Seat Check Saturday Coming up September 21

Flying cheerios, missing socks— backseat riders can get a little out of control. One thing you can control is your child’s safety. It’s National Child Passenger Safety Week (September 15-21) and a great time to make sure your child’s car seat fits. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has partnered with organizations around the state for National Seat Check Saturday on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Last year in Idaho there were 2,538 crashes involving a child passenger between 0-6 years old. 515 of those kids were unrestrained in the vehicles. Two children died, one was in a car seat, one was not.

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study found that while most parents and caregivers believe they know how to properly install their car seats, about half (48%) have installed their child’s car seat incorrectly. An appointment with a professional Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technician can go a long way in protecting kids and giving parents peace of mind.

“CPS technicians undergo extensive training,” says Tabitha Smith, Program Manager for Occupant Protection in Idaho and former CPS Technician. “It’s not something that’s taught in a couple-hour class. It’s three to four days long. So when we send people to technicians, they truly know what they’re talking about.”

This week in Idaho there are many free seat check events coming up on Seat Check Saturday and beyond:

North Idaho
Agency	City	Address	Date	Time
Safe Start /St. Mary’s Health	Cottonwood	701 Lewiston St, Cottonwood, ID 83522	9/19/2024	1 pm to 4 pm
Southwest Idaho
Agency	City	Address	Date	Time
Thrive Pediatrics Pinnacle Clinic	Meridian	1435 E. Phenomenal St. Meridian, ID 83642	9/28/24	9 am to 1 pm
Kuna Fire	Kuna	150 W Boise St, Kuna, ID 83634	9/21/2024	10 am to 4
Mountain Home Air Force Base	Mountain Home	355 Alpine St, Mountain Home AFB, ID 83648	9/21/2024	Call for Appointment 208-828-7349
St. Luke’s	Meridian	500 S Eagle Rd. Meridian, 83642	9/21/24	10 am to 2 pm
Emmett Fire	Emmett	231 S Washington Ave, Emmett, ID 83617	9/21/2024	9 am to 12 pm
McCall Fire	McCall	201 Deinhard Ln, McCall, ID 83638	9/21/2024	9 am 2 pm
East Idaho
Agency	City	Address	Date	Time
Oneida – Nell Redfield Hospital	Malad City	150 200 W, Malad City, ID 83252	9/20/2024	10 am
Caribou County Sheriff	Soda Springs	475 E 2nd S, Soda Springs, ID 83276	9/21/2024	11 am
Blackfoot PD	Blackfoot PD	501 N Maple St #410, Blackfoot, ID 83221	9/21/2024	11 am
Grease Monkey Idaho Falls	Idaho Falls	2100 Channing Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83404	9/28/2024	10 am to 2 pm
Teton Valley Health	Driggs	120 E Howard Ave, Driggs, ID 83422	9/28/2024	9 am to noon

At these seat check events, certified child passenger safety technicians will check if a car seat is the right type for a child’s age and size, check that it fits correctly, and that it is properly installed in the vehicle.

Several organizations also provide seat check appointments year-round. Visit OHS’s online map to find a provider near you and make an appointment.

For more details on what to expect at a seat check appointment, check out OHS’s blog.

SH-21 to reopen Friday following Wapiti Fire

The Idaho Transportation Department will reopen State Highway 21 between Lowman and Stanley at 8 a.m. on Friday. Traffic will be managed with a pilot car or flagging operation to safely guide vehicles through areas where crews are working on repairs.

ITD crews continue to work alongside emergency contractors to address the significant damage caused by the Wapiti Fire. This work includes clearing ditches, hauling materials to rebuild eroded hillsides, removing hundreds of hazardous trees, and replacing damaged guardrails. Once completed, steel guardrails that meet new modern standards will replace the burnt wooden rails.

Drivers are advised to avoid unnecessary trips and reminded not to stop along the highway, especially in the burn areas. Those traveling through the affected area should expect:

Traffic guided by a pilot car or flaggers during active work.
A temporary reduced speed limit of 45 mph.
Significant delays when crews are working on the highway.
Repair work continuing until weather conditions make further progress impossible.

