Samantha Chaffin
News Editor
Idaho State University officials recently announced that a berm will be built below the iconic “I” on Red Hill to address safety concerns raised due to erosion.
The berm is expected to be built after the new year.
Earlier this year, the lowest trail on Red Hill was closed due to safety concerns and the potential for boulders and rocks to slide down the hillside to the trail or roadway.
According to Phil Moessner, associate vice president of facilities services, the berm will be a small hillside built purposely to keep things such as loose material and rocks contained.
Moessner said the berm was deemed an “emergency repair,” along the same lines as the recent tunnel repairs under the Reed Gym parking lot.
After the final design for the berm is submitted, the university will send out for bids for contractors to complete construction on the project.
The preliminary estimated cost of the project is $156,000.
Moessner said though there is no specific line-item in the university budget for repairs such as this, part of the reserves are designed to cover these sorts of sudden issues.
Moessner estimated that the trails won’t reopen until after spring semester.
“At this point, the key things we’re trying to help folks remember is that there’s a serious safety issue here, and our foremost concern is for the safety of the students and the faculty and the citizens that come to visit,” said Moessner. “So that’s why we closed the trails. We realize that’s an inconvenience and we’re working as fast as we can to eliminate the safety hazard and reopen the trails for everybody.”
He continued, “We appreciate their cooperation. Everybody’s been great about staying out of the area so far and we really appreciate that, so thank you very much.
Construction will likely begin in late-spring due to the nature of the construction and earthwork involved with building the berm.
A committee made up of university employees, alumni, students and community members was formed to determine a course of action to resolve the instability of the “I” itself.
No final decisions have been made but Moessner said it is likely something will need to be done to replace the “I.”
According to Moessner, the “I” is made up of chicken wire framing, concrete and paint that lays on the ground, a significant portion of which has eroded.
“Much of the “I” is hanging in mid-air,” explained Moessner. “We’re not sure how much longer it can sit there before it collapses.”
No decisions have been made regarding how the “I” will be replaced. The preservation of the current “I” will depend on how it can be removed.
If students or community members have suggestions, they can contact Moessner via email at ude.USInull@lihpseom.
