Input sought on long-range planning for transportation in Idaho

People review a map of a proposed project

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking input on long-range planning for transportation across the state through a series of public meetings in the next month.

Comments will inform the update to ITD’s Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan, a federally required strategy document that is updated every five years and is used by the Idaho Transportation Board and planning staff as a guide to program future studies and projects.

Open houses will be held in each region of the state:

Nov. 18 in Pocatello at the Portneuf Medical Center (777 Hospital Way)

Nov. 19 in Idaho Falls at the Crosspoint Community Church (1900 Grandview Drive)

Dec. 2 in Coeur d’Alene at the Hampton Inn and Suites (1500 West Riverstone Drive)

Dec. 3 in Lewiston at the Lewiston Community Center (1424 Main Street)

Dec. 4 in Boise at Mountain View High School Library (2000 South Millennium Way)

Dec. 8 in Twin Falls at the College of Southern Idaho (315 Falls Avenue)

All events will take place 3 – 7 p.m. The same material will be shared online, with comments sought from Nov. 18 to Jan. 10.

ITD’s Long-Range Transportation Plan will look at the needs of the transportation network out to 2050 and consider a variety of factors including growth, travel demands, land use, safety, economic development, system reliability and anticipated revenue.

“This policy document looks at current conditions, existing plans and future trends in Idaho and lays the foundation for ITD to continue to deliver on our mission of safety, mobility and economic opportunity,” said Amy Schroeder, the division administrator for planning. “It’s not necessarily about identifying specific projects. It’s about determining, through data analysis and public input, the best strategy for investing in the transportation system given the variability of future revenue.”

The plan comes at a time of extraordinary growth and funding uncertainty. Besides seeking public feedback, ITD is engaging with other planning organizations as the plan will look at the transportation network as a whole, which extends beyond state-managed highways to locally owned routes and alternative modes of transportation.

“This is about working with local jurisdictions and planning agencies to address congestion in major cities,” Schroeder said. “It’s also about adopting a statewide perspective and recognizing that it’s just as important to look at improving safety and reducing fatalities in our rural areas.”

An additional public comment period to review the draft plan is planned for summer 2026, and the plan is expected to be released in 2027.

Culvert repairs begin Nov. 13 on SH-45 in Nampa

View looking down a busy commercial street with cars driving in both directions. A sidewalk runs alongside the road with fall-colored trees. Visible businesses include Arby’s on the left and Subway on the right. The sky is clear and blue.

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin roadside work Nov. 13 to repair the Elijah Drain culvert beneath State Highway 45 (12th Avenue) near West Dewey Avenue.

SH-45 will remain open throughout construction. Traffic impacts are not expected until mid-December when crews start working along the shoulder. Drivers should expect short lane shifts or brief flagging operations as needed. Most traffic impacts will occur at night to reduce delays for daytime travelers.

Nearby businesses will remain open and accessible during construction, and no driveway closures are planned.

The work will protect the roadway structure and ensure SH-45 continues to serve the growing Nampa community safely. Construction is expected to continue through spring 2026.

Drivers should watch for crews and equipment, obey posted signs, and slow down when traveling through the work zone.

For real-time traffic updates, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 mobile app.

New digital sign on SH-55 to improve communication

Graphic showing a State Highway 55 road sign with a white background and black outline. The sign reads “Idaho 55” with the state shape and shield design typical of Idaho highway markers.

Drivers on State Highway 55 should expect short delays Wednesday as the Idaho Transportation Department installs a new digital message sign in Round Valley.

A crane will be on site beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing through the afternoon to set the overhead sign structure at milepost 102 just south of Cascade near the descent toward Rainbow Bridge.

During installation, crews will reduce SH-55 to a single lane with alternating traffic. A full closure of up to 15 minutes may be needed while the structure is lifted into place to keep travelers safe from the suspended load.

The new sign will make SH-55 safer by providing real-time alerts about wildfires, delays, and other emergencies along one of Idaho’s busiest mountain corridors. Limited cell service in the canyon makes roadside communication especially valuable for drivers. Drivers can expect the sign to be operational by the end of the year.

Motorists should slow down, follow flagger directions, and watch for crews and equipment in the area.

For the latest updates on traffic impacts and road conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.

Nighttime closures begin this weekend on Franklin Road near I-84

Aerial view of a large highway construction project cutting through open farmland. The image shows a major intersection where crews are building an overpass or interchange, with heavy equipment, cranes, and dirt embankments visible on both sides. Traffic cones line the crossroad, and nearby fields and a few buildings stretch into the distance under a clear blue sky.

The Idaho Transportation Department advises motorists to prepare for nighttime closures over the next month on Franklin Road between Star and McDermott roads as crews place eight steel girders for the future State Highway 16 and Franklin Road Interchange. The girders are horizontal support beams for the bridge, estimated to weigh approximately 184,000 pounds each and will be installed in parts throughout the month of November.

Motorists can expect:

Franklin Road will be closed at night from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. from Star to McDermott roads.
Closures will begin Saturday, Nov. 8, and will take place throughout the month.
Traffic will be detoured to Cherry Lane.

When complete, the Franklin Road Interchange will allow through traffic on SH-16 to travel over Franklin Road without stopping. The SH-16 and Franklin Road Interchange is expected to open with the entire SH-16 corridor in 2027.

For more information and to sign up for email or text updates visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor or call 208-334-8008.

Drivers are encouraged to plan extra time when traveling through the area at night and check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 mobile app for the latest updates on restrictions and delays.

