Idaho

Massive multiyear widening project begins this week on I-15 – East Idaho News

Published

2 hours ago

August 19, 2024

Massive multiyear widening project begins this week on I-15 – East Idaho News

The following is a news release and photo from the Idaho Transportation Department.

POCATELLO – The Idaho Transportation Department is beginning construction to widen Interstate 15 to three lanes in each direction between the Northgate and Fort Hall interchanges to accommodate projected increases in traffic volumes. This leading Idaho multi-year project includes widening I-15, constructing a median barrier to separate opposing lanes of traffic and reconstructing bridge structures, including overpasses and underpasses, to accommodate the additional lanes.

Motorists can expect to see traffic control devices in the project area as early as Monday morning. Work has been phased to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction during the day for most of the project. However, motorists should be aware some nighttime work will require single-lane closures.

This fall, crews will shift traffic to create the space they need to build a median wall, reconstruct structures, and demolish and reconstruct the existing northbound lanes of the interstate.

During construction, motorists should expect:

Nighttime work begins the week of August 19 and will continue for the first couple weeks of construction. Work will occur from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Nighttime single-lane closures may happen occasionally after this period.
Daytime work is expected to begin early this fall and will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Lane restrictions will occur on I-15. Most work requiring lane restrictions is anticipated to occur at night.
Ramp adjustments will occur at the Fort Hall Interchange (Exit 80) to match the grade of the new mainline.
Variable speed limit signs will be installed in the project area, allowing ITD to lower speeds when crews are working near traffic.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2027. The project will increase capacity and improve safety on I-15 to serve East Idaho’s growing transportation volumes for years to come.

Due to the large project area, the widening of this stretch of I-15 has been divided into two projects with separate contractors. These contractors will work simultaneously to complete the projects. Western Construction, Inc. and Sundt Construction are the contractors for the north and south project areas, respectively.

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Idaho

Obituary for Timothy “Tim” Lowell Moats – East Idaho News

Published

9 hours ago

August 19, 2024

Press Room

Obituary for Timothy “Tim” Lowell Moats – East Idaho News

Timothy “Tim” Lowell Moats, born December 28, 1955, in Billings, Montana, passed away on August 1, 2024, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Tim spent his formative years in Bozeman, Montana, where he attended high school before pursuing mechanic school in Helena, Montana.

Tim was a truck driver by trade. He married Deborah Joyce Hill, and together they raised two sons, Tyler and Vince. Although Tim and Deborah eventually divorced, they maintained a respectful and amicable relationship.

An avid member of the NRA and the South East Idaho Practical Shooters, Tim had a passion for shooting and enjoyed participating in competitions, often bringing his sons along. His enthusiasm for the sport was a significant part of his life.

Tim is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Vincent Moats and Lucile Elizabeth Livingstone; his brother William; and his daughter-in-law Conni. He is survived by his sons, Tyler Moats of Blackfoot and Vincent (Becky) Moats of Idaho Falls; his brother Richard Moats; and his four grandchildren Megan, Braden, Kelsey, and McKenzie.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 21st at 5255 S 5th W in Idaho Falls. All who knew Tim are warmly invited to attend.

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Idaho

Breached canal causes flooding south of Hansen

Published

16 hours ago

August 18, 2024

Press Room

Breached canal causes flooding south of Hansen

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The Twin Falls Mainline Canal breached Sunday afternoon.

The breach occurred near North 3800 East, two miles south of Hansen. Water quickly rushed across the road and flooded nearby fields. The excess water is draining into the Twin Falls Coulee west toward North 3700 East.

Jay Barlogi, General Manager of the Twin Falls Canal Company, said crews are working on making cutbacks near Milner and Murtaugh to stop water flow.

“We’ve got a relief valve up here that we call ‘Point Spill’ where we’re spilling water into the river to drop the water levels in the mainland canal,” Barlogi said. “Those cuts have all been made; we’ve diverted a little bit extra water into the High Line and Low Line where we can spill that out downstream of here, doing everything we can to reduce the flow of water in that canal to help assist in the repair of.”

Barlogi said he is thankful for the crews’ help in recovery efforts. The exact cause of the breach is unknown, but Barlogi said rodent holes are a common cause of breaches like this one.

The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office and the Twin Falls Canal Company continue to monitor the situation. The sheriff’s office will continue to post updates regarding road closures here.

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Idaho

650-acre fire west of Pocatello is fully contained – East Idaho News

Published

23 hours ago

August 18, 2024

Press Room

650-acre fire west of Pocatello is fully contained – East Idaho News

Photo courtesy Wendy Kopecki

POCATELLO – A wildfire that burned about 650 acres west of Pocatello Saturday is fully contained, as of 10 p.m.

That’s the latest update from the Pocatello Fire Department, which was posted on its Facebook page late Saturday.

It started around 4:30 p.m. in the Michaud Creek area.

Both lanes of Interstate 86 near the Pocatello Regional Airport were initially closed. Firefighters were able to push the fire back, allowing the highway to be reopened around 6:20 p.m.

The department reports no homes were destroyed and all evacuation orders have been lifted.

Officials have not released any further details about the blaze and EastIdahoNews.com has been unsuccessful in getting information after multiple calls to different agencies.

RELATED | People in path of wildfire near Pocatello are being evacuated, officials say

The Idaho State Journal cites lightning as the cause. Windy conditions made it spread quickly.

There were no injuries and no houses or buildings were damaged, the newspaper reports, but about 50 homes in the path of the fire were evacuated. Fire officials told ISJ evacuees could return to their homes Saturday night.

Firefighters will remain on scene Sunday until the flames are out.

Multiple agencies were involved in battling the blaze on the ground and in the air, including Power County Fire District, Pocatello Fire Department and the Fort Hall Fire Department.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management and Idaho National Laboratory firefighters helped as well, according to ISJ.

The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, Pocatello Police and Idaho State Police helped with road closures and evacuations.

Courtesy Wendy Kopecki