US-95 Spalding Bridge identified for further funding

Today at its regular monthly meeting the Idaho Transportation Board accepted staff recommendations on priority corridors across Idaho using TECM funds to address congestion, including the Spalding Bridge on U.S. Highway 95 east of Lewiston. Since Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation funds were first used by the department for bonding and advancing major projects in 2022, ITD has delivered timely construction of expansion projects across the state. Today’s actions are a continuation of that.

Funding 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 Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation fund for the next three years and allows the department to invest an extra $1 billion in the Idaho transportation system.

Prior to House Bill 25, no funding was available for construction; now it could begin at the earliest in 2028. This project will replace the existing Spalding Bridge with two wider bridges and add capacity to the existing US-95 and US-12 Interchange.

With this project now included in the draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP), the public will have the opportunity to give feedback on this project and the department’s full list of planned projects from 2026-2032 during the annual comment period in July. Then the draft ITIP will be presented to the board for approval in September.

The board’s action today reflects continued investment targeting congestion and capacity in major corridors that were previously funded by TECM bonds as authorized by the Idaho Legislature. In North-central Idaho, TECM funds had previously allowed ITD to start design of this bridge and the nearby Arrow Bridge.

This project and others were identified because they are existing high-priority corridor needs that will improve traffic flow and increase safety.

ITD invites the community to provide input on two planning studies in Latah County

Drone picture of US-95 near Moscow. Text reads as "US-95 and SH-8 Palouse Region Studies."

The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to attend an upcoming public meeting on Tuesday, June 24, to learn more about and provide input on two transportation studies underway in Latah County: the U.S. Highway 95 Palouse Region Study, between Snow Road and the Latah/Benewah county line, and the State Highway 8 Palouse Region Study, between the Washington state line and Troy.

With current traffic volumes and anticipated growth in the area, both studies were initiated in 2023 to guide future investments to improve safety, mobility, and economic opportunity throughout the region. The first steps included identifying transportation needs, environmental and growth considerations, and community goals. From those findings, including the community feedback from the April 2024 public meetings, each study team developed concepts for potential transportation solutions, and the preliminary evaluation results are now ready for community input.

“Public involvement is an important part of the decision-making process and will contribute to the success of these studies,” Project Manager Janet Zarate said. “With the range of concepts available, we look forward to hearing from the community as the feedback helps develop sustainable solutions for transportation in the Palouse Region.”

Opportunities to participate in the public meeting are available both in person and online. Both experiences will include the same information and chances for feedback:

In Person: Tuesday, June 24, drop in anytime between 4 and 7 p.m., Best Western University Inn, Moscow

Online: Available June 17 through July 8 at us95sh8.com

ITD will use this community input as the studies move through the concept evaluation process. Another series of public meetings to share those advancements is anticipated through 2026.

More information about the studies is available at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh8-us95-pel.

15-minute closures planned on the Lewiston Grade this weekend

Picture of the rockfall fencing on the Lewiston Grade.

Ongoing construction to repair fencing on U.S. Highway 95 near the top of Lewiston Grade that protects travelers from falling rocks will continue into the weekend.

From 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings, flaggers will stop traffic in the northbound and southbound directions for 15 minutes at a time while crews strategically dislodge rocks from the hillside to the highway below. Traffic will be cleared after each closure. These intermittent closures are necessary for the safety of the traveling public.

Live traffic impacts across the region from this project and others can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

Repairs to rockfall fencing starts tomorrow on the Lewiston Grade

Tomorrow morning construction will begin on U.S. Highway 95 near the top of the Lewiston Grade to repair fencing that protects travelers from falling rocks.

During weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., northbound traffic up the grade will be slowed to 45 mph and reduced to one lane. Southbound travelers heading into Lewiston will not be impacted by the construction.

Drivers can also expect to see crews working on the slope above the fencing to knock down any unstable rocks prior to fixing the fence.

Construction is slated to conclude mid-June.

These repairs cost about $157,000.

Live traffic impacts across the region from this project and others can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

Expect delays on US-95 for Thorn Creek Bridge work next week

Construction equipment and work zone at Thorn Creek Bridge along US-95.

Daytime intermittent closures on U.S. Highway 95 between Moscow and Lewiston near Thorn Creek/ Uniontown Cutoff will be in effect next Wednesday and Thursday, May 28 and 29, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. while the Idaho Transportation Department is installing new bridge girders at the Thorn Creek Bridge.

The bridge will fully close to both north and southbound traffic while each girder is installed. Girders are the large horizontal beams that will support the new bridge deck being constructed this summer.

Flaggers will be present to allow traffic to pass one direction at a time between each girder installation. Motorists are encouraged to seek an alternative route to avoid delays.

This work at Thorn Creek Bridge is part of a large-scale project improving safety along US-95 from Lewiston to Moscow. Portions of this project are funded as part of Idaho Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative. These funds are used to make investments in critical state infrastructure to enhance safety, mobility and to sustain Idaho’s strong economy into the future.

Digital message boards are currently in place to alert drivers of these closures next week. Updates can also be found on the Idaho 511 app and at https://511.idaho.gov/.

US-95 paving through Riggins starts next week

Starting Monday, construction will begin on U.S. Highway 95 through the city of Riggins to replace or repair manhole covers and fix soft spots to preserve the highway surface and provide a smoother trip through town.

The work will be from Big Salmon Road north through Riggins.

The public should expect flagging operations with a pilot car on site. Traffic delays should be between 15 and 30 minutes while work is taking place during the day. The speed limit through downtown Riggins is 25 mph, but extra caution is encouraged as there will be heavy equipment and multiple personnel in the work zone.

