Idaho’s historic highway markers get a modern makeover

Travelers along Idaho’s roads and scenic byways will soon see the first of the new Idaho Historic Highway Markers. These refreshed signs combine storytelling with modern technology, offering visitors a more immersive experience and a stronger connection to the communities they pass through.

The initiative combines two projects across three state agencies. The Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho State Historical Society are partnering to update all highway markers with new historical research and signage. In tandem with these efforts, Visit Idaho is developing QR codes to be installed at each marker location, connecting travelers to an app that offers additional content about the site and nearby activities and amenities. The app will also translate to nine other languages. The digital component is funded in part by a $3.2 million federal economic development grant awarded to ITD in 2022.

The goal is to restore the historic markers to spark curiosity about the state’s expansive history and drive interaction with the app to encourage exploration of Idaho’s rural communities, helping increase overnight stays and drive economic impact across Idaho.

“This project aligns perfectly with many of the initiatives Visit Idaho is focused on. Idaho’s diverse and often rural landscape is filled with communities that we know travelers will enjoy once they go beyond the destinations they already know. We’re excited to incorporate the QR codes as an easy, accessible tool to help travelers find more to explore in our beautiful state,” said Natalie Jushinski, tourism manager at Visit Idaho.

Each of the three state agencies plays a distinct role in this multi-year project:

ITD owns and maintains the physical markers and is managing the installation and updated marker designs, which now feature state symbols like the mountain bluebird and the syringa.
Visit Idaho, a division of the Idaho Department of Commerce, is developing the QR codes and web-based app connecting travelers to information to explore more in the area.
ISHS is responsible for the historical content for the markers, and their historians are updating the text on each marker to amplify understanding of the significance of each site.

The project not only enhances the travel experience but also supports rural tourism and local economies by encouraging deeper exploration. The revitalized markers and digital information provide new opportunities for education, storytelling and visitor engagement for all travelers—both residents and visitors.

“We are grateful to be a part of the Historical Highway Marker program, which continues to create a powerful sense of place for Idahoans. These markers share the stories that make the Gem State truly unique — stories that have been updated and thoroughly researched at a local level, deepening our understanding of Idaho’s vibrant history,” said Janet Gallimore, executive director at ISHS. “They remind us of where we’ve been, connect us to one another, and strengthen the sense of community that defines our state.”

All updated markers and QR codes in ITD’s District 1 in North Idaho are expected to be installed by the end of 2025, with no impact on traffic. The remaining markers and QR codes will be installed in phases by district through 2027.

“We are excited to partner with others to ensure that these roadside displays reflect the beauty and rich history of Idaho,” said Mike Johnson, the division administrator for engineering services at ITD.

Temporary speed limit reduction on US-95 for Sunset Fire response

The Idaho Transportation Department will temporarily reduce the speed limit on U.S. Highway 95 to 55 mph between Granite Hill and Blacktail Road to support firefighting efforts and public safety during the Sunset Fire response north of Athol.

Fire crews are staging equipment in the area, and evacuations are taking place as part of the emergency response. Idaho State Police will have troopers patrolling the area to make sure drivers follow the reduced speed limits, helping ensure the safety and efficiency of fire operations.

Drivers should follow all posted signs, slow down, and use caution when traveling through the area.

For the latest travel and traffic conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.

Drive sober or get pulled over — Idaho celebrates the heroes who make it home safely

Blonde woman driving car, she is sober and attentive.

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is joining law enforcement agencies across the state for the 2025 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, running August 15 through September 1. The effort focuses on preventing impaired driving ahead of Labor Day, one of the deadliest times on Idaho roads.

The numbers are sobering. In 2024, impaired driving claimed 86 lives in Idaho. That’s 36% of all traffic fatalities in Idaho which is the equivalent of losing over three Idahoans every week to a preventable cause.

Nationwide, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for about 30% of all crash fatalities. In 2023 alone, 12,429 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes. That’s one person every 42 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“These aren’t just statistics,” said Josephine Middleton, ITD Highway Safety Manager. “Every number is a person; someone’s family member, friend, or coworker. This campaign is about more than the legal consequences of driving impaired. It’s about saving lives. If you’re impaired, don’t drive. It’s that simple.”

