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.

ITD to host open house on Jan. 29 for potential changes to US-95 near Riggins

The Idaho Transportation Department will host an open house to discuss and gather feedback on potential changes to U.S. Highway 95 between the Rapid River Bridge and Riggins. The review process aims to enhance safety and reduce crashes.

The in-person open house is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. MST at the Riggins Community Center at 121 Lodge Street. Community members are encouraged to drop by anytime to learn about the project, share input, and ask questions directly with ITD representatives and project team members.

For those unable to attend, ITD will also host an online meeting from Jan. 29 to Feb. 12 at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/95-rapidrivertoriggins. The online meeting will include the same information shared at the open house and offer an opportunity to submit comments and questions.

“Community feedback is essential to ensuring this project meets local needs,” ITD Project Manager Jole Wells said. “By enhancing safety and reducing crashes, we aim to improve travel for everyone using this corridor.”

For more information, visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/95-rapidrivertoriggins.

US-95 rock scaling near Riggins is winding down

By January, motorists can expect rock scaling on U.S. Highway 95 between Riggins and the Time Zone Bridge to conclude. Work began in early October to remove loose rock and install anchors to stabilize the hillside above the highway.

Motorists can continue to expect delays up to 30 minutes for safety while work is conducted above the highway. However, work is on track to stop on December 22 to avoid delaying holiday travelers.

The contractor will be back to the project site for a few weeks in the spring to repave US-95 where it was damaged during scaling.

Live traffic impacts such as lane closures and other work can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

UPDATE January 2025: ITD will monitor a tension crack at milepost 189 throughout the winter. Read those most recent developments at this news article.

SH-64 now open after months of repairs following April landslides

View of State Highway 64 taken from above.

Repairs on State Highway 64 are complete, and the road between Nez Perce and Kamiah reopened this morning. The highway has remained closed since April 14 after a major storm event caused multiple washouts and structural damage.

“The Idaho Transportation Department and our consultant partners have been working hard to repair and reinforce the highway so that it could be safely reopened this year,” District Engineer Doral Hoff said. “I would like to thank the public for their understanding and patience during the construction.”

The emergency repairs included installation of retaining walls, rebuilding the road base, and paving. Approximately 12 slide locations between milepost 24 and 30 were rebuilt.

For more information, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us-64-emergency-repair-project.

US-95 Sheep Creek Rest Area closed due to debris

https://itd.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024126-US-95-Sheep-Creek-Rest-area-vehicle-fire-wreckage.jpg

The Idaho Transportation Department has closed the Sheep Creek Rest Area on U.S. Highway 95 south of Riggins due to debris and spilled materials from a vehicle fire last night.

The rest area will remain closed until specialists can be contracted to remove an estimated 60 to 80 gallons of oil and engine fluids, which could take up to several days.

“We are closing the rest area to keep traffic from tracking the spilled materials onto the highway and creating slick road conditions,” Engineering Manager Bob Schumacher said. “Our buildings appear undamaged. We will reopen the rest area after completing assessments.”

The closest rest area for southbound travelers would be near Council and for northbound travelers near Winchester. Drivers should check 511.idaho.gov for updates on this closure.