Abandoned overpass transforms into wildlife crossing near Osburn

A once-abandoned bridge in Osburn is seeing new life, at least for now, thanks to a creative partnership between local residents, conservation groups, and state agencies, including the Idaho Transportation Department.

The structure, a former overpass across Interstate 90, sat unused for decades after nearby mining development closed off the roadway it once served. The surrounding area, however, remained a busy wildlife corridor. For years, elk, deer, and other animals have been struck trying to cross the freeway in that area, which has one of the highest wildlife collision rates on the interstate between Coeur d’Alene and Montana.

That concern led Osburn resident and truck driver Carl Wilson to champion a community effort to turn the unused bridge into a wildlife overpass. Working with partners including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and several local conservation groups, the community secured grant funding to retrofit the structure with fencing to guide animals safely across the interstate via the abandoned bridge.

While ITD’s role in the project was limited, the agency provided crucial support behind the scenes by granting the necessary permits and helping connect the group with funding resources. A few key staff members in District 1, including former Assistant District Engineer Marvin Fenn and Program Manager Robert Beachler, were instrumental in helping guide the effort to fruition.

“This project really showcases how creative thinking and collaboration can make use of existing infrastructure in new ways,” Beachler said. “It was great to see local initiative and partnerships come together to improve safety for both wildlife and drivers.”

The refurbished bridge officially opened for wildlife use this summer and early reports from Fish and Game trail cameras show whitetail deer already using it, and a nearby underpass, to safely traverse the interstate.

The bridge’s future is limited, but ITD is happy to support the community in putting it to good use for now. Since it no longer serves a transportation purpose and remains ITD-owned, the bridge is scheduled for removal in 2032 as it ages.

“Even temporary or short-term solutions can have meaningful benefits,” said District Engineer Damon Allen. “This project reflects the kind of local collaboration and problem-solving we appreciate being a part of.”

Right-turn lane closure on US-95 in Sagle begins

The Idaho Transportation Department will close the southbound right-turn lane on U.S. Highway 95 at Dufort Road starting at 5 a.m. tomorrow through 5 p.m. on Monday while crews widen it to make it easier and safer for traffic to turn.

Drivers will still be able to turn right onto Dufort Road, but they will do so from the southbound through lane. Because of this, ITD reminds all drivers to use extra caution. Through traffic should be prepared to slow for turning vehicles, and drivers entering the highway from Dufort Road should watch closely for oncoming traffic.

A reduced speed limit of 45 mph will be in place through the work zone on US-95.

This safety improvement follows consultation with regional agencies and law enforcement, who identified widening the turn lane as a quick, low-cost fix to help reduce crashes. The added width will shift turning traffic so it no longer blocks the view of oncoming traffic. This will improve sight distance for drivers on Dufort Road trying to turn onto US-95 and reduce the risk of collisions.

An interchange is planned for this intersection as part of the environmental re-evaluation of the Sagle corridor and ITD’s Proposed Action between Dufort Road and Lakeshore Drive. However, there is no funding for design or construction of that large-scale, long-term improvement at this time. As an added safety enhancement, Bonner County also recently installed flashing stop signs on Dufort Road.

ITD and ISP to host free winter driving classes for the community

As snow season approaches, the Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho State Police are once again teaming up to offer free winter driving safety classes in North Idaho. The first one of the year is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon at the ISP District Office in Coeur d’Alene.

These annual classes have become a community tradition, giving drivers of all ages the knowledge and confidence to handle icy roads and unpredictable weather. Courses are taught by state troopers and ITD operators and cover everything from vehicle preparation and proper equipment to crash response, road conditions, and snowplow safety.

“North Idaho winters can be challenging, but preparation makes all the difference,” said Daryl Rise, a plow operator. “These classes are a great way for drivers, especially teens and new residents, to build safe driving habits before winter conditions hit.”

While these classes are open to everyone of all ages and skill levels, they are especially valuable for:

New drivers, ages 14–17, including those preparing to start driver’s education in the next year
Young drivers with limited winter driving experience
New residents facing their first Idaho winter

Registration & Schedule
Several classes are currently scheduled on Saturdays in Coeur d’Alene through mid-December, with additional sessions being added statewide.

Anyone interested should check the ITD website for the most current dates, times and locations as new classes may be added. Registration is required for each participant, and a full list of classes with registration links can be found on ITD’s Travel web page.

Participants who complete a class will also receive a coupon for 10 percent off a new set of snow tires at any Les Schwab Tires store location in North Idaho. ITD and ISP extend a special thank you to Les Schwab stores for valuing driver safety and supporting these efforts through their partnership.

