Bypass work snarls area traffic

SANDPOINT — Work on the U.S. Highway 95 bypass turned major routes through town into a parking lot on Monday.

Traffic over the Long Bridge was constricted to one lane for much of the day so Sand Creek Byway contractor Parsons RCI could remove guardrail on the western side of the bridge and replace it with Jersey barriers, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

The guardrail work is being done to prepare for shifting traffic onto a causeway being built on the west side of the bridge, said ITD spokeswoman Barbara Babic.

“In order to do the work, they had to cut the traffic down to one lane,” Babic said.

The causeway will ultimately be used by motorists to access the Long Bridge from downtown. But during construction of the bypass, it will be used to handle traffic at the south end of the project.

The delays frayed nerves and tested the patience of motorists, some of whom reported delays of several hours just to get from Sagle to Sandpoint. Appointments were missed, errands were delayed and frustrated phone calls to ITD were numerous.

“I know the contractor is very aware of the problems with traffic and they’re really trying their best. But in order to get some things done, that’s what had to happen,” said Babic.

The extensive backups on Monday led to renewed calls for Parsons to do construction work at night. City ordinance would allow for construction noise up to 10 p.m., although ITD is limiting construction from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. because much of the bypass is located in a densely populated area.

Babic said ITD plans to put up signs warning motorists of delays and pointing out potential detour routes.

An ITD electrician is also expected to adjust the timing at the traffic signal at First Avenue and Pine Street so there are more green lights, she said.

“There’s a number of things we’re going to be looking at to see if we can mitigate some of this,” Babic said.