The recent rain in the area has helped suppress the fire but has also caused slides and boulders to fall onto the highway. Due to the evolving conditions created by the wildfire, ITD advises drivers to always check 511.idaho.gov before heading out.

The Unhailed, Underappreciated Emergency Responders

SH-33 with road blockades and a pickup truck following an accident

People see the Idaho Transportation Department logo and seem to have an automatic response, for better or worse. They’re the ones causing construction delays, needing to get the snow off the road already, or taking too long whatever they’re doing. They don’t do anything right and never will. Their flashing orange lights could just as easily be the mailman.

It’s not likely that you think of ITD as being the ones to first call 911, the ones to keep you from freezing or assess injury at the side of the road. They’re not your emergency responders. But then again, yes, they are.

All across Idaho, there is no one that travels the over 12,000 lane miles of highways and interstates more continually than the men and women behind the blue and orange ITD logo. The likelihood that they’ll be there when a crash or emergency occurs is higher than anyone else. The police and ambulance have to be called in. ITD is already there.

When two crop duster planes collided and crashed alongside US-26 near Arco, an ITD striping crew was there, becoming the first to assess the pilots. When a motorcycle crash occurred on Interstate 15 near Dubois, part of the ITD maintenance crew was there, already working the roads they consider their own. The story is similar in the case of many incidents across Idaho over the years.

“We spend so much time on the road, that nine times out of ten, we’re the first on scene when anything happens,” Idaho Falls area foreman Jared Loosli said. “And we’re not just going to pass by and leave.”

In the instance of a recent multi-fatality crash near the I-15/ US-20 interchange, Loosli and his crew were called in immediately to assist the Idaho State Police. Most people don’t realize that when state troopers get called out, ITD is almost always called out too.

“We have great foremen for ITD here in Idaho,” ISP Lieutenant Marvin Crane said. “We have personal relationships with them, and they never say they can’t do something. They’re always asking, ‘What do you need?’ and getting things done within minutes.”

“It does affect you,” Loosli stated, also noting that the worst incident he’s ever been a part of happened to one of his own guys.

“The first thing I’m thinking about is my crew,” Ashton/ Island Park foreman Ryan Wright added. “At that point, there are no traffic devices, there’s not time and it’s not the priority. It’s just our guy in the middle of everything trying to help.”

Very recently, Driggs/ St. Anthony Foreman Lucas Richins witnessed what all ITD foremen prioritize and fear the most. An ITD maintenance worker was hit after a distracted driver ran through a roadblock while powerline repair work was being done on SH-33.

So not only are ITD employees unhailed first responders, they’re also the underappreciated workers putting their lives on the line every day. Earlier this year, three of Loosli’s crew were removing hazards from I-15 when a semi grazed the side of their vehicle, damaging the rear end and taking off the driver’s side mirror. A mere two inches would’ve changed the outcome of that incident entirely.

What is it that keeps the guys in yellow working in these risky situations and responding to emergencies, knowing full well that public opinion is often negative and even rude?

“These are small communities,” Mackay/ Challis foreman Jeremy Johnson noted. “When we go out on a call, it could very well be our own friends and families. We’re thinking of keeping them safe in everything we do.”

“When I’m doing something myself, I can see the progress and know that I’m making things safer for everyone,” Wright shared. “I actually love to go out plowing. I love what I do.”

“It’s really a mentality,” Loosli says. “You either have it or you don’t honestly. People complain because they drive by and see four guys standing around. But we know why, we see the bigger picture and the process. The 30 seconds people see isn’t the story of the whole 10-hour day at all.”

“On instinct, I’m thinking about what I could have done, how could this have been prevented?” Richins said. “But then the biggest thought becomes frustration. We’re here trying to help and to serve. When we close a road, the whole point is to keep people safe. Driver awareness is so negligent that it really is frustrating. It’s dangerous.”