While these numbers are a stark reminder of what’s at stake, OHS also wants to highlight the everyday heroes who help prevent tragedy. The designated drivers, the friends who call a rideshare, and the people who plan ahead before their first drink. Every sober ride home is a life protected, a crash prevented, and a family kept whole.

ITD urges all Idahoans to join the movement to end impaired driving by following these simple steps:

Use a sober driver, rideshare, or taxi.
Never let friends drive impaired.
Have a plan before the first drink.

Enforcement will be visible, and the message remains clear: Drive sober or get pulled over. But the ultimate goal is not to write tickets. It’s to make sure everyone makes it home safely.

For more information, visit shift-idaho.org.

Public invited to weigh in on US-95 project near Parks Road

Aerial view of US-95 near the Parks Road intersection.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the community to learn about and provide feedback on a future project to improve safety and increase mobility on U.S. Highway 95 near Parks Road. Construction is still several years away, but design is starting now. Proposed improvements include:

• Eliminating left turns and median crossing to allow right-in/right-out only access to US-95 from Parks Road.
• Building a new frontage road on the east side of US-95 from Parks Road to Lawrence Road, connecting to the existing dead-end and completing the route to SH-53 and even further south.
• Coordinating with the Lakes Highway District on a separate project as they plan to realign Old Highway 95 to Parks Road.
• Addressing congestion issues around the Bunco Road interchange and also near the Bunco Road/Pope Road intersection caused by surges in traffic to and from the neighboring theme park.

In-Person Meeting
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
4:30-6:30 p.m.

ITD Athol Shed
6303 E. Parks Road
Athol, ID

Feel free to drop in anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to view project displays and talk with members of the design team. Staff will be available to walk you through plans, answer questions, and hear your feedback.

Parents, feel free to bring your children along with you! This is a casual, drop-in event and families are welcome.

For anyone who can’t attend in person, the same information shared at the meeting will be available online starting August 19 through September 5 at US-95: Parks Road | ITD Projects.

This project is currently funded for design and construction beginning in 2031 for approximately $10 million.

US-20 traffic to shift as South St. Anthony Interchange nears completion

Road construction with closures and traffic shift on US-20 South St. Anthony interchange.

Beginning early this week, traffic on U.S. Highway 20 will be routed onto the newly built overpass bridge at South St. Anthony Exit 344. This marks the final stages of construction on a new full interchange at this location.

North and southbound motorists were previously routed onto the ramps while the overpass bridge was being constructed, with speed limits lowered to 35 mph. Traffic will now move to travel on mainline US-20 at a reduced work zone speed.

With this traffic shift, South St. Anthony ramps will be closed as work continues on 400 North under US-20. Workers and equipment will still be present on site, so drivers are urged to stay aware and be cautious.

This project is expected to be substantially complete later this summer, with the ramps and turning movements onto 400 North open then.

Funding for this project is assisted by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) fund. The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to invest in projects in corridors that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy, and positively impact communities across the state for years to come.

Updates on this project and others across Idaho can always be seen on the Idaho 511 app, or at 511.idaho.gov.

Single lane opened to traffic on Porterville overpass

The Idaho Transportation Department has installed traffic signals allowing single-lane traffic to pass over the Porterville overpass north of Blackfoot. The overpass was damaged Tuesday evening when it was struck by a backhoe being hauled by a semi on Interstate 15. The collision caused severe damage to one of the concrete girders under the overpass.

ITD has determined it is safe to allow traffic to pass over the undamaged portion of the bridge. The traffic lights will alternate, allowing vehicles to use the single open lane.

In addition, concrete barriers will be put in place to ensure traffic does not pass over the damaged girder.

ITD continues to investigate what will be required to repair the bridge.

Motorists are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov for the latest traffic information and width restrictions.

Port of Entry technology keeps Idaho moving

Ports of entry help preserve the well-being and safety of Gem State drivers statewide by safeguarding citizens, fostering economic development, and ensuring the efficient movement of goods and individuals across our borders. POE staffers are committed to maintaining safety and compliance with federal and state regulations for commercial vehicles. Each day, dedicated supervisors, inspectors, and registration teams manage hundreds, often thousands, of vehicle inspections, registrations, and permit requests. Their collective efforts directly support ITD’s mission of promoting safety, mobility, and economic opportunity.

