Weekend traffic relief coming to I-90 Veterans Memorial Bridge project

A crane lowers equipment over the side of the Veterans Memorial Bridge on I-90.

Drivers using Interstate 90 over the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Coeur d’Alene will start to see some weekend relief from lane closures as construction continues on one of Idaho’s most iconic and highly traveled bridges.

Earlier this summer, crews began working on the bridge as part of a larger project to repair and preserve several bridges across the Panhandle. Because I-90 is such a busy route, lane closures were needed to give workers and equipment a safe space to operate. The Veterans Memorial Bridge is a large structure, and repairs require specialized tools and setup. Up to now, full-time traffic control has been essential to keep crews safe.

Now that the project has reached a key milestone, crews are able to adjust how they manage traffic. Starting this weekend, ITD will begin reopening all four lanes—two in each direction—on weekends. Traffic control devices will be removed Friday through Sunday evenings, and the interstate will return to its regular configuration. Lane closures will go back into place during the week so crews can continue working.

Some drivers have asked why the bridge has been reduced to one lane in each direction even when it looks like no one is working. The reason is that much of the work is happening underneath the bridge. Workers are using scaffolding and equipment that hangs over the side of the bridge deck to access the areas that need repairs. So while you might not see people on top of the bridge, important work is still being done out of sight to improve the structure and keep it safe for years to come.

ITD expects the project to wrap up by the end of August. In the meantime, drivers are asked to watch for changing traffic patterns, be alert in work zones, and remain patient as crews complete this important work.

Traffic impact information is available using 511.idaho.gov.

Road striping to impact US-95 this Sunday through Coeur d’Alene

Drivers traveling U.S. Highway 95 through Coeur d’Alene on Sunday should expect slower traffic and possible delays as crews with the Idaho Transportation Department paint the highway lines between Lancaster Road and the Spokane River Bridge.

Crews will begin work early around 6:30 a.m. and expect to finish by 4 p.m. This is a high-traffic area with many intersections and signals, so extra caution is needed.

To help keep everyone safe our partners at the Idaho State Police will assist with additional patrols in the area. Drivers should be patient, give the paint crew plenty of space, follow posted signs, and avoid crossing over wet paint lines.

Upcoming striping schedule (weather & conditions permitting):

July 21–28: Boundary County

US-95
SH-1
US-2

July 29–31: SH-53 from the Washington state line to US-95

August 4–6: SH-41 from Mullan Ave to Rathdrum

August 6–18: US-95 from the Spokane River Bridge south to Sanders Road

Additional routes like SH-58 and SH-60 may be added to the schedule as time allows.

Why striping happens during the day

Many drivers ask why this work isn’t done at night to avoid traffic. The answer is simple: paint needs light and warmth to be applied safely and effectively. Striping requires clear visibility and vehicle lights aren’t enough for crews to paint accurate lines. Cooler nighttime temperatures in North Idaho can also prevent paint from drying properly, leading to poor adhesion and safety issues.

Some larger cities can stripe at night because of extensive street lighting, but those conditions don’t exist along most of our routes in North Idaho.

Sharing the road with striping crews

Don’t pass striping crews or drive over fresh paint. This not only damages the lines but can also damage your vehicle.
Watch for “wet paint” signs and pace cars. These guide the flow of traffic and help protect workers.

Be patient. Crews work as quickly and safely as possible to minimize disruptions while ensuring proper application of the paint and reflective beads.

ITD paints hundreds of miles of highway each year. The lines help guide drivers safely down the roadway and improve visibility, especially at night. Your cooperation helps us do this work safely—for you and our crews.

For updated information, visit 511.idaho.gov.

Traffic shift coming to SH-54 near Spirit Lake this Friday

Asphalt being laid down on the newly constructed section of SH-54

On Friday the Idaho Transportation Department will shift traffic from existing State Highway 54 to the new section of pavement between SH-41 and Ramsey Road.

Drivers will be routed onto this new section of roadway while crews begin rebuilding the existing lanes. During this time, the speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph and passing will not be allowed for the remainder of the construction season.

In the coming days and weeks, access to side streets and driveways in the area will be temporarily closed as crews work directly in front of them, but closures will be short and only in place as long as necessary – likely an hour or less. Drivers should pay attention to local signage for closures and detour routes as work rolls through the area.

This traffic shift marks a key milestone in the ongoing highway improvement project which is on track to be completed in 2026.

