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

Drone shot of I-90 weaving through the mountains in North Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) 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 2031. 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 $6.9 billion in funding, including $200 million dedicated to pavements and $100 million dedicated to bridges each year.

Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney confirmed, “With the growth of traffic accelerating the need for improvements and the impacts of inflating costs since 2020, the added annual investment in highway pavement and bridge repairs proposed in this draft ITIP plan will provide the Idaho Transportation Board effective options to consider looking ahead for Idaho.”

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

ITIP – Comments
Attn: Abby Peterson
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 208-334-4455.

All comments will be reviewed and incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate. Responses will be sent by September.

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.

Traffic changes expected for drivers on SH-200 in Kootenai after Fourth of July weekend

Starting after the Fourth of July weekend the signal on State Highway 200 at McGhee Road will be deactivated during working hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday) with flaggers directing traffic between McGhee and Main Street as work begins on the south side of the roadway.

Traffic will be reduced to a single, alternating lane allowing a safe space for work as crews expand the width of the highway to accommodate a continuous center turn lane.

The traffic signal will be re-activated and in use during non-working hours which will allow for the normal flow of traffic overnight and on the weekends.

In mid-August, as the expansion operation continues to the east, temporary signals will take over to safely control the flow of traffic as work continues along the curve between Main Street and 1^st Avenue.

While these temporary signals are in place the potential for traffic delays will increase as they will maintain the single, alternating lane configuration around the clock.

Until mid to late summer drivers should plan for delays up to 15 minutes and are urged to utilize the Idaho 511 system for traffic impact updates.

Patience and caution are appreciated as drivers navigate through the work zone for the safety of motorists and construction crews alike.

ITD invites the public to provide input on potential transportation improvements within the Rathdrum Prairie

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites the community to attend a public meeting to learn more about a study to evaluate the state highway and local roadway system within the Rathdrum Prairie. The public will have the opportunity to review a range of potential high-level options to reduce congestion, enhance connectivity and improve mobility in the region.

Join one of two public meetings held in Rathdrum and Hayden. The same information will be shared at both meetings which will be held in an open house format, allowing participants to attend at their convenience. No presentations will be given, but the study team will be available to discuss the information with participants and answer questions.

Public Meetings

Tuesday, June 25

5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Kootenai Technical Education Campus

6838 W. Lancaster Road

Rathdrum, ID 83858

Wednesday, June 26

6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Coeur d’Alene Shrine Club Event Center

1250 Lancaster Road

Hayden, ID 83835

The study is evaluating the state highway and local roadway system within the Rathdrum Prairie stretching from the Washington/Idaho state line to the west, State Highway 53 to the north, Government Way to the east, and Interstate 90 to the south. On the heels of last year’s initial public meeting, community input was collected and helped to shape a range of potential high-level options to optimize existing corridors and develop new routes that will be on display.

An online version of this meeting, including all the same content and information, will be available from June 27 through July 12 at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rathdrum-prairie-pel for those who are unable to attend in person.

This study will follow the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process to consider environmental, community, and economic goals early while planning future projects. ITD will share information about the PEL process and timeline of events at the event or by clicking here to watch a short video.

ITD set to begin replacement of I-90 bridges near Cataldo in late June

View of the bridges on I-90 over the Coeur d'Alene river near Cataldo

The Idaho Transportation Department is set to begin construction in late June to replace both the east and westbound bridges over the Coeur d’Alene River on Interstate 90 near milepost 40 in Cataldo. The current bridges were originally built in 1964 and have reached the end of their service lives.

This summer crews will build crossovers and a temporary bridge over the river to allow crews and equipment safe access to the work zone. Crossovers are sections of temporary pavement that will allow traffic to cross over from one side of the freeway to the other during different phases of construction.

This summer while traveling through the area drivers should expect lane reductions with I-90 being reduced to one lane in each direction. Traffic will remain separated by the median in 2024. In addition, drivers will encounter speed reductions and lane width restrictions through the work zone as well.

Floaters, anglers, and boaters will be affected throughout construction by intermittent access and use restrictions of the Coeur d’Alene river near the work area. More detailed information regarding river access will be available through locally posted signage, as well as on ITD’s project webpage.

“Getting these crossovers built by fall will allow us to hit the ground running next spring with demolition work and allow us to get one of the bridges fully reconstructed to have it open in time for winter,” Project Manager Steve Nettleton said.