Adding to the dangerous nature of the job is the reality that the ITD fleet are not considered emergency vehicles, and ITD signage is too often not respected. Multiple layers of striped road blockades or orange traffic barrels somehow don’t always keep people out.

“We don’t enjoy closing a road or causing delays,” Richins emphasized. “We do it and we have to because it is the safest way. People need to be patient and have respect.”

“I don’t need to be liked,” Wright added. “I’m still here to do a job and to protect people.”

So maybe the next time you barely notice the flashing orange lights of an ITD vehicle alongside the road, want to scream in standstill construction traffic or at being stuck behind a plow, you’ll slow down and think too that those folks in bright yellow are also the ones who will be there before anyone else can. They could be the difference between freezing after sliding off the road or staying warm until the tow truck gets there. They could be the one to help make sure that your own family and friends across our tight-knit Idaho communities are given emergency support in time to matter.

It’s even highly likely that they will be.

SH-11 closed near Cardiff due to structure fire

Motorists should be advised that State Highway 11 is closed between Headquarters and Hollywood due to a structure fire near Cardiff.

There is no posted detour or estimated time of reopening. To follow and get continual updates about this instance please visit Idaho 511. Access it 24/7 on the web at 511.idaho.gov/, by downloading the free mobile app or by dialing 511 on your phone.

US-20 Exit 333 in Rexburg re-opens

Aerial map and graphic descriptions of how to drive the diverging diamond traffic pattern at Rexburg Exit 333

REXBURG— U.S. Highway 20 Exit 333 in Rexburg will re-open Thursday night with a new diverging diamond interchange in place. This exit has been closed since late July so the Idaho Transportation Department and contractors could construct the new road design and complete vital underground infrastructure work.

The re-opening comes in time for an increase of traffic as university students arrive in Rexburg for the fall semester. All lanes of traffic will be open and construction efforts remain off the roadway at both Exit 332 (University Boulevard) and Exit 333 (Main Street) through this weekend to accommodate this influx.

“There really is a light at the end of the tunnel in Rexburg,” ITD Project Manager Conner Huffaker said. “We’re excited to be giving people some relief from construction and know that these new exits will do a great job of keeping everyone safe and moving better. Thank you for bearing with us.”

Motorists and citizens should be aware that construction efforts will continue again next week and through the month of October. Intermittent single-lane closures will be in place, with traffic still able to move through the interchanges. Impacts will be noted on 511.idaho.gov.

University Boulevard Exit will fully close again during the week of September 30 through October 4 to allow crews to add a final layer of pavement. This timeframe has been selected in coordination with when Madison School District is out of school for harvest break. Work on both exits is on track to be completed late this Fall. For further details about this project and to watch a video on how to drive the new diverging diamond traffic pattern, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us20rexburg.

I-15 Woodville Overpass scheduled for repair Tuesday night

Map showing I-15 detour on US-91 for Woodville construction

Beginning tomorrow night at 10 p.m., the northbound lanes of Interstate 15 will be closed underneath the Woodville Overpass so crews can replace a damaged girder. A detour will be in place until 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

Traffic will be detoured off the interstate at Exit 108 to U.S. Highway-91 and then will return to the interstate at Exit 113.

The girder was damaged in November when a towed excavator travelling on I-15 struck the bridge. Traffic on the overpass has been limited to one lane while ITD prepared for the repair. Work will continue until the end of the month when the overpass will be fully open to two-way traffic.

Motorists are encouraged to visit 511.idaho.gov or use the 511 app to keep track of project detours.

Overnight I-84 closures will begin Sunday between Meridian and Nampa

I-84 closure will begin Sunday between Meridian and Nampa.

The Idaho Transportation Department advises motorists to plan for nighttime lane closures on Interstate 84 beginning on Sunday between Meridian and Nampa.

Crews are painting permanent striping and installing overhead signs at the future interchange of State Highway 16 and I-84. One direction of I-84 will be closed each night during this work.