The project is valued at $1.3 million, and work is anticipated to be completed before the 4^th of July.

Live traffic impacts across the region can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

Installation of new US-95 passing lane near Ferdinand begins

Construction will commence next week to build a new passing lane on U.S. Highway 95 near Ferdinand to smooth traffic flow and provide a safer opportunity to pass.

Drivers should expect to slow to 45 mph during working hours and 55 mph during off hours through the work zone. The contractor will be working primarily Monday – Friday during daylight hours. Motorists may encounter intermittent flagging with alternating traffic that could create 15-minute delays.

The 1.1-mile passing lane will be built on the northbound side of US-95 between Windy Loop Road and Lauer Crossing Road. Starting at the existing edge line, workers will construct the new 12-foot-wide concrete passing lane and widen the existing shoulder by 6 feet. All construction is expected to end in August.

Live traffic impacts across the region can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

US-95 paving north of Riggins underway

Picture of US-95 with a bright orange graphic sign that reads "Road Work Ahead."

Roadside milling and paving operations are underway on U.S. Highway 95 between Riggins and Race Creek Bridge. The paving is the final touch up work as part of the rockfall stabilization project last fall.

Travelers can expect flaggers and intermittent delays of up to 15 minutes between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. During working hours the highway will be reduced to a single lane with alternating directions of travel. Slower speeds are encouraged for safety. Extra vigilance is advised as space may be limited in this river corridor. Construction is anticipated to complete this Friday.

The cost for the project is about $1.6 million.

Live traffic impacts across the region can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

US-95 highway improvement work resumes, slated to finish 2025

Construction on the new U.S. Highway 95 four-lane segment between Moscow and Thorn Creek Road will resume this week. Drivers can expect to have one lane in each direction and slow down to 45 miles per hour in work zones mainly near Reisenhauer Hill until construction of five miles on the north end of the project is ready to accept traffic this summer.

Last year crews constructed nearly five of the six miles. They will now focus on paving the new alignment, building two bridges over Thorn Creek and connecting the new roadway to existing US-95. Construction on Thorn Creek bridges will continue in the fall.

The existing US-95 roadway will temporarily close at Reisenauer Hill in the summer as ITD switches traffic over to the new alignment. At that time, Latah County will assume ownership of the old route and plans to use funds from the Thorn Creek project to repave and reopen it.

“We have been running on all cylinders to deliver this vital safety project for our region,” District Engineer Doral Hoff said. “M.A. DeAtley Construction, Inc. and their teams are also eager to transform US-95 to four lanes so motorists can experience increased capacity for mobility and improved geometry for safety. We are appreciative of the public’s patience during this construction effort.”

Portions of this project are funded as part of Idaho Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho money allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to advance large projects that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy and positively impact communities across the state for years to come.

Travelers are reminded to check for live traffic impacts across the region including this one by visiting 511.idaho.gov, dialing 5-1-1 or downloading the app.

Click here to see a map of the construction.

Drivers urged to use US-95 Aht’Wy Interchange for safety

The Nez Perce Tribal Police, with the support of the Idaho State Police (ISP) and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), are urging drivers to follow posted signage and use the Aht’Wy Interchange on U.S. Highway 95 near the Clearwater River Casino and Lodge. Motorists who disregard road closures and traffic signs create dangerous situations that could lead to serious crashes and fatalities.

Since the interchange was opened at the eastern entrance and access at the western entrance was modified, all agencies have observed unsafe behavior. Eastbound drivers on US-95 have been seen illegally crossing the unpaved median to turn left into the access near the Nez Perce Express gas station, rather than traveling a half mile further to use the interchange. Some have even waited in oncoming traffic to make the prohibited turn, risking head-on crashes.

In response, ITD has increased signage and added barriers to further deter travelers from making this movement while soliciting the support of law enforcement.

“Drivers must pay attention to posted signage and recognize that this is a change,” said Nez Perce Tribal Chief of Police Mark Bensen. “While adjustments take time, using the interchange correctly is essential for everyone’s safety. This solution is designed to be safer for all drivers and reduce the risk of serious crashes.”

The western access to Aht’Wy Plaza near the gas station is one way and does not allow left turns of any kind. Drivers looking to turn left into the plaza or to exit the gas station should use the interchange.

Proper Use of the Aht’Wy Interchange

Entering

Take the Nez Perce Drive exit off the highway.
Slow down and stop at the intersection.
Turn onto Nez Perce Drive to access Aht’Wy Plaza.

Exiting

Follow signs on Nez Perce Drive back toward the interchange.
Use the appropriate exit ramp for Lewiston or Orofino.
Accelerate down the ramp to highway level and safely merge with US-95 traffic.

ISP troopers continue to monitor compliance and emphasize that changes in driver behavior are necessary to prevent further incidents.

“Too many motorists are ignoring traffic control measures and creating serious risks to other drivers,” said ISP Lieutenant Ken Yount. “We will continue having a presence in the area to ensure compliance and improve safety.”

The interchange is part of a significant engineering initiative to enhance traffic safety and reduce collisions in an area historically prone to fatal accidents.

“This interchange was carefully designed and implemented to improve traffic flow and minimize conflict points, ultimately reducing the potential for severe crashes,” said ITD District 2 Engineer Doral Hoff. “These changes prioritize safety and efficiency for all drivers, and we strongly encourage motorists to use the interchange as intended to prevent further tragedies.”

A downloadable map is available to help drivers better understand the interchange and ensure safe travel.

For more information, please contact the Nez Perce Tribal Police, ISP, or ITD.