Part of the new I-90/SH-41 Interchange in Post Falls to open Friday morning

Street view of the SH-41 and Mullan Street intersection showing traffic on the existing lanes, and also the newly constructed lanes where traffic will shift to.

Drivers can expect some big changes at the Interstate 90 and State Highway 41 Interchange early Friday morning as the Idaho Transportation Department plans to open portions of the new Single Point Urban Interchange, or SPUI, that has been under construction since 2022. This shift marks a major milestone in the project and will significantly change how drivers move through the area.

For the first time, SH-41 traffic will be shifted to the west to run underneath the new bridges and connect to the heart of the SPUI. Drivers will also be able to use the new westbound on-ramp and eastbound off-ramp.

Making this shift will require several large-scale closures throughout the interchange area overnight on Thursday to set up cones, barriers, and signs that will safely route vehicles through the new traffic pattern. By early Friday morning motorists will be using parts of the new SPUI.

Here’s what drivers can expect Thursday from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.:

SH-41 will be closed from 12^th Ave to Seltice Way.
The eastbound off-ramp from I-90 will be closed.
The westbound on-ramp to I-90 will be closed.
Mullan Ave will be closed from SH-41 east to October Glory Street. This closure may be in effect for several days, rather than just overnight.

In addition to the overnight closures, there will be temporary changes to side street and business access along SH-41 between 12th Street and Neufeld Lane. The old highway is several feet higher than the new lanes being opened, so crews will need to lower the ground and add gravel to build temporary road connections. Some of these access points will be closed only overnight, while others may be closed for a week or longer. Signs will be posted and detours in place to help drivers and customers get where they need to go.

Drivers will need to pay close attention to signs and lane markings as they get used to the new layout, especially those traveling south on SH-41. After the traffic shift, drivers in the right lane south of Mullan Avenue will be required to merge onto the westbound I-90 on-ramp, where previously they had the option to either merge or continue south to Seltice Way.

View a graphic of where traffic will be.

“As we implement these traffic changes, we are asking drivers to please plan extra time and follow the signs and traffic control devices,” Project Manager Randy Durland said. “As drivers adjust to these changes, we appreciate everyone’s patience and extra attention in the work zone for the safety of both drivers and workers.”

The I-90/SH-41 Interchange upgrade is part of ITD’s broader investment in regional mobility, safety and long-term infrastructure improvements and is funded by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho program. For the remainder of the year, crews will focus on opening the westbound off-ramp and building the path for bicyclists and pedestrians along SH-41. The full interchange is expected to open next year, though impacts from the month-long operator strike in Washington may extend the duration of construction.

To learn more about the I-90/SH-41 project, visit the project website or email info@i90corridor.com.

Years-long closure of westbound Huetter Rest Area for passenger vehicles for I-90 construction starts tomorrow

Drone shot of both exits for the Huetter Rest Area between Post Falls and CDA

Beginning tomorrow at 7 a.m., the westbound Huetter Rest Area along Interstate 90 between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene will close to non-commercial vehicles. Passenger cars and pickups will not be able to access the facility.

The eastbound Huetter Rest Area facility is unaffected by these closures and will remain open to both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks at this time. Closures to the eastbound facility aren’t expected until 2027.

This partial closure is a safety measure necessary to support construction for the I-90 expansion project as crews will be utilizing the area to stage equipment and materials.

The closure for passenger vehicles will remain in effect until the project is complete in 2029. Commercial truck parking and facility use will stay open for truck drivers until summer 2026, when the entire facility will close for construction.

During this time, drivers of passenger vehicles are encouraged to plan ahead and use available services in nearby communities such as Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls.

Idaho 511 is available as a free resource to drivers and is the best source of information for roadway and rest area closures state-wide.

ITD construction projects to resume following end of operator strike

Aerial view of I-90 between Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene.

The Idaho Transportation Department has been informed that the operator strike has officially ended, which is welcome news for our projects and for the traveling public. While this resolution is an important step forward, the work stoppage has caused delays that will affect original project milestones and completion dates.

At this stage, we are working closely with our contractors to reassess schedules, establish new priorities, and determine what can realistically be accomplished before winter. Over the next few weeks, we expect to have a clearer picture of revised timelines and how subcontractors will be scheduled across multiple job sites now that they are back in high demand. We will share those details as soon as they are available.

Gathering input on Rathdrum Prairie transportation study

Traffic congestion on US-95 in Coeur d'Alene

The Idaho Transportation Department is inviting the public to provide feedback that will help shape the future of roads and highways across the Rathdrum Prairie.

The Rathdrum Prairie Area Transportation Study began with more than 50 ideas for improving travel across Kootenai County. Through earlier rounds of public input and technical review, those concepts have been narrowed to 13 alternatives. These options focus on improving safety, reducing congestion, and keeping traffic moving as the region grows.

