Idaho will pay contractors working on federal highway projects with state funds if the national government shutdown continues beyond Thursday, the Idaho Transportation Board decided on Tuesday.

The decisions affect local three North Idaho projects. Those include:

* A contract with Sletten Construction to replace a bridge in Rathdrum that lies between Idaho 53 and Idaho 41

* A project with Specialty Construction to replace highway signs on Idaho 53 and Interstate 90

* A contract with Knife River Corp. to chip-seal and replace guardrails on Interstate 90 from Elizabeth Park Road to Osburn.

"We want to honor the contracts that have already been awarded and keep people working," said Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Jerry Whitehead. "If the federal government fails to reach a decision by Thursday, the alternative is to stop approximately $30 million a month in federal highway contracts and another $875,000 a month in transit services."

The Idaho Transportation Department would make the payments to contractors and transit providers using state funds. When the federal budget crisis is resolved, the department would submit those payments to the federal government for reimbursement based on current contracts.

The transportation board will review its decision monthly if the budget crisis continues, Whitehead said.

"While it appears that Congress might be agreeing on a solution soon, the board decided it was important for the state's contractors and their employees to know they can report for work after Thursday," Whitehead said.

Beck interchange traffic restricted

POST FALLS - The eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 will be restricted Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, and the westbound lanes from 1 to 4 p.m., as crews apply stain to the parapet and girders of the Beck Road Interchange.

Crews will perform work over the travel lane first, then the passing lane.

Ralph Wadsworth Construction, of Draper, Utah, is the contractor.