended on all Idaho Transportation Department highway construction projects statewide September 1-3 for the Labor Day holiday, except in special circumstances.

ITD requires contractors on highway construction projects to postpone work on any highway, except for normal maintenance operations, during the extended holiday weekend if it could delay the traveling public. Work is allowed on the highway shoulders or anywhere else not impacting traffic.

Some of those extremely rare conditions in which work may continue are:

   - If crews are not working on a roadway open to the public;

   - If the road is already closed and all traffic is using a designated detour;

   - In an emergency situation (like flooding or fire) where the roadway has been damaged and requires repair; or

   - On roads with very low traffic volumes.

"Like most of us, contractors have little interest in working over the holiday," said ITD Chief Engineer Tom Cole. "Most would probably take these days off anyway, even if it was not required."

ITD also reminds drivers not to drink and drive, to buckle up, follow the posted speed limit and call 5-1-1 or check 511.idaho.gov for highway travel conditions.