Drivers are urged to use caution in the area and watch for flaggers and signs.

Idaho 511 is available as a resource to provide updates on construction impacts and road conditions state-wide.

Anyone interested in following this project can register for email updates here.

Brief CDA trail delays expected next week during I-90 Bridge work in Cataldo

Aerial view of I-90 over Latour Creek Road and the bike trail.

Construction on the I-90 bridge in Cataldo may cause short, intermittent delays for users of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes starting as early as next week. The work will take place for approximately one week and involves activity directly over the trail.

During this time, trail users may occasionally be asked to pause for short periods of time while crews perform overhead work or move construction equipment across the pathway. Flaggers will be on site to ensure the safety of trail users and will allow people to pass as soon as conditions are safe.

These brief holds are not expected to create long-term closures or significantly disrupt use of the trail. The Idaho Transportation Department is working closely with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation to minimize impacts and maintain access during construction.

Trail users are asked to follow posted signs and instructions from flaggers and to plan for minor delays when passing through the area.

This work will also intermittently affect traffic on Latour Creek Road, which will use flaggers for traffic control.

Idaho Transportation Department seeks feedback on draft seven-year transportation plan

Aerial view of the US-95, I-90 interchange in 2025.

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking feedback on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The ITIP outlines the state’s transportation priorities and guides investment decisions for the next seven years through 2032. ITD encourages everyone to review the draft and provide comments July 1-31.

Transportation projects included in the draft ITIP range from large-scale interstate improvements to smaller projects like the installation of new guardrail. Projects are located throughout Idaho’s 44 counties and involve all modes of transportation. Project selection is determined through technical data, as well as input from local officials and residents.

Visit itd.idaho.gov/funding to view an interactive map to learn about projects and submit a comment through the portal.

This draft ITIP shows plans for $5.8 billion in funding, including $200 million dedicated to pavements and $100 million dedicated to bridges each year.

ITD Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney outlined, “The Idaho practice of annually updating a seven-year highway transportation plan helps consider the growth of traffic we are all seeing which is accelerating the need for safety, preservation and capacity improvements supporting communities statewide. This draft ITIP presents investment needs in highway pavement, bridge repairs, and congestion relief improvements that will provide the Idaho Transportation Board effective options to consider looking ahead for Idaho.”

In mid-June, the Idaho Transportation Board accepted staff recommendations to address congestion on priority corridors using Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation funds. These funds came from House Bill 25, which was passed by the Idaho Legislature earlier this year. The legislation provides an additional $20 million a year to the TECM fund for the next three years and allows the department to invest an extra $1 billion in the Idaho transportation system.

One of the major projects included in the draft ITIP as part of the board’s action include:

Design and construction of the I-90 and US-95 Interchange. This project will add capacity to support future traffic volumes, which are expected to double by 2045, and enhance safety by eliminating off-ramp queues backing up on to the interstate. Prior to House Bill 25, no funding was available for construction; now it could be possible as early as 2027.

Comments can be emailed to itipcomments@itd.idaho.gov, recorded at 208-334-8063 or mailed to:

ITIP – Comments
Attn: Noah Ipaye
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID  83707

Paper copies of the ITIP will be available at regional offices and provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department at 208-334-8284.

After approval by the Idaho Transportation Board in September, the ITIP will then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency in October.

Public input is crucial in ensuring that the ITIP includes the prioritized needs of Idaho’s communities.

Final roadway repairs scheduled for US-95 near McArthur Lake

Aerial view of the newly constructed bridge on US-95 at McArthur Lake

The Idaho Transportation Department will be performing final patch repairs on a section of US-95 near McArthur Lake on Tuesday.

To minimize impacts on commuter traffic, work will take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., during which time traffic will be reduced to a single alternating lane through the work zone.

Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to plan ahead and adjust travel times or routes as needed. Flaggers will be present to guide vehicles safely through the area.

This patch is a final touch up following the major reconstruction efforts which were completed in 2024. The upcoming patch is intended to ensure the long-term integrity of the roadway and improve safety and surface conditions through the corridor. Drivers are reminded to slow down, be alert and follow posted signs while traveling through construction zones.

For the latest updates on road conditions and construction projects, visit Idaho 511.

Routine maintenance projects to begin on North Idaho bridges starting late April

Aerial photo of the I-90 Veterans Memorial Bridge

Beginning April 28, routine maintenance will commence on several bridges across North Idaho as part of a scheduled infrastructure improvement effort. The Idaho Transportation Department will carry out essential maintenance work at seven locations over the next several months.

