By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter
In Rigby Wednesday Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter took one more step towards accomplishing his goal of improving roads and bridges all over the state. Otter and many other state leaders attended the groundbreaking ceremony for one of three stimulus funded highway projects in Eastern Idaho.
The project will widen a busy portion of Highway 48 that runs in front of Rigby High School.
The Idaho Transportation Department has been working towards the project for five years, but thanks to a $787 billion stimulus package and a governor determined to see Idaho roads are not forgotten, Rigby High School will get its new road.
"This is a project we were able to add to our transportation program for the safety and health of our citizens," the governor said as he addressed the small crowd gathered at the Rigby High School.
The widening of Idaho 48 started in July. Wednesday Governor Otter and many other state leaders officially broke ground on the project.
The plan includes the following: bike lanes on either side of the road, installing curb, gutter and sidewalks.
"It's been an issue for quite a while," said Jefferson District Superintendent, Ron Tolman. "However, the increase in enrollment over the last four to five years made it an even bigger issue."
Construction will cost the state $2.93 million in stimulus money, but for the students who travel the stretch of highway everyday, safety is the bigger issue.
"I've seen kids pull out in the middle of the road, there's just not enough room and they want to go," said Rigby High School Senior, Anthony McCabe.
"It was really backed up," said Senior Maureah Raymond, while describing an accident she witnessed. "Somebody wasn't paying attention, slammed on their brakes and it caused a three car pile-up."
For high school students unfamiliar with the world of politics re-building a busy and potentially dangerous road is a no-brainer. "It's a way good idea," Raymond said.
"We'll be able to get to school quicker and safer," said McCabe.
The Idaho Transportation Department says without help from the stimulus money, they wouldn't have been able to start the project until next spring.