Two upcoming public meetings will give community members a chance to see how the alternatives were compared and which ones are recommended to move forward. Feedback from this round will help the study team narrow the list of alternatives even further and shape the recommendations that will guide future projects across the Rathdrum Prairie.

MEETING DETAILS:

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025

4:30 – 7 p.m.

Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce

105 N. 1^st St.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Thursday, Sept 18, 2025

4:30 – 7 p.m.

Q’emiln Park Trailhead Event Center

12201 W. Parkway Dr.

Post Falls, Idaho

Both meetings will be held in an open-house style so people can drop in anytime. Displays will show updates, and staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback. The events are open to everyone, including families.

Those who cannot attend in person can review identical information online from Sept. 17 through Oct. 1 at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rathdrum-prairie-pel

Nighttime lane closures begin on Long Bridge

Aerial view of the Long Bridge looking north into Sandpoint

Starting next week, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin a six-week project on the Long Bridge to address joints and improve winter maintenance operations. All work on U.S. Highway 95 will take place overnight, with crews setting up traffic control each evening at 7 p.m. and wrapping up by 6 a.m. the following morning.

What drivers can expect:

Lane closures: The bridge will be reduced to one lane at night. Unlike last year, the contractor will limit the work zone to sections of about 1,000–1,500 feet at a time rather than the full length of the bridge. This change is expected to significantly reduce wait times for drivers.
Flagging operations: Crews will alternate traffic through the work zone, but shorter closures should help queues clear more quickly.
Oversize loads: The work zone will be wider than last year, allowing more oversize loads to pass through unimpeded. Most oversize loads will be able to pass, but truckers should check Idaho 511 for specific limitations.
Rolling schedule: The contractor will use a 10-days-on, 4-days-off schedule to complete the project more quickly. This means the contractor will work some weekend nights.

“After a few seasons of working on the Long Bridge, we’ve learned a lot about what works for traffic control,” Project Manager Preston Sochovka said. “We’re listening to the community and using those lessons to fine-tune our approach this year. We’re optimistic these changes will make it easier for drivers with shorter delays and quicker trips across the bridge.”

ITD has also coordinated with the Lake Pend Oreille School District to help families get to varsity home games on time. On those nights, crews will start work later so traffic is not delayed by construction. While not all events can be accommodated, ITD is working with the district to find the best opportunities to lessen impacts and keep Bulldog spirit high and on time.

This project is necessary to address issues discovered after last year’s overlay work regarding raised joint edges created challenges for snowplows. Joints connect sections of the bridge and allow the structure to expand and contract with the weather. Drivers may not notice a big difference, but this will keep snowplows from catching on the joints and help equipment last longer. Crews will remove the raised edges. They will also add a thin layer of epoxy to protect the roadway from precipitation.

ITD acknowledges that this is the third consecutive year of construction on the Long Bridge and understands the frustration that goes along with it.

“We know it’s not easy to keep coming back,” Sochovka said. “But we’ve learned from last year, and this year’s work is about finishing strong and setting the bridge up for long-term performance.”

The bridge has long been a landmark in the community. The current road bridge, built in 1981, underwent a rehabilitation project a few years ago that extended its design life from 75 to 100 years. Next to it the pedestrian bridge, built in 1956 and now closed to vehicles, was reinforced during that same project.

Looking ahead, ITD is studying options to replace the pedestrian bridge with a new two-lane northbound structure that would also include a bike and pedestrian path. In that plan, the 1981 bridge could carry two lanes of southbound traffic. ITD anticipates pursuing federal grants to advance design work for the new bridge, followed by additional funding opportunities for construction.

Drivers are encouraged to plan extra time when traveling through the area at night and check Idaho 511 for the latest updates on restrictions and delays.

Power of Partnership: SH-3 Rescue Paving

When a stretch of State Highway 3 near Clarkia started showing signs it might not last another winter, District 1 and District 2 crews teamed up to hold it together until a full rebuild can happen next year.

Instead of waiting for contractor availability — and paying the steep price that come along with it — our own forces jumped in to pave the section in late July. The move saved thousands, kept the work on schedule, and gave employees from both districts a chance to step up and deliver a high-quality fix before the weather turns.

The partnership was impressive, to say the least! D2 sent 11 trucks and 11 people to haul asphalt from a plant in Lewiston, while D1 fielded 8 trucks and 14 people to haul from Coeur d’Alene and run the paving operation on site.

Together, crews made dozens of trips a day, at times logging up to three round trips per driver. The remote location also gave new employees in training the chance to rack up valuable CDL hours while contributing directly to the project’s success.

