Drivers passing through a Jerome intersection should expect brief but noticeable delays Wednesday afternoon as a contractor carries out a controlled rock blast in preparation for installing fuel tanks near the corner of South Lincoln and Yakima avenues.
The blast is scheduled to take place sometime between 2 and 3 p.m. Traffic approaching the intersection will be stopped intermittently for roughly 20 minutes while crews carry out the detonation and complete the required safety checks that follow.
What to Expect at the Scene
Residents and commuters in the area will hear two audible warning sirens before the blast goes off. The first will sound approximately five minutes before detonation, with a second alarm following about one minute before the charge is set off. Traffic control personnel will be stationed at the intersection to halt vehicles and direct any necessary detours.
Authorities are encouraging motorists to use alternative routes if their schedules allow, and anyone who does pass through the area is advised to pay close attention to flaggers and any posted detour signage. Ignoring traffic control instructions during a controlled blast operation can pose serious safety risks.
The work is part of an effort to place fuel tanks near the South Lincoln and Yakima avenues intersection — a process that requires clearing rock from beneath the surface before installation can proceed.
Plan Ahead for Afternoon Travel
The 20-minute disruption window, while relatively short, falls during a stretch of the afternoon when traffic volumes tend to build. Drivers with appointments or time-sensitive commitments in or around that part of Jerome should factor in the potential delay when planning their routes.
Infrastructure and construction work across the Magic Valley region has increasingly required temporary road closures and traffic management measures as communities invest in utility upgrades and commercial development. In Twin Falls, for example, crews are preparing to begin a major street resurfacing project on the north-central side of the city later this month, which is also expected to affect travel patterns for local drivers.
What Comes Next
Once the controlled blast and follow-up safety inspections are complete, crews are expected to proceed with fuel tank installation at the Jerome site. No additional road closures related to this particular operation have been announced at this time. Motorists should remain alert to any updated information from local traffic authorities as the Wednesday afternoon window approaches, particularly if weather or site conditions require any adjustment to the blast schedule.