Beginning Monday, August 31, traffic movements at the intersection of Iona Road and U.S. Highway 26 (Yellowstone Highway) in Idaho Falls are being restricted to right-in and right-out turns only.
North and southbound travelers will still be able to turn right onto Iona Road from Yellowstone Highway. East and westbound traffic on Iona Road will be able to turn right onto Yellowstone as well. What will not be possible are left turns or crossing movements.
This change was planned to take effect as part of construction at Yellowstone and Hitt Road next summer. The decision to advance those plans was made following recent severe crashes and resulting discussions between Bonneville County and the Idaho Transportation Department that identified Iona Road intersection as critical for safety improvements.
Motorists can expect to see advance warning signs this week regarding this change. Concrete barricades, heavy traffic control barrels and permanent delineators will be in place through the center of Yellowstone Highway for a total of 800 feet.
ITD asks drivers to please heed this new change—attempting to fit between traffic control devices will not be possible. Drivers needing to turn left or cross the highway should reroute to traffic signals at Woodruff Avenue and Hitt Road.
Improvements at the intersection of Yellowstone and Hitt Road are expected to be constructed next summer. Hitt Road will be widened to five lanes, and a signal will replace the current roundabout at the Hitt and Iona Road intersection then. Permanent median barrier will be placed on Yellowstone at the intersection of Iona Road then as well.
Information on this change and other work zones across Idaho can always be found on the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.