Construction crews have nearly finished the primary resurfacing phase on U.S. Highway 20 between Idaho Falls and Rigby, with the next stage targeting exit ramps over the coming weeks. The $15 million project, which launched in May, represents one of the region’s larger infrastructure investments this year.
HK Contractors, working alongside Idaho Transportation Department engineers, inspectors, and material testers, has resurfaced 60 lane miles on the busy corridor—15 miles in each direction, with work performed twice over, one lane at a time. The strategic approach has allowed traffic to move through during daylight hours while construction crews operate exclusively at night.
Traffic Volume and Construction Challenges
The highway carries approximately 45,000 vehicles daily during summer months, making nighttime work essential to maintain traffic flow. A temporary 60 mph speed limit remains in effect throughout the construction zone.
Managing high-speed traffic has proven one of the biggest obstacles on the project. “The biggest difficulty is the traffic that does go through there going at high speeds. Sometimes they don’t follow the traffic control, dropping it down to 60 mph,” said Payton Hubbard, an Idaho Transportation Department Engineering Apprentice overseeing portions of the work.
Drivers traveling between Idaho Falls and Rigby should expect continued nighttime construction activity as the project transitions to its next phase.
Next Phase and Long-Term Maintenance
Once the mainline resurfacing concludes, crews will address minor repairs before shifting focus to exit ramps serving the Idaho Falls and Rigby areas. This phase is expected to continue through the summer season.
The newly resurfaced pavement carries a 25-year lifespan, contingent on proper maintenance. A chip seal application within two years of completion will be critical to achieving that rating. Following the initial seal, the highway will require additional treatments every seven years to remain in optimal condition.
“We’re almost done with the main line from Idaho Falls to Rigby. Then we’ll do a couple fixes, and then we’re going to start working on the off and on ramps,” Hubbard explained.
Context for Regional Road Work
The U.S. 20 project is part of a broader commitment to infrastructure maintenance across Bonneville County. Earlier this year, the Bonneville County Transportation Agency coordinated traffic signal upgrades at South Idaho Falls intersections, and officials recently opened a public comment period for regional roads, trails, and bike routes planning. Additional work, including a roundabout project on Birch Street and South Boulevard, has affected traffic patterns in the Idaho Falls area.
The U.S. 20 resurfacing represents the state’s investment in one of East Idaho’s most critical transportation corridors, connecting the Teton Valley communities with the Snake River Plain and serving as a vital link for both local commuters and travelers headed toward Yellowstone National Park and points beyond.
What Comes Next
Drivers should anticipate continued nighttime lane closures on U.S. 20 between Idaho Falls and Rigby through late summer as crews complete exit ramp work. The temporary 60 mph speed limit will remain in effect. For real-time updates on construction progress and any schedule changes, travelers are encouraged to monitor Idaho Transportation Department announcements and local traffic resources. Once the project concludes, the newly resurfaced highway will support traffic flow for the next two and a half decades, provided scheduled maintenance is completed on schedule.