Given the high volume of commercial traffic on Idaho’s roads—totaling millions of vehicles annually—ports are integral to maintaining smooth and secure operations. In addition to visual inspections for damage or missing components, such as safety markers, tire lug nuts, mirrors, placards, exhaust systems, or mud flaps, we utilize advanced electronic screening and weigh-in-motion (WIM) technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Electronic WIM systems effectively identify vehicles that are potentially overweight, over-length, or over-height, streamlining the inspection process. Complementing this system is our tire anomaly detection system—recently recognized with an American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators award—which helps identify tire issues such as worn tread, punctures, insufficient pressure, or mismatched sizes by axle. This technology not only facilitates the identification of suspect vehicles for further inspection, but also allows compliant vehicles to bypass the port, improving traffic flow and reducing operational costs. Industry data indicates that allowing compliant vehicles to remain on the interstate results in approximately $8.68 in cost savings per vehicle, thereby supporting our goal of enhancing mobility.

A key component of our electronic screening process is the Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window (CVIEW). This interface enables inspectors to access comprehensive vehicle data—such as registration details, safety records, permits, and driver information—to determine whether a more thorough inspection is necessary. When CVIEW flags potential issues, inspectors have the option to initiate a full inspection.

Recently, new Port of Entry Program Manager Frank DeCarvalho (pictured right) visited the East Boise and Declo ports. He remarked, “I am highly impressed with our inspectors and their effective use of electronic-screening technology to manage vehicle flow through our busy ports. The training they receive and their dedication are essential to fulfilling our mission while providing excellent customer service.”

While these technological tools provide powerful data-driven insights, it’s important to recognize the continued value of traditional visual inspections. These in-person checks remain a critical component of the inspection process, offering opportunities not only to identify issues that may not be captured electronically but also to engage directly with drivers. These face-to-face interactions often serve as educational moments, helping drivers better understand compliance requirements and maintain safer vehicles on the road.

US-20 delays and slower speeds starting next week for INL paving operations

Graphic map of US-20 west of Idaho Falls indicating traffic movement changes near the junction of US-20, US-26 at the INL entrance.

The Idaho Transportation Department is partnering with the Idaho National Laboratory to alert motorists of changes to their commute beginning next week.

Starting Monday, paving operations within the INL site will limit usual turning movements at the Puzzle, the junction of US-20, US-26 and INL. During morning and overnight hours, traffic will be able to make right turns only off US-20 into the site.

From 4 to 6:30 p.m. traffic at the Puzzle will be restricted to outbound only movement, with no inbound turns allowed.

Speed will be reduced to 50 mph on US-20 near and through the Puzzle while this work is completed.

Both inbound and outbound site traffic will be able to access US-20 from an alternative route at West Portland Avenue, Gate Three, one mile west of the Puzzle. No dedicated turning lane exists on US-20 at this intersection, so motorists are urged to be alert and slow down.

Flaggers will be present as needed when INL paving work is near the intersections of US-20 or US-26. Traffic control signs and lower speed limits will not be in effect when work is not actively ongoing along these roadways.

INL paving operations are expected to be complete and traffic running as usual by late September.

INL employees should refer to internal communication regarding effects to their commute on roads within the site. Effects to US-20 and US-26 will be noted on the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.

Massacre Rocks rest stop to close next week

Beginning Monday, the Interstate 86 westbound rest stop west of American Falls will be closed for maintenance. Crews will be repainting and landscaping. Work will continue until Monday, August 18.

ITD closing SH-46 at railroad crossing in Buhl for repairs next week

The Idaho Transportation Department is shutting down State Highway 46 (Clear Lakes Road) at the railroad crossing in Buhl from Monday through Aug. 16. ITD will repair the asphalt and replace the tracks near the SH-46/US 30 intersection.

North and southbound traffic on SH-46 can detour using Elm Street.
Westbound truck traffic is advised to take Broadway Avenue.
Eastbound truck traffic is advised to take N 1600 E to Sawtooth.

Please watch for detour signs as you navigate through the area.

This project was not initially planned to happen this year, but additional funding and recognition of the public need allowed ITD to quickly get these repairs planned and underway.

With average daily crossing of more than 3,000 vehicles, it is important to give yourself extra time to get through the detours and drive safely.

For up-to-date traffic information check 511.idaho.gov.