Settlement caused cracks in bypass
<p>A contractor welds decking on a pedestrian structure on the eastern side of Sand Creek. (Photo by KEITH KINNAIRD)</p>
SANDPOINT — Settlement of the Sand Creek Byway has produced cracks in concrete at the south end of the U.S. Highway 95 rerouting project, the Idaho Transportation Department now acknowledges.
“It’s not serious and it will be repaired before the road opens,” said ITD spokeswoman Barbara Babic.
The department had previously rejected claims that the bypass was sinking, but now admits the project has sunken more than was anticipated.
“It was probably a little more than expected, but it’s not anything we can’t handle,” Babic said.
The project’s 65 retaining walls were pre-loaded and allowed to sit for months. More than 2,000 feet of soil-consolidating wick drains were installed to hasten the settlement process.
A dedication for the controversial and long-awaited realignment project is still set for May 31, at which time the bypass might be opened to traffic.
“We are really hoping that everything can occur on May 31,” said Babic.
Work on a pedestrian structure to connect Cedar Street Bridge with eastern side of Sand Creek is still ongoing, as is the installation of guardrail and signage.
A steady stream of rumors has flowed through the community as anticipation mounts for the project’s opening.
One of the latest rumors is that the President Barack Obama, a Democrat, will not allow the road to open because Idaho is a predominately Republican state.
“Not one of us has received a phone call from the president, I can assure you,” Babic said.
The project’s original completion date was set for November 2013.