Sunday, Sept. 8:

Eastbound I-84 will be closed between the Garrity Boulevard (Exit 38) and Ten Mile Road (Exit 42) Interchanges from 9 p.m. Sunday night to 5 a.m. on Monday. Traffic will be detoured down Franklin Road. Click here for the detour map.

Tuesday, Sept. 10:

Westbound I-84 will be closed between the Ten Mile Road (Exit 42) and Garrity Boulevard (Exit 38) Interchanges from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Traffic will be detoured down Franklin Road. Click here for the detour map.

Additional nighttime lane restrictions on I-84 will continue through September, but at least two lanes will remain open in each direction. The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph at night.

To request updates about the State Highway 16 project, text HIGHWAY16 to 1-866-483-8422. For more information, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor.

SH-21 Wapiti Fire information and updates

A burned sign along SH-21 from the Wapiti Fire.

Update Sept. 12, 2024 – State Highway 21 remains closed as the Wapiti Fire continues to burn between Lowman and Stanley. Despite ongoing fire activity, the Idaho Transportation Department has completed a damage assessment of the area.

Emergency contracts have been established, and repair efforts are actively underway. Crews are currently removing hazard trees along the highway, and assessments indicate that approximately 49 road signs and several miles of guardrail will need to be replaced in Boise County. The guardrail is crucial, given the steep slopes along this mountainous highway.

“We are taking a proactive approach to this situation, and as long as it is safe to do so, we will continue our work in the area. Completing the damage assessment was a critical first step, allowing us to secure the necessary resources and determine what needs to be done to safely reopen the highway when the time comes,” Field Operations Manager Eric Copeland said.

Throughout the duration of this fire, ITD crews will continue to conduct twice-daily patrols using loaders to clear burnt trees, rocks, and debris from the highway, ensuring that fire crews and emergency responders can safely access the affected areas.

To date, the Wapiti Fire has burned more than 120,000 acres and is currently 12% contained. As multiple fires continue to impact Southwest Idaho, ITD encourages travelers to check road conditions at 511.idaho.gov before planning their journeys.

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Update Sept. 6, 2024 – Both directions of State Highway 21 remain closed from Sourdough Lodge to Stanley (MP 84 to 130). At the time of this update, the fire has burned more than 100,000 acres and is 12% contained. Traffic to/from the Stanley area can use State Highway 75 as an alternate route. There is no estimate on when SH-21 will reopen.

There are several active wildfires burning throughout Idaho . Wildfires don’t just affect landscapes—they force wildlife to migrate, moving away from flames and into new areas. This means more animals are crossing roads and entering populated areas, creating unexpected encounters with drivers. As the animals travel in search of food and habitat, they are at risk of additional threats like vehicle strikes. Keep yourself safe by slowing down, staying alert and watching for wildlife on the roads.

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The Idaho Transportation Department encourages all drivers to check 511.idaho.gov for current conditions on your route.

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Update Aug. 27, 2024 – Lower Stanley is being evacuated due to the movement of the Wapiti Fire. State Highway 75 will be closed at Museum (MP 190), Gateway (MP 192) and Casino Creek (195). Both directions of SH-75 are closed due to the fire risk. State Highway 21 from Stanley to Sour Dough Lodge is still closed in both directions.

We will continue to monitor fire movement and issue road closures as needed. Drivers in the area should keep an eye out for signage about the fire and avoid areas that are blocked off. The road closures include pedestrian, bicycling and other modes of transportation.

Go to 511.idaho.gov for up to date information on road closures and more. You can also follow Wapiti Fire Info 2024 for more fire information.

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Update Aug. 23, 2024 – The State Highway 21 closure has been expanded from Sourdough Lodge to Stanley (MP 84 to 130) due to wildfire activity from the Wapiti Fire. Only local traffic is permitted between the Sourdough and Warm Springs Airstrip. There is no public access from the highway to surrounding areas including Grandjean, Bull Trout, Cape Horn, Boundary Creek, or Seafoam.

