Nighttime lane closures begin next week 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.

 

Idaho’s historic highway markers get a modern makeover

Old highway sign

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

US-95 near the Careywood fire station.

 

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.

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.

Construction begins Monday to widen I-90 between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene

Traffic congestion on Interstate 90 between Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene.

 

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction Monday on a major project to widen Interstate 90 between State Highway 41 in Post Falls and U.S. Highway 95 in Coeur d’Alene. This four-year effort, expected to be complete in 2029, will add capacity to one of North Idaho’s busiest stretches of freeway. As one of the largest infrastructure investments in the region, the project is designed to ease congestion, enhance safety, and position the corridor to accommodate continued growth for years to come.

Initial construction tasks will include tree removal from the center median and shoulders, placing temporary barriers, installing work zone signs, minor traffic shifts, and starting construction on the Prairie Trail Bridge. As work begins and continues through fall and winter, drivers can expect:

  • Work will typically occur Monday through Friday with both daytime and nighttime activity, though some weekend work may occur as well
  • Two lanes of travel being maintained in both directions during daylight hours
    • Lanes may be reduced during nighttime hours as needed
  • Variable speed limits, with digital signs adjusting speeds based on nearby work activity.
    • Drivers should pay extra close attention to the posted speed limits and drive accordingly

The widening effort is the first project from the I-90 Corridor Study to move into construction, prioritized for its significant impact in reducing congestion between SH-41 and US-95.

Major improvements the project will deliver include:

  • Adding two lanes in both eastbound and westbound directions of I-90 for a total of four lanes in each direction
  • Replacing and widening bridges over Huetter Road, Atlas Road, and Prairie Trail
  • Realigning and improving adjacent sections of both the Prairie and Centennial Trails
  • Lengthening existing on- and off-ramps to allow for a safer merging with I-90 traffic. Ramp locations include:
    • All ramps at the Northwest Blvd. Interchange
    • Eastbound off-ramp at US-95
    • Westbound off-ramp at US-95

“Relieving congestion on this stretch of I-90 is one of the most common requests that ITD hears from the public and we are excited to begin work to improve the traveling experience on the corridor,” said Zach Feist, ITD Project Manager.

This corridor expansion project will ultimately be bookended by two new interchanges. On the west end, the SH-41 interchange began construction in 2022 and is expected to be fully complete in 2026. At the east end the next major I-90 interchange project to be built will be at US-95 and is currently in the design phase, with construction possible as early as 2027.

Various projects identified in the I-90 Corridor Study are advancing separately but on a similar timeline through the design and construction phase, including I-90 interchange projects at both ends of this project corridor. Construction of the SH-41 interchange is scheduled to be complete next year and the US-95 Interchange is in the design phase with construction expected to begin in 2027 after recent funding was awarded through the TECM bonding program.

The project is primarily funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation funds as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative. The TECM program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build.

ITD is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information for drivers to plan extra time to safely pass through the work zone. To stay up to date on this and other projects within the I-90 corridor, visit our website and sign up for email and text updates.

For the most up-to-date statewide traffic information, visit 511.idaho.gov or download the app.

ITD night work scheduled for multiple locations on I-90, US-95 and SH-53 throughout August

Crews sealing cracks on US-95 in Coeur d'Alene.

 

Drivers in Kootenai County should expect various nighttime lane closures, detours, and shifting traffic patterns throughout August as the Idaho Transportation Department performs a series of small maintenance and pavement preservation projects.

Work will take place overnight, typically between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., to limit daytime traffic impacts. Crews will rotate between several locations to complete tasks like resurfacing, sealing cracks and restriping, among and other surface repairs.

“We’re taking advantage of the cooler nighttime hours to minimize disruptions while improving the condition and safety of our highways,” Foreman TJ Gibson said. “We really appreciate the public’s patience and engaged driving for the safety of our guys and gals out working on the roads.”

Upcoming work schedule

Schedules may shift depending on weather and progress.

