U.S. 95 widening poised for new phase

By CAMERON RASMUSSON

Staff writer

PONDERAY — Drivers will need to exercise caution next week as the Sandpoint to Kootenai Cutoff road expansion moves into its next phase.

After running into some difficulties while working on the MSE wall in the south end of Ponderay, Apollo Construction representatives plan to begin the first steps of the road expansion itself. Starting the middle of next week, the construction of new southbound lanes will move to the north end of town, spanning from the traffic light at the Kootenai Cutoff-U.S. 95 intersection to about a half mile north. The area encompasses businesses like the Holiday Inn, Sweet Lou’s and Sandpoint Building Supply.

The transition will require increased care from motorists, who will need to adjust to some changes. Most importantly, the traffic light controlling the traffic at the Kootenai Cutoff-U.S. 95 intersection will shut down starting 9 a.m. on Thursday. A flagger will control traffic while work progresses.

“Because of this, there’s obviously going to be some delays,” project spokesperson Susan Kiebert said.

To ensure that everyone shares the road safely during the construction, drivers should maintain the reduced speed limit of 35 miles per hour. Individuals also need to be mindful of pedestrians and bicyclists along the way.

“People need to be very careful,” Kiebert said. “This is an international corridor and a very busy area for all kinds of traffic.”

According to Kiebert, Apollo representatives have notified business owners and will ensure that facilities remain accessible as construction progresses. In addition, they will provide business access signs that will make appropriate routes clear.

Project supervisors expected to have the expansion process started by now. However, the MSE wall at the southwest end of the project proved unexpectedly troublesome due to the wet and uncooperative conditions. Kiebert said work should progress fairly quickly on the expansion now that it’s almost ready to begin.

Along with the excavation of the MSE wall, Apollo Construction workers have completed or are close to completing the other preliminary steps. They’ve mowed and cleared the northern span of the project area in anticipation of the expansion work, relocated telephone, electricity, gas and water utilities and installed a storm water treatment system at the southern and northern ends of the project.

Between the construction, reduced speed limits and the extra traffic off the newly-opened Byway, drivers should exercise patience and watchfulness when driving through Ponderay. Traffic regulations are being enforced by local police.

Any questions should be directed toward the Transportation Information Office at 265-0897.