SH-55 near Smiths Ferry reopens to traffic on Monday (Dec. 6)

12/5/2021

Contact:
Vince Trimboli
Chief Communication Officer
(208) 949-3712
[email protected]

SH-55 near Smiths Ferry reopens to traffic on Monday (Dec. 6)

SMITHS FERRY - Idaho State Highway 55 north of Smiths Ferry will reopen at noon on Monday, December 6. Travelers should be prepared for around 15 minute delays, while crews continue additional construction activities for the rest of the week to prepare the work zone for winter.

Stabilization work has been completed to fortify the hillside after more than 50,000 cubic yards of large boulders and dirt slid onto the roadway on November 18th. Construction crews built a 20-foot tall and 400-foot long rock wall to stabilize the area and are ready to open an interim road around the slide. Geotechnical experts have inspected the slide area and the contractor has completed the repairs to open for winter.

"The Department thanks the traveling public, Valley County residents, and the business community for their support and patience, as our crews worked tirelessly to stabilize this slide," said ITD Engineering Manager, Jason Brinkman. "We know it's been a long closure, but we have taken extensive steps to ensure safe travel through the work zone this winter."

US-95 remains a viable alternate route for travel between Valley County and the Treasure Valley. The public can receive direct project updates by signing up for text or email alerts on the project website, itdprojects.org/id55smithsferry, or visit Idaho 511 before leaving on a trip to learn the latest highway conditions.

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