Though traffic is light on this rural stretch, a significant number of vehicles are log trucks hauling to and from the mill. This rescue work to keep SH-3 safe wasn’t just about moving people; it’s also about keeping commerce moving in a region of Idaho where logging and trucking are at the heart of the local economy.

The paving crew also got to put their skills to work on a near-new, high-performance paver recently acquired from Ada County. With top-notch operators and a machine built to deliver contractor-level results, the team produced a surface that’s smooth, durable, and ready to carry traffic safely through winter.

“This was a big lift, on a short timeline, but exactly the kind of situation where our internal forces shine,” said District Engineer Damon Allen. “These guys and gals know the road, they know the challenges, and they know how to work together to get it done. I really appreciate District 2 stepping in to help. This kind of collaboration made the project possible and is exactly what makes ITD strong.”

Beyond the road itself, the project highlighted the value of collaboration across districts and how much can be accomplished when employees bring their skills, equipment, and determination together.

ITD projects face ongoing schedule changes as operator strike continues

The Idaho Transportation Department is monitoring ongoing impacts to construction projects in North Idaho as the labor strike involving heavy equipment operators in eastern Washington continues.

While laborers remain on-site for some tasks, many projects that depend on operators are experiencing delays or schedule adjustments. ITD is coordinating with contractors, local maintenance crews, and partners to address immediate needs and keep traffic moving safely.

Current project updates include:

Interstate 90, State Highway 41 Interchange: Previously planned traffic shifts onto the new lanes of SH-41 and the new SPUI intersection will be delayed until the strike is resolved. In the meantime, traffic will remain in its current configuration and drivers will continue to use the existing alignment on SH-41. This delay will also affect the schedule to re-open the new westbound off ramp at SH-41 as it cannot be constructed until traffic is shifted over to use the new intersection. ITD maintenance crews are evaluating options to reinforce pavement on existing SH-41 for winter use if needed. At this time, expectations for overall completion of the project remain on track for 2026, though some milestones may shift further into the year.

State Highway 53 Pleasant View Interchange: The temporary signal installed earlier this year remains in place and is working well to safely manage traffic through the intersection. While minor construction activities are occurring, the operator strike is preventing major work, which will delay overall progress. A key concern is coordinating with the railroad to set bridge girders over the tracks. Overhead work requires the railroad to adjust train schedules, which involves extensive planning and coordination. Missing the previously planned work window will affect when this task can be rescheduled after the strike ends.

I-90 Coeur d’Alene River Bridge: Girders for the eastbound bridge have been fabricated, but the operator strike is delaying their delivery and installation. Because girders are a critical step, this setback may force traffic to remain in the current crossover configuration into the winter, creating challenges for plowing and snow removal. Reduced lane widths in this setup would also significantly affect commercial vehicles and oversized loads. Even once girders are in place, much of the remaining work, such as concrete pouring and paving, is weather-dependent, meaning current delays could impact ITD’s ability to complete the bridge before winter. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available to the project team and schedule decisions are made.

I-90 Widening: Work on the project is limited at this time. Although the project officially began last week, the strike came into effect shortly afterward, preventing significant work from getting underway. ITD is evaluating which elements can move forward this year to reduce overall delays, but the delayed start is likely to affect the overall schedule and may impact the anticipated completion timeline.

I-90 Fourth of July Pass: ITD is currently evaluating options for traffic control along this section. Barriers and the current traffic configuration could either remain in place or be adjusted, but a final decision will depend on how the strike unfolds over the next week. Leaving traffic as-is may be frustrating for drivers, but may allow for more efficient work later this year and into 2026 once the strike ends. ITD is also reviewing plans to address drainage issues along the corridor. Further updates will be provided as schedule and traffic decisions are finalized.

SH-54 Reconstruction from State Highway 41 to Greystone Road: With major construction paused due to the ongoing operator strike, ITD maintenance crews have performed temporary paving at key approaches near Timberlake High School and 10^th Street in Spirit Lake. This work is critical to maintain safe access and keep traffic moving while larger project elements are on hold. The speed limit in the work zone is currently reduced to 45 mph and is expected to remain in place into winter. Drivers may experience minor disruptions as temporary paving is completed, but ITD crews are working quickly, and temporary detour information will be posted locally. Additional striping adjustments may be made at the eastern end of the work zone to lengthen crossover areas for smoother transitions and improved safety if the strike continues beyond a week or two.

ITD will continue to monitor the situation closely. If the strike extends further into the fall, more projects may face more significant schedule changes. The department will update the public as new information becomes available.

For more details on each project, visit any of ITD’s project webpages at www.itdprojects.idaho.gov.