Aug. 4: Lane shift on State Highway 53 near Greensferry Road to remove existing striping in preparation for new lines.

Aug. 6: On-ramp to westbound Interstate 90 from Beck Road closed, and one lane closed on I-90 near the Washington state line for resurfacing.

Aug. 7: Lane closures at Beck Road and Point Parkway for resurfacing.

Week of Aug. 11: Crack sealing on the Post Falls Business Loop which consists of Seltice Way from Bay Street to Spokane Street.

Aug. 14: Full overnight closure at the intersection of Spokane Street and Seltice Way for resurfacing. Detours will be posted in 511 and via local signage.

Aug. 19: Both southbound lanes closed on U.S. Highway 95 near Appleway Avenue; detours for the intersection will be in place.

Aug. 21: Both northbound lanes closed on US-95 near Appleway Avenue; detours for the intersection will be in place.

Week of Aug. 25: Crack sealing throughout the US-95 corridor through Coeur d’Alene.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, drive with caution through work zones, and use Idaho 511 online or through the app for the most up-to-date traffic impacts and detour routes.

SH-3 paving work set to begin Monday near Clarkia

Close up view of a gnarly pot hole on SH-3 near Clarkia.

 

Starting Monday the Idaho Transportation Department will begin paving a section of State Highway 3 between mileposts 55 and 58 near Clarkia. Work is expected to continue through August 14, weather permitting.

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane during the day, with a pilot car guiding vehicles through the work zone. Drivers—especially commercial and logging truck traffic—should plan for delays throughout the duration of the project.

This effort is a short-term fix aimed at improving the worst sections of pavement before a more comprehensive project takes place next year. In 2026, ITD plans to return to the area to complete a full-depth rehabilitation that will include milling and completely repaving the highway. You can read more about that upcoming project here.

“This isn’t the final product,” said Ross Farrell, regional Foreman.  “This overlay is meant to buy us time and provide a smoother, safer surface through winter until the full project can be completed next  year.”

The paving effort is being supported by crews from both North Idaho and the north-central part of the state, who are teaming up to help complete the work efficiently. The project site is located near the regional boundary, making this kind of inter-district support possible, and appreciated.

ITD encourages drivers to slow down in work zones and check 511.idaho.gov or the Idaho 511 app for real-time construction impacts and travel updates.

Bridge replacement project on SH-3 begins today

SH-3 over the existing Soldier Creek Bridge

 

Drivers on State Highway 3 should plan for lane restrictions and delays starting today as crews begin replacing a nearly century-old bridge just north of the State Highway 6 Junction.

During construction:

  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane.
  • A temporary signal will control alternating traffic flow.
  • A shoofly detour (a temporary bypass road) will guide vehicles around the work zone.

The bridge, originally built in 1934, is being replaced due to age and ongoing maintenance needs. The $2 million project will improve both safety and functionality along this stretch of SH-3:

  • The new bridge will support heavier loads and increased traffic volumes.
  • The road will be widened to include 5-foot shoulders for enhanced safety.
  • Updated guardrail will be installed along the improved section.

“These updates are vital for ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of the route, especially for the freight and logging industries that rely on it every day,” said Project Manager Jacob Edlund.

This project is expected to be complete by late fall of this year.

Delays and lane restrictions are expected to last throughout the summer. Drivers are encouraged to check Idaho 511 for the latest updates on road conditions and travel impacts.

Nighttime paving work to begin on US-95 north of Athol next week

Map of the upcoming work zone on US-95 north of Athol

 

Starting Monday the Idaho Transportation Department will begin a 2-week, nighttime project to grind and repave the center of U.S. Highway 95 from Granite Loop Road to Blacktail Road north of Athol.

Work will begin at 7 p.m. every weeknight and wrap up by 5 a.m. the following morning, returning traffic to its normal pattern. Overnight flaggers will assist drivers through the work zone using a single, alternating lane of traffic to allow space for crews to work.

Drivers should expect the potential for delays, use Idaho 511 to plan ahead and drive with caution for the safety of drivers and crew members alike.