BOISE, ID Substantial progress has been made this year on constructing improvements to the section of Idaho 55 from New Meadows, Idaho, to McCall, Idaho, known as Goose Creek Grade.

For this project, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is realigning the four curves of Goose Creek Grade and installing rock-fall protection to enhance safety and improve visibility for motorists.

ITD has added more improvements for this project that will require extending construction into early 2016.

"New geotechnical information was discovered after construction began, which resulted in ITD adjusting the design plans," said ITD Resident Engineer Bryon Breen. "Additional improvements will be made to further improve safety and reduce the need for future maintenance on Goose Creek Grade."

Since this summer, crews have been removing rock from the mountainside to improve roadway alignment and visibility conditions. The roadway is also in the process of being repaved, and anchors are being installed to prepare for hanging rock-fall protection mesh.

Lane restrictions will remain in place on Goose Creek Grade through this fall as crews continue working.

Construction will pause in the winter. At that time, Goose Creek Grade will reopen to two lanes for several months, and the signals and Jersey barrier will be removed.  

Crews will resume work when the weather warms back up next spring. When construction picks back up, Goose Creek Grade will again be restricted to one alternating lane in the work zone with temporary traffic signals.

ITD anticipates it will take a couple of months next year to finish all improvements.