The first phase of work begins on Bunco Road over U.S. Highway 95, with additional work kicking off in early May at Northwest Boulevard and the Interstate 90 Veterans Memorial Bridge. Active construction will occur weekdays, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., with scheduled breaks surrounding major holidays and local events. Work is expected to span through spring and summer and will be completed by late fall.

The full list of locations includes:

Bunco Road over US-95
US-95 over Northwest Boulevard – (night work; expect traffic impacts on both US-95 and Northwest Blvd)
Veterans Memorial Bridge on Interstate 90
I-90 over Potlatch Hill Road
Shiplett Road over I-90 (toward Silver Valley)
I-90 eastbound on-ramp over South Fork Coeur d’Alene River
I-90 westbound two-way ramp over South Fork Coeur d’Alene River

Traffic Impacts

Information about traffic impacts will be available to the public in advance through the 511 system and are expected to include:

Lane reductions.
Alternating one-lane travel in some areas.
On- and off-ramps near project zones may experience temporary closures, especially the southbound US-95 off-ramp at Bunco Road.
Efforts will be made to avoid construction over major holidays and peak travel periods.
Flaggers for traffic control.
Nighttime work at US-95 over Northwest Boulevard.

Attempts will be made to have no more than three of these locations under construction simultaneously to minimize overall impact for drivers, especially with several other unrelated projects underway across the region this year.

Bunco Road

One of the bridges included in this project—Bunco Road over US-95—was not originally scheduled for repair. However, following a bridge strike last year caused by a truck hauling an improperly secured load, the structure sustained damage that now requires attention.

This incident serves as a critical reminder to secure loads properly and observe over height signage. Bridge strikes not only pose safety risks but also lead to unnecessary repairs, traffic disruptions, and costs.

As part of the repair plan that begins in late April, the Bunco Road bridge will need to be “loaded”—a process that involves placing weight, likely in the form of heavy equipment, on the bridge to flex the girders and allow crews to make necessary adjustments. Community members may notice large vehicles or machinery parked on the bridge for extended periods. While it may seem unusual, this is a planned, essential step in the repair process, not an emergency, delay or lack of progress.

Veterans Memorial Bridge

Work on the Veterans Memorial Bridge will last the longest, extending into late fall. Work will include deck maintenance and pier crack repair, which may involve top-down methods that could require additional lane closures and impacts to traffic starting May 5.

US-95 over Northwest Boulevard

Night work at US-95 and Northwest Boulevard is planned to minimize daytime traffic disruptions. Coordination with the city of Coeur d’Alene will help mitigate impacts during local events. Specific nighttime work hours will be communicated via the Idaho 511 system once they are determined.

“These are routine but important upgrades to ensure our bridges stay safe and operational,” said Preston Sochovka, ITD’s project manager. “Coming right on the heels of National Work Zone Safety Week, it’s a timely reminder for drivers to secure their loads and use extra caution when traveling through active construction zones—for your safety and ours.”

ITD invites the public to join in “Operation Clean Sweep” along US-95

The Idaho Transportation Department is inviting community members to join a two-day litter cleanup effort along one of North Idaho’s busiest corridors. “Operation Clean Sweep” will take place April 23–24, covering the U.S. Highway 95 corridor from Granite Hill to Interstate 90.

This volunteer-driven event aims to remove accumulated trash and debris from the roadside as snow melts and winter’s impact becomes visible. Litter not only detracts from the natural beauty of the region—it poses risks to wildlife, the environment, and highway maintenance crews.

“Every year our work crews come together to tackle this large-scale cleanup initiative, and we thought it would be a great opportunity to let the public get involved—to work alongside the hardworking men and women of ITD and make a real, visible difference,” said Trent Bridges, one of ITD’s operations supervisors. “It’s frustrating to have to pull our crews off their regular maintenance work to deal with trash dumped by people who just don’t care, but unfortunately, it’s become a routine part of spring. Once the snow melts, the amount of litter we uncover is pretty overwhelming.”

Volunteers aged 16 and older are encouraged to participate and must register online ahead of the event.

Each morning, participants will check in between 7 and 9 a.m. at ITD’s Athol shed (6303 E. Parks Road) to receive safety gear, a brief orientation, and crew assignments. Work crews will be stationed along sections of US-95, and volunteers can stay for as long as they’d like—whether that’s a half hour or the full day. Cleanup will conclude each day by 4 p.m.

