Category: North

 

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.

 

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.”

 

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.

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.

 

On Monday the Interstate 90 eastbound exit at Cataldo near milepost 40 will close for approximately two weeks as crews complete paving work ahead of an upcoming traffic shift in April.

Traffic will detour east to the Kingston exit at milepost 43, and re-enter I-90 westbound to return to the westbound exit at Cataldo.

Traffic through the work zone will continue to be reduced to a single lane at 55 miles per hour for safety.

Once this work is completed all lanes of traffic will be shifted to the westbound side of the interstate so demolition can begin on the eastbound bridge.

Next month daytime river closures will go into effect surrounding the project area. Full details about these impacts and closures are available on the project website.

Drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system for traffic impact updates for this project, and all ITD projects statewide.

 

Starting next week, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin to resurface an 8-mile stretch of Interstate 90 to preserve and extend the life of the roadway, enhance safety, and deliver a smooth ride for travelers. This will be a two-year project, ending in fall of 2026.

This project will also add illumination near the top of Fourth of July Pass, improve the highway drainage system and replace several miles of concrete barrier.

Work on both eastbound and westbound lanes of traffic will occur simultaneously in small, continuous sections of the 8-mile work zone. There is a scheduled break in construction over winter between the 2025 and 2026 construction seasons, but if mild winter weather prevails, some work may continue to advance the project ahead of schedule.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• Lane reductions
• Speed reductions
• Lane width restrictions
• Intermittent flagging possible

During construction, drivers can expect traffic to be reduced to a single lane in each direction with reduced speed limits and lane width restrictions. Intermittent flagging may also be necessary at on- and off-ramp locations.

Work will be conducted during daytime hours; however, lane and speed restrictions will remain in effect at all times through the construction season.

This project is one of several that will dot the I-90 corridor from the Washington state line to the Silver Valley in 2025, including the I-90 expansion project between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, the I-90 State Highway 41 Interchange project, and the I-90 bridge replacement project near Cataldo.

To assist motorists with safely and effectively navigating the North Idaho interstate system, ITD hosts the Idaho 511 system that is available online, by phone, or by downloading the Idaho 511 app to any smart device. This system allows users to subscribe to notifications along specific routes that will help them stay updated on changing conditions and plan ahead for potential delays. Drivers are strongly encouraged to use this free resource.

 

 

With tree removal and utility relocation mostly complete, construction is set to begin on the stretch of highway from State Highway 41 to Greystone Road near Athol.

Starting next week the right of way along the south side of SH-54 – including the unofficial off-road trails – will be closed to all traffic due to the active work zone with heavy equipment. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of everyone, including those using the trails, construction crews, and others on the adjacent roadway.

 

Why is the right of way area closing?
The first phase of highway expansion, which will occur from early spring through mid summer, will focus primarily on the south side of the highway. Significant demolition and construction will take place in the right of way area adjacent to the roadway, including excavation, ditching, and paving. This work will involve heavy equipment and work crews, making the area unpredictable and, more importantly, unsafe for any kind of traffic – both motorized and non-motorized. This includes motorcycles, ATV’s, side by sides, bikes, pedestrians, and equestrian riders.

We understand that these closures may cause frustration, especially for those who have come to rely on the trail as a secondary route of travel. The main concern, however, is safety.

Who will be affected?

All trail users will be affected by this closure, but with the proximity of both Timberlake High School and Middle School, it’s important for parents to understand this route will also not be accessible for students, teens or underage drivers who use the trail to get themselves back and forth to the schools or to their extracurricular activities.

 

What does this mean for off-road vehicle traffic?
Since the unpaved right of way area along SH-54 will be closed during construction, it will not be acceptable for any un-registered off-road vehicles or unlicensed drivers to use the state highway as an alternative route. Highway traffic is governed by strict regulations, and the presence of off-road vehicles or unlicensed drivers would pose serious safety risks to both those operating ORVs and other road users. Off-road vehicles cannot legally operate on public highways unless appropriately registered and licensed for street use.

To ensure everyone’s safety, all ORV users will need to plan alternative routes or transportation, and we ask that young, unlicensed drivers in particular, avoid using the highway as a shortcut.

We are committed to working together with the community to help navigate through this closure as safely as possible.

This project is essential for improving safety and infrastructure for everyone, including the students and families who use the highway every day.  We appreciate your patience as the project moves forward and we will continue to provide updates on any other developments that may affect the community.

 

Will there be room for a new trail in the right of way after the project is complete?

No. Once the highway expansion project is completed in 2026, the entire width of the right of way will be dedicated to shoulder space and sloping to meet modern roadway engineering standards. This space is necessary to improve traffic flow and ensure the highway complies with current standards and practices that prioritize the safety of users. As a result, there will not be room for an off-road vehicle trail or shared use path in the right of way.

The expanded roadway is designed to accommodate future growth and to provide a safer, more efficient route for everyone. While this change may limit access to the area for off-road vehicles, the improvements will help reduce traffic hazards and provide a safer environment for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, by including 6 foot shoulders.

We encourage the community to explore alternative areas specifically designated for off-road use for recreation.

Starting next week crews will return to Rathdrum to begin construction on State Highway 53 near the State Highway 41 intersection north of the railroad tracks.

The Idaho Transportation Department will construct an additional northbound through lane on SH-53 so that two lanes of traffic are able to move north through the intersection during green cycles. After construction SH-53 will still have a dedicated right turn lane for vehicles wishing to travel over the bridge.

The additional lane is intended to allow for more vehicles at a time to make it through the signal and help reduce the length of queued vehicles during peak hours.

During construction crews will close the existing right turn lane, meaning all northbound SH-53 traffic will make all movements from the one through lane. Drivers should also expect reduced speed limits and flagging. Any flagging for signal work will be done outside of peak hours.

Updates to traffic impacts and delays can be found using the Idaho 511 system either online, by phone or through the app.