This project will be completed in two phases over the course of three years, with one bridge being fully replaced in 2025 and in the other 2026.

Starting in spring of 2025 both lanes of traffic will be shifted onto the westbound bridge allowing for the demolition and reconstruction of the eastbound structure. All lanes on both bridges will be open for winter travel.

The following spring, in 2026, this process will be repeated. Traffic will shift onto the newly constructed eastbound bridge, allowing for the demolition and replacement of the westbound structure.

Ongoing information will be available on the ITD project website. Real-time traffic impacts and updates for this work zone will be available at Idaho 511, either online or through the app on any smart device.

Users are also encouraged to sign up for email updates to stay in the know about key information, project milestones and significant upcoming impacts.

Watch a short video about this project.

North Idaho receives funding to combat multi-substance impaired driving

Many officers and a police 59 stand for a group photo.

North Idaho’s DUI Task Force has received a $28,750 grant from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (NASID), and Responsibility.org to stop multi-substance impaired drivers. This funding will train more drug recognition experts (DREs) and law-enforcement phlebotomists, giving officers better tools to detect and remove impaired drivers from our roads.

The North Idaho DUI Task Force is a coalition of 15 regional law enforcement agencies representing jurisdictions in all five northern counties of the panhandle. They work together and with partners like the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) to stop impaired drivers in the region.

In 2023 the task force worked 12 joint operations during suspected DUI peak events and hours like evenings and weekends. Those enforcement operations coincided with community outreach aimed at educating drivers about the dangers of impaired driving before they get behind the wheel. For example, during the targeted enforcement on New Year’s Eve 2023, the task force made 30 DUI arrests, responded to one DUI crash and there were no DUI-related fatalities, showing that their efforts are saving lives.

Sergeant Troy Tulleners from Idaho State Police (ISP) District One highlighted the importance of collaboration in enhancing public safety. “The Idaho State Police is proud to work with local law enforcement and the Office of Highway Safety. By pooling resources and expertise, we ensure a comprehensive approach to traffic safety.”

The new grant will improve the capacity of local law enforcement to address multi-substance impaired driving. More trained DREs and law-enforcement phlebotomists will lead to safer roads and fewer collisions, protecting lives in North Idaho.

“Our law enforcement partners in Idaho and across the country are doing everything they can to address impaired driving and make our roads safer, but they face an incredible challenge and need our support,” said GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins. “GHSA’s decade-long partnership with Responsibility.org and NASID helps provide law enforcement with the resources they need to identify impaired drivers, making our roads safer for everyone.”

Sergeant Tulleners emphasized the success of partnerships in reducing collisions and improving road safety. “Together, we have made significant strides in making our roads safer. This grant funding will bolster the Task Force members’ efforts during peak enforcement times in hopes of lowering the respective fatalities. Furthermore, it will be utilized to bolster the capabilities and training of officers, on or off the task force, in recognizing and stopping impaired drivers every shift.“

# # #

About GHSA

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management, and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Visit ghsa.org for more information or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Responsibility.org

Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi USA, Inc.; Beam Suntory Inc.; Brown-Forman; Campari Group; Constellation Brands; DIAGEO; Edrington, Hotaling & Co.; Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; and William Grant & Sons. For more than 30 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit Responsibility.org.

About NASID

The National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving is a coalition established and led by Responsibility.org to eliminate all forms of impaired driving, especially multiple substance impaired driving, through effective and proven measures such as DUI system reform, DUI detection, and improved use of data and technology. To learn more visit NASID.org.

Work begins to resurface US-2 from US-95 to Montana

On May 28 the Idaho Transportation Department will begin resurfacing U.S. Highway 2 starting at its junction with U.S. Highway 95 east to the Montana state line. This project will improve safety and the drivers’ experience with a smooth new surface.

Crews will begin at the junction and work east through fall, often during both daytime and nighttime hours. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane.

Pilot cars will be utilized to guide alternating lanes of traffic through the active work zone.

Drivers should anticipate delays in travel ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, and plan accordingly.

Throughout the course of this project, crews will be grinding down the top layer of asphalt and replacing the paved surface to correct deficiencies and soft spots from US-95 to the Moyie Bridge.

East of Moyie Bridge a more comprehensive restructuring process will take place beyond milling down through the base layer of the highway to fully reconstruct the road base and driving surface. This process—known as Cement Recycled Asphalt Based Stabilization, or CRABS—is both efficient and cost effective.

