ITD seeks bids for remaining stretch of U.S. Highay 95 between Lewiston and Moscow

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The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking bids for a multimillion-dollar project to finish the final two-lane section of highway between Moscow and Lewiston.

Plans to expand over 6 miles along U.S. Highway 95 south of Moscow were first proposed in 1998 to reduce the number of traffic accidents and fatalities on Reisenaur Hill. But environmentalists have fought the construction for two decades, saying the chosen alternative bisects big game habitat and destroys several wetlands.

ITD officials say safety is at the core of the project, as the new route will feature a four-lane highway with flatter grades, fewer approaches and less severe curves.

The contract for the project is expected to be awarded as soon as Nov. 9th for about $71 million. While construction of the new route should begin early next year, the first year of work will focus on the southern end near Reisenauer Hill. The remaining connection will be built in the following two years. (Lewiston Tribune)

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