Residents urged to follow rules in construction zones

It may only be the second day of April, but Shoshone County is already in the throes of road construction season and much to their chagrin, many drivers have noticed the speed limits in these work zones have been reduced to 55 miles per hour. 

Last year, Shoshone County Commissioner Tracy Casady petitioned the Idaho Transportation Department to reduce the speeds in these zones from 65 to 55 mph due to a large number of accidents and close calls.

After receiving more than 100 calls from concerned residents last year, Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey also supported these changes and continues to do so. 

Lindsey is urging drivers to plan for the extra drive times and to follow the adjusted highway rules.

“Working together is going to help us all stay safe this summer," she said.

Three major projects are set to begin soon in the Silver Valley. 

These projects include rehabbing the bridge deck on Interstate 90 over Pine Creek near Pinehurst, completing the final concrete overlays on the eastbound lanes of the Division Street and Elizabeth Park overpasses, and the reconstruction and paving of several miles of westbound highway between Osburn and Wallace.