“We pulverize the existing asphalt, mix in cement to help stabilize and strengthen the mixture to use as a base, and then we pave over top of that,” Project Manager Megan Koski said.

The Port of Entry station at Three Mile Junction will also be reconstructed and is expected to experience intermittent, temporary interruptions of service as the asphalt is being reconstructed at their current location. As an alternate, people may contact the Huetter Port of Entry for permits, registrations, or questions at (208) 769-1551.

Travelers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system for updated traffic impacts through the construction season.

Work begins to improve ride on SH-54 east of Athol

Work begins today on SH-54 east of Athol on a minor paving improvement project ahead of sealcoat work later this summer.

The Idaho Transportation Department is adding a thin layer of pavement to the right, outside lanes of travel to help smooth the driving surface and improve the ride.

Crews started near Athol and are working in the eastbound, outside lane with this mobile operation. Once they reach Farragut State Park they will then turn around and work back towards Athol on the outside, westbound lane.

During construction one lane in both directions will remain open for travel, with a mandatory speed reduction to 45 mph and intermittent flagging.

This project is expected to be complete by next Wednesday, with contractors scheduled to return mid-July to protect and seal the entire width of the roadway.

Work underway on I-90 near Fourth of July Pass

Aerial view of I-90 near Cataldo looking east

Construction started Monday to finish paving and installing new barrier on 6 miles of Interstate 90 east of Fourth of July Pass to Cataldo.

Until work ends in June, the speed limit will be reduced to 55 miles per hour, and traffic will be reduced to a single lane in both directions.

Construction first began in 2022 to resurface the freeway, widen the inside shoulder and install concrete barrier to separate the lanes to prevent head-on collisions.

Travelers are encouraged to be aware of other work zones on I-90 and are advised to check 511.idaho.gov.

ITD and Idaho Parks and Rec team up to improve safety on SH-5 near Heyburn State Park

Messaging sign alerting drivers on SH-5 about upcoming lane closures

Starting next week crews will begin removing hazard trees along a 5-mile stretch of State Highway 5 near Heyburn State Park. Work will begin near Hillwood Lane and move west to Chatcolet Road over the course of four to five weeks with the highway reduced to one lane during the day in the work zone.

While the tree clearing operation is underway, ITD will provide flaggers and a pilot car to safely guide traffic through the work zone.

Work will occur on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will take a scheduled break on May 23, 24 and 28 to avoid slowing down increased traffic surrounding Memorial Weekend.

“Any tree within reach of the highway that is compromised, whether due to its health or stability, is considered a hazard due to the potential of falling onto traffic,” Project Manager James Dorman said.

To complete this work, ITD is collaborating with the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department who is working with foresters and a local contractor to identify potentially hazardous trees for removal.

“Idaho Parks and Recreation is excited for this partnership and the opportunity to focus on safety for Idaho’s drivers and recreators alike,” stated Parks Public Information Officer Craig Quintana. “The trees that have been identified for removal are on Heyburn State Park property, but the safety concern involves ITD right of way.”

Drivers should plan ahead for delays and use the Idaho 511 system for updates.

Final push to complete construction of two I-90 overpasses in Kellogg

Aerial view of I-90 over the Division Street Bridge in Kellogg, looking east.

Next week the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will start the final construction tasks to improve safety on I-90 at the Division Street and Elizabeth Park Road overpasses.

Crews will remove the temporary pavement that was placed in 2022 and finish the driving surface for the eastbound bridges. They will also address drainage on the westbound bridge over Division Street.

Construction is anticipated to start April 29, at which time traffic on I-90 will be restricted to one lane in each direction and crossed over the westbound lanes for up to two months. No impacts are expected for Division Street or Elizabeth Park Road.

In the past two years, crews have replaced the eastbound and westbound bridges, widened the eastbound on-ramp at Division Street, and repaved both Division Street and Elizabeth Park Road under the overpasses.

Additionally, improvements to the eastbound bridge over Pine Creek in Pinehurst are anticipated to start in late May. I-90 will be reduced to one lane in each direction for approximately one month as crews remove and replace the concrete surface.

Speed limits for both construction zones will be reduced to 55 mph for the safety of drivers and workers.

Visit 511.idaho.gov or download the app for statewide traffic information.