UPCOMING SPEED LIMIT INCREASE
Upon completion of guardrail repairs, ITD intends to increase the posted speed limit across the US-95 Sandpoint Byway to 55 mph. This change is expected to take place the week of Sept. 21 between the north end of the Long Bridge and Tibbets Lane in Ponderay.
Overview
ITD will repair damaged guardrail along parts of the byway after settling on the structure caused separation. The guardrail improvements are part of planned safety work along US-95 and will support an upcoming increase in the posted speed limit to 55 miles per hour on the Byway.
Project Information
Over time, bridge abutments and adjacent concrete walls on US-95 in this area have settled, causing sections of attached guardrail to drop below current safety height requirements. This project will modify and raise the guardrail where needed to restore proper alignment and improve roadside protection for drivers. The work focuses on maintaining safety standards and addressing areas where the guardrail has separated or no longer performs as intended.
Once the guardrail improvements are complete, ITD plans to increase the posted speed limit on the Sandpoint Byway from 45 mph to 55 mph between the north end of the Long Bridge and Tibbets Lane in Ponderay. The 45 mph speed limit north of Tibbets Lane will remain unchanged.
The speed limit on the Byway has been 45 mph since it opened in 2010. Engineering evaluations and analysis have determined that 55 mph is both safe and appropriate for the corridor once the remaining guardrail deficiencies are addressed.
Nighttime construction is underway will take approximately one month to complete, with crews working from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. to reduce daytime disruptions for traffic. Motorists can expect short-term impacts, including a single, alternating lane through a brief work zone.
Questions about this project?
Contact the project manager at lee.bernardi@itd.idaho.gov or by calling (208) 772-1200.