New Bridge and Intersection coming to Hoback Junction
by Wyoming Department of Transportation
July 17, 2010
After years of public input and meetings, WYDOT will be reconstructing the road and bridge at Hoback Junction on US 26-89 under a $25 million contract awarded to Wadsworth Brothers Construction of Draper, Utah under a three year contract.
Motorist can expect limited traffic disruptions during the 2010 construction season with two lanes of traffic, one in each direction, for the season. However, there will be times when alternating one way traffic will be needed, but those times will be limited and advertised. The contractor will focus their work on installing the landslide stabilization system of ground anchors and beginning bridge construction with foundation work. No steel will be erected this season.
Work will mainly be on the south end of the existing bridge over the Snake River where the landslide work will be. A web camera will be installed to allow users to check road conditions during construction and will remain after the new bridge is open.
During the 2011 construction season, the construction activities will be more visible. Steel erection and possibly placing the new bridge deck will happen, the retaining wall south of the bridge will be installed, and the roadway roundabout will be built.
The new 780-foot-long steel girder bridge will be built downstream and parallel to the existing bridge, which will remain open to traffic during the construction. WYDOT is planning to utilize a less intrusive wall design to minimize the disturbed area and keep as many of the existing screening trees undisturbed. The new arch bridge and approach spans will be brown to blend better into the surroundings and the new arch will clear span the Snake River.
The southwestern end of the new bridge will be a few hundred feet past the existing bridge and will tie into a retaining wall. The new bridge will be three lanes wide with safety shoulders and a separated pedestrian and bicycle pathway. This separated pathway will also extend along the retaining wall in the Snake River Canyon to a newly constructed pullout and continue through the junction to the north end of the project.
Some river traffic disruptions are expected and will be announced in advance as some erection sequences will need to keep the area under the bridge clear from the travelling public for short periods of time.
The project also will include construction of a roundabout at the intersection of US 26-89 and US 189-191 at Hoback Junction. The intersection currently is controlled by stop signs and the roundabout is expected to allow safer continuous traffic flow with less congestion when completed. During construction, a minor detour may be paved to keep traffic flowing better through the construction site and allow the contractor to safely build the junction.
The roadway through the business area of the junction and to the north will be an urban three-lane section. The short tie in section to the east will be two lanes. A park-and-ride lot will be constructed for users of the START Bus as well as a paved recycle bin area. WYDOT will be using equipment to limit light pollution as well.
During the 2012 construction season, the contractor will finish any remaining bridge construction, dismantle existing bridge, and finish ground anchors (where the existing bridge is currently located). The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2012.
Motorists are advised to slow down and obey the posted speed limits while driving through construction areas. They should devote their full attention to the flaggers and changes in traffic patterns, traffic control devices, and signing to get through these construction areas safely. They should also increase their usual following distance, move into the correct lane well in advance, restrict cell phone usage or other distractions, and be aware of their surroundings.
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