Update for December 7, 2007
Debco Construction is continuing to develop their alternate retaining wall proposal. With this alternate design, the walls could be constructed without the need for week-long road closures. FHWA’s Geotechnical Engineer met on-site with Debco representatives on November 29. It appears the concept is viable, but FHWA needs to review the technical and cost aspects before the proposal can be approved. This submittal/review process will begin around December 14 and we should have a decision by early January.
In the meantime, FHWA has been gathering input on how we could be more accommodating should the week-long closures become necessary (i.e., alternate wall proposal isn’t approved or a road-closing slope failure occurs). Through discussions with the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, water- and land-based outfitters and guides, residents, and other entities, we are developing strategies to lessen the impact of week-long closures. If you might be affected by the week-long closures and would like to provide input on how to lessen that impact, please click on the ‘comment’ address at the bottom of this page.
During the month of December, Debco Construction will not fully close the road to public traffic, but there will be intermittent delays. For more information on those delays, click on the travel information tab at the top of this page. In addition, Debco and FHWA are currently discussing the January schedule. We will provide that information to you as soon as it is available.
Over the past three weeks I’ve have the opportunity to work with many of the individuals affected by the Salmon River Road project. I would like to thank everyone involved for their positive attitudes, constructive input, and professionalism. I have been thoroughly impressed by their efforts to resolve issues that affect resources that they depend on and the value they place on this unique area. I am optimistic that, together, we will be able to resolve problems effectively and provide a project that will benefit the area considerably.
Jane Traffalis
Construction Project Manager
Western Federal Lands Highway Division
Federal Highway Administration
If you would like to provide a comment, click here: salmonriver@mail.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov