North Washington St. Construction To Continue Into October

For construction weary motorists, residents and business owners along Washington Street North, the news this morning is not good.  The Idaho Transportation Department had originally estimated that the construction work along that stretch of roadway would be completed by the end of July.  But such is not the case and there is still a lot of work to do before it’s completed.  The ITD is now saying the work should be completed by the middle of October at the latest.  The delay is being blamed on several issues.  One issue being the spring weather that delayed the start of the construction for the year.  Another is unforeseen bedrock that must be cut through before sewer pipe can be placed in the ground.  Still another is unforeseen utilities that had to be moved.  ITD says it is negotiating with the main contractor, DEBCO Construction of Orofino, to see if they are liable for fines for not completing the project on time.  But ITD also admits that not all the delays were the fault of the contractor.  Meanwhile, area motorists and residents will just have to continue taking the construction in stride until it is finally completed.