ITD will provide safety vests, trash collection bags, and safety instructions. Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring gloves and water.

“Operation Clean Sweep” offers a great opportunity for students or individuals fulfilling community service project or volunteer hour requirements. ITD staff will be available to verify hours on-site.

Participants interested in ongoing involvement are invited to learn more about ITD’s Adopt a Highway program, a statewide initiative focused on long-term litter prevention.

Volunteers aged 16–17 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. A printable waiver form can be found under the “Agenda” section of the event webpage.

I-90 bridge maintenance begins in the Silver Valley

Map graphic showing the location of the three bridges that will be under construction on I-90 in the Silver Valley

Starting next week work will begin on three Interstate 90 bridges in the Silver Valley as crews work to carry out routine, preventative maintenance on the structures.

I-90 bridges west of Silverton over the South Fork Coeur d’Alene River
I-90 bridges at the Silverton Interchange
Wallace Viaduct

Through the work zones traffic will be reduced to a single lane of two-way traffic, and speed limits will be reduced to 55 miles per hour for safety. The Idaho Transportation Department will utilize crossovers constructed in previous years to shift traffic across the interstate allowing crews the space to work on these bridges.

This project will be carried out in two phases, the first addressing both sets of bridges near Silverton, and the second will focus on the viaduct in Wallace. Work on these projects is expected to be complete by late fall.

Information about intermittent ramp closures associated with the project will be posted locally, and in advance, on digital messaging signs along I-90. Up to date information will also be available to drivers through the Idaho 511 system.

Routine and preventative maintenance is essential to keeping roads safe, reliable, and cost-effective in the long run. Bridges are critical links in the transportation network, and like any structure, they experience wear and tear over time. By performing regular inspections, repairs, and upkeep now, the department can avoid more serious—and far more disruptive—problems down the road. These proactive measures help extend the lifespan of infrastructure, reduce the likelihood of emergency closures, and ultimately save taxpayer money.

Changes to westbound on-ramp at I-90, SH-41 Interchange

Aerial view of the I-90 SH-41 interchange where the future SPUI will be constructed

Next week, as part of the Interstate 90 and State Highway 41 Interchange project, the access point for the westbound I-90 on-ramp is being shifted to the north near Central Avenue. Shifting the on- and off-ramps will provide space for crews to continue working on the new center of the future interchange.

This shift will allow southbound traffic from SH-41 to merge seamlessly onto the on-ramp, rather than requiring drivers to make a dedicated right turn.

Because of this change, starting next week northbound drivers on SH-41 will no longer be able to turn left onto the westbound on-ramp.

Northbound drivers on SH-41 wishing to access westbound I-90 will be detoured north to 16^th Avenue where they will make a U-turn and then return south along the highway until they merge onto the new westbound temporary on-ramp.

Click here for detour map.

This closure will be in effect through fall 2025.

As a reminder, there are several ongoing closures related to the I-90/SH-41 Interchange project that were shared with the community in early March:

The westbound off-ramp remains closed through fall 2025 while crews construct a new straight off-ramp and the single-point urban interchange. Traffic is detoured to the Seltice Way Interchange at Exit 6. Click here for detour map.
Central Avenue will remain closed through late fall while crews continue to widen SH-41. Business access has changed (view map).

This project also includes improvements to SH-41 and surrounding local roads. Construction for this project is expected to be complete in 2026.

For more information, visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i90sh41ic, call 208-738-4190, or email info@i90corridor.com.

City of Post Falls Spokane Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project

As part of ITD’s ongoing efforts to keep the public informed about construction activities and travel impacts, we would also like to share information regarding an upcoming pavement rehabilitation project on Spokane Street that is set to begin on April 7.

This work will reduce traffic to one lane in each direction and will occur in several phases. During some of these phases, there will be intermittent closures of the I-90 on- and off-ramps at Spokane Street.

Full details about the City of Post Falls project are available on the city’s website or by contacting the City of Post Falls Projects Division.

While the ITD and City of Post Falls projects are independent of one another, both agencies are committed to working together to share information with the public. Information about the city’s project and its potential impact on travel routes within the I-90/SH-41 project area will be communicated through email updates, the Idaho 511 system, and ITD’s social media channels as part of our ongoing I-90, SH-41 outreach.

Anyone interested in staying informed is encouraged to register for email updates, utilize the free Idaho 511 system, of follow ITD’s social media channels @idahoitd.