Q: I am lucky enough to live up Clear Creek off Idaho 21.
However, every time I come down to Boise, I have to stop at the High Bridge.
Here is my question: Could you please find out how long the construction will last? I long for the day that stoplight will be gone!
LAURIE, via email
A: Hopefully work on the High Bridge on Idaho 21 will be done in the spring, maybe around late April, according to the Idaho Department of Transportation.
Originally, work on the bridge was expected to be completed earlier, but last year’s early high water from spring runoff delayed work on the foundation of the bridge, which is in the Mores Creek arm of Lucky Peak Reservoir.
The project to upgrade the bridge, which is northeast of Boise, has been under way since mid-December 2010.
The bridge deck is being repaved and structural upgrades are being made to the foundation in the $2.8 million project, according to the state agency.
The water level rose sooner than expected last spring, so crews had to continue work near the bridge’s foundation during the latest drawdown season.
Traffic across the bridge is controlled by stoplights at both ends. Cars can only go across the bridge in one direction at a time, causing delays of around 15 minutes or less.
Idaho 21 is a popular route to snowmobile and cross-country ski areas around Idaho City and in the Boise Mountains between Mores Creek and Beaver Creek summits.
It is also busy during the boating season at Lucky Peak Reservoir and in camping and hunting seasons.
I’ve sat at the stoplight a lot of times on the way camping, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
It will be nice when it’s gone.
GLASS ON TRAILS
Q: I have been taking my dogs on various trails in the Foothills lately and have been seeing shards of glass on the paths.
It makes me wonder if they have been put there maliciously, or thoughtlessly.
I can’t imagine what it does to tires and paws.
Any thoughts? Anyone else noticing this too?
ELAINE FRASER, via email
A: I haven’t heard of this before, and I sent an email to Ridge to Rivers.
Trail officials haven’t seen excessive glass or received reports of any on trails.
Is anyone else out there seeing more broken glass than usual on Boise Foothills trails?
The best thing for trail users to do is to kick it off the main trails or shovel it up with a handy U-Dig-It stainless-steel hand trowel and put it in a stout plastic bag and then in the trash. Yep, I always have my U-Dig-It handy.
Glass on the trails can be a recipe for injury for dogs or their owners. Hopefully it isn’t a widespread problem.
BOGUS NIGHT SKIING
Q: Does Bogus Basin have night skiing every night?
J.J., via Twitter
A: We’re really lucky. Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area has night skiing every night, seven days a week.
I love the transition from day skiing to night skiing at Bogus. It can be the most beautiful part of the day on the mountain.
Being on the mountain during the beautiful sunny, mild winter days we’ve been having is fantastic during the period from 4 to 5 p.m., especially when there’s no wind.
Also, the crowds are gone, the lights are just coming on, and the sun’s rays are painting the mountain pinkish-white.
It’s definitely a magical time on the mountain and a favorite time of the day for me.
Night skiing at Bogus Basin is a real deal if you’re not a season-pass holder. It’s $20 from 4 to 10 p.m. and you can’t beat that.
Six and younger are free so you can ski at a fairly decent price for the family.
It can be cheaper with a Jacksons deal. Purchase any 12-pack Pepsi product at a participating Jacksons and receive a voucher for $10 off any adult lift ticket (day or night).
Pete Zimowsky: 377-6445