Traffic to/from the Stanley area can use State Highway 75 as an alternate route. Access to local businesses in Lowman and Stanley remains open at this time. Please check with the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests for area closure information. Please check with the Boise and Custer County Sheriffs’ Offices for local road closures and evacuation orders.

There is no estimate on when SH-21 will reopen. Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

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Update Aug. 22, 2024 – State Highway 21 remains closed from Warm Springs Creek to Stanley (MP 92 to 130) due to wildfire activity from the Wapiti Fire. There is currently no public access to the Grandjean area, as the fire’s currently burning on both sides of the highway. Motorists planning to travel between Boise and Stanley must take an alternate route through Ketchum on State Highway 75. There is no estimate for when the road will reopen as fire activity remains unpredictable at this time.

If you are traveling on SH-21, please stay alert for increased fire traffic. It’s crucial not to slow crews down as they work to manage the fire. Avoid traveling to closure points to wait. For your safety, check 511.idaho.gov before you go!

Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

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Aug. 20, 2024 – The Wapiti Fire burning in the Boise National Forest has forced the closure of State Highway 21 near Grandjean. Motorists planning to travel between Boise and Stanley will need to take an alternate route through Ketchum on State Highway 75. There is no estimate for when the road will reopen.

The Wapiti Fire is 10% contained and has burned more than 9,000 acres. The Idaho Transportation Department encourages all drivers to check 511.idaho.gov for current conditions on your route.

Here are some additional safety tips for traveling in areas with wildfires:

Power outages are common near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic signals as four-way stops.
Bring additional food and water in case your trip is delayed.
Driving in smoke is similar to driving in heavy fog. Slow down, maintain a steady pace, and stay alert.
Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.
The safest place to wait for a highway to reopen is at home. Avoid traveling to closure points to wait, as closures could last for days.

Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

Delays expected on the Perrine Bridge next week for inspection

Drivers can expect lane restrictions and possible delays near Twin Falls to begin Monday as crews from the Idaho Transportation Department perform routine biannual inspections on the Perrine Bridge.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction while crew members are utilizing the inspection truck. Work will occur at non-peak hours to help reduce congestion and is expected to follow the below schedule:

– Southbound outside lane closure: Monday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
– Northbound outside lane closure: Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pedestrian access may be subject to short restrictions during portions of the inspection. Motorists should consider using an alternate route between the hours listed above. The schedule is subject to change pending weather conditions, so travelers should remember to check 511.idaho.gov for updates or pay attention to signage in the area.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution near the work zone and watch for crew members and equipment. ITD appreciates the patience and cooperation of those driving through the area.

ITD to host two open houses next week for SH-44, I-84 to Star Road Project

ITD is hosting two open houses to present alternative concepts as part of the State Highway 44, Interstate 84 to Star Road Project. The alternatives include designs along SH-44 in both downtown Middleton and at the Star Road Intersection.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is hosting two open houses to present alternative concepts as part of the State Highway 44, Interstate 84 to Star Road Project. The alternatives include designs along SH-44 in both downtown Middleton and at the Star Road Intersection.

Details for the open houses are below:

Tuesday, Sept.10, at Middleton Middle School at 511 W Main Street in Middleton. 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime)
Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Star Fire Protection District at 11665 W State Street, Ste. B in Star. 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime)

The same information will be available at both in-person open houses and online from Sept. 10-25 at: https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh44pel. The project team held four previous open houses in January and April.

“Public feedback and stakeholder input have proven crucial to identifying suitable alternatives so far. Incorporating this feedback with traffic data has narrowed the number of alternatives carried forward. We look forward to sharing these designs and engaging with the public as the project moves to the next step,” ITD Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said.

In this study phase, ITD is implementing the Federal Highway Administration’s Planning and Environmental Linkage process to identify and screen transportation improvements. Once improvements have been chosen, the project will transition into the National Environmental Policy Act phase.

For details, assistance, or more information, you can reach the project team at info@idaho44corridor.com. Further project information can be found on the ITD project page.