I-90 project on target

Workers pave new roadway on Interstate 90 near Seventh Street in Coeur d’Alene on Tuesday. (JUDD WILSON/Press)

JUDD WILSON/Press Street lights rise from the new median while construction workers smooth out asphalt on Interstate 90 near Seventh Street in Coeur d’Alene on Tuesday.

| July 25, 2018 1:00 AM

JUDD WILSON/Press Street lights rise from the new median while construction workers smooth out asphalt on Interstate 90 near Seventh Street in Coeur dAlene on Tuesday.

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — Construction on Interstate 90 in Coeur d'Alene has rounded a corner toward the home stretch of the planned late October finish.

"The project is on schedule," said Megan Sausser, Idaho Transportation Department spokeswoman.

I-90 is being reconstructed between Ninth Street and Northwest Boulevard. The Centennial Bridge, just west of the Northwest Boulevard exit, is being repaired.

The project consists of replacing drainage facilities and lighting and increasing the vertical clearance under the bridges by lowering the interstate.

"After this project, bridges over the interstate will be up to standard and allow taller loads to travel through, eliminating the need for (an alternate) route," Sausser said.

Last year the freeway was reconstructed between Ninth and Sherman. The total cost for the two-year project is $23.5 million.

Work completed this year has included paving the temporary lanes on the shoulders to allow crews to excavate the middle section to replace drainage, install new lights and lower the interstate. Ramps at Northwest Boulevard have also been paved.

"The next phase will involve shifting eastbound traffic onto the newly paved lanes in the middle so they can work on the original eastbound lanes," Sausser said.

That traffic shift is tentatively slated for Saturday night.

"It is important for drivers to pay attention during the upcoming traffic revision," Sausser said. "Eastbound drivers in the fast lane will not be able to exit the freeway, and eastbound drivers in the slow lane will."

The two eastbound lanes will be separated by a barrier so drivers will be unable to change lanes once they’re in the construction zone.

"It's important that they read the signs so they know when to choose the appropriate lane," Sausser said.

The same shift for westbound traffic will be in late August or early September.

Sausser said early on there were major issues with speeding in the construction zone, but drivers have adjusted and there's been less of a problem lately. The work zone speed limit is 55 mph.

"Although we have more barriers in place now, it's still important that drivers slow down for their sake and the workers' sake," she said.