After 2½ years of hydraulic modeling, engineering reports, removal of vegetation, and repair of flood gates, FHWA (Federal Highways Administration) has allowed the City of Pocatello to proceed with the South Valley Connector Project. In 2009, FEMA de-certified the Portneuf River levees and FHWA directed the City to stop work on any portion of the project that could be affected by the levee. Until December 2011, only right of way acquisition and a few areas of design proceeded.
In February 2012, the City of Pocatello hosted an open house meeting. About 250 people visited city hall to discuss the project with representatives from the City, State and HDR Engineering. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss design modifications and incorporation of aesthetic elements. Design modifications include:
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Change from a four-lane ultimate roadway in two stages, to a two-lane roadway for the initial construction between S Bannock Hwy and S. 5th Ave. with a tie-in roadway to S. 2nd Ave. |
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Incorporation of a 10-ft wide multi-use pathway versus sidewalks |
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Modifications to the typical street section and roadway design speed |
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Change from a single span bridge at the AMI trail crossing to a stiff leg concrete culvert |
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Change from an underpass at I-15 to a bridge over I-15 |
City staff is in the process of reviewing and responding to comments received from the meeting.
This project is still considered to be a FY12 construction project; however, it is going to be difficult to complete project design in six months. There are drainage issues and several outstanding reports that have yet to be completed and approved, and although right-of-way acquisition is going well, there is still more property to be acquired. We anticipate that final design plans will be complete by August of 2012, public bid in the fall of 2012, and construction beginning in spring of 2013.
Please contact Deirdre Castillo, City Engineer at (208) 234-6587 with any questions.
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