Work on Center Cable Barrier on I-84 to Start Monday

SHOSHONE, Idaho (PRESS RELEASE) – Work will begin Monday (July 11) to install a cable barrier on a two-mile stretch of Interstate 84 over Sweetzer Summit in southeast Cassia County. The cable barrier will be located in the median and is designed to prevent traffic from crossing into the opposite lanes of traffic in the winding mountain pass.

Similar high-tension median cable rail is common in urban areas of northern Utah and other areas of the country. This is the first application of a tension-cable system in interstate median in Idaho.

The area over the mountain pass has several curves as it follows Meadow Creek and has a narrow median – as little as 14 feet – to separate the two lanes of traffic. Winter weather conditions and heavy snowfall increase safety concern for cross-median crashes.

During installation, the left lane and median shoulder will be closed in each direction through the construction zone. A 65-mph speed limit will be in effect. Work will include clearing vegetation from a portion of the median, drilling and setting the support posts in concrete, and pulling the cable before applying tension.

Railco LLC, of Meridian, is the contractor for the $244,000 project. Work is expected to be completed in early September.