SH-16 to fully close this weekend between SH-44 and US-20/26

Aerial view of an active highway construction site with multiple excavators, loaders, and work trucks operating on a large dirt area. Crews wearing safety vests work near a newly installed concrete box culvert. Construction materials, trailers, and equipment are scattered around the site. In the background, vehicles travel along a nearby highway, and autumn-colored trees and residential buildings border the work zone under clear blue skies.

State Highway 16 will be fully closed south of State Highway 44 the weekend of Nov. 7-10 as the Idaho Transportation Department installs a drainage structure underneath the highway. SH-16 will be closed between SH-44 and US-20/26. Traffic will be detoured to Star and Linder Roads.

Closures will begin at 9 p.m. Nov. 7 and will end at 5 a.m. Nov. 10. Work will result in significant noise during this time.

Crews will install a drainage structure, also called a box culvert, underneath SH-16. The structure will be 495 feet long and comprised of 86 individual pieces, each measuring 8 feet wide by 6 feet tall and weighing an average of 22,500 pounds.

The culvert is being installed as part of the work on the future SH-16/SH-44 Interchange, which will connect SH-16 to Interstate 84. The new SH-16 corridor is on track to open in 2027.

Motorists are encouraged to text HIGHWAY16 to 1-866-483-8422 for email or text alerts. For maps and details about the project, please visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor.

ITD helps county snowplow operators prepare for winter

A person wearing a high-visibility yellow jacket leans over the shoulder of another person seated at a driving simulator. The simulator screens display a snowy road scene as the standing person provides instruction or guidance.

Ada County Highway District and Boise County Road and Bridge snowplow drivers heading into their first winter got to prepare for dealing with snow the season, thanks to ITD’s snowplow simulator.

When ACHD reached out to ask if their crews could train on the simulator, District 3 didn’t hesitate. A handful of employees loaded up the simulator and spent two days walking new plow operators and staff through what it’s really like out there during a storm.

The simulator creates less than ideal driving scenarios, allowing drivers to practice in advance, including navigating heavy traffic, dealing with cars not giving way, and facing white-out conditions. For rookies preparing for their first winter shift, that experience goes a long way toward confidence and safety.

But the day wasn’t all screens and simulations. ACHD’s new operators also got the chance to pick the brain of a few experienced ITD snowplow operators, the kind who have seen a few winters and lived to tell the tale.

District 3 Trainer Jared Gibson said the partnership made sense on multiple levels.

“We already coordinate closely with ACHD every day. This was another chance to connect. Our roads are an ecosystem and keeping them safe is a shared responsibility. We’re all better when we work together,” he said.

ITD crews left feeling proud, not only for helping fellow operators gain valuable skills, but for strengthening the relationship with a key partner who keeps Ada County moving.

A junior snowplow driver gains experience on ITDs snowplow simulator.

Nighttime I-84 eastbound closures at Gowen Interchange Sunday night for bridge repairs

Graphic map showing I-84 interchange with local road. The area of I-84 over the road is highlighted indicating the construction area.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close eastbound Interstate 84 before Exit 57 (State Highway 21/Gowen Road) nightly from 7:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday through early Wednesday to complete ongoing bridge repairs.

After Wednesday repairs are expected to be complete for the season. Crews will continue to monitor pavement and joint performance throughout the winter.

Crews will pave bridge shoulders and finish joint repairs that began in August. This work will smooth out bumps and improve the transition at the beginning and edge of the bridge.

During the work, all eastbound traffic must exit at Exit 57 and reenter I-84 using the eastbound on-ramp at the same location. Minor delays are expected.

Drivers should plan ahead, follow signs through the work zone, and watch for crews and equipment operating near traffic.

For real-time traffic updates and travel information, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

ITD seeks public feedback to help shape the future of rail in Idaho

UPDATE: Some users are reporting issues submitting their responses and being unable to proceed past the second page. We recommend that respondents hit the next button at the bottom more than once. If that doesn’t work, we encourage users to sign up to receive a different format of the survey, which will be available the week of Nov. 3. We are working to resolve any technical issues in the meantime.

The Idaho Transportation Department is updating the Idaho Statewide Rail Plan and is asking for public input to help guide the future of rail infrastructure across the state.

The plan evaluates the current condition and performance of Idaho’s rail network, identifies system-wide challenges and opportunities, and outlines strategies to strengthen rail infrastructure. The plan will also explore key topics such as rail safety, grade crossings, and access for rail-served industries that help drive Idaho’s economy.

Unlike other statewide transportation plans, this plan does not allocate funding for specific projects. Instead, it provides a strategic foundation that supports future grant applications and coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration and other partners.

“We want to hear from Idaho communities about how rail infrastructure is working today and what improvements would make the biggest difference in the future,” Freight Program Manager Caleb Forrey said. “Your feedback will help us better understand statewide priorities and shape a plan that reflects Idaho’s needs.”

Railways in Idaho are operated by the private sector, with ITD having shared responsibility for safety at highway-rail crossings. As is the case with public transportation in Idaho, there are no dedicated state funding sources for freight or passenger rail beyond match funds for federally-funded improvements to rail crossings.

The online survey is open through November 12 and takes about five minutes to complete. Feedback collected will be summarized in the final plan, which is expected to be released in spring 2026, and used to guide discussions with communities, railroads, and state and federal partners.

A summary of the rail plan is available at itd.idaho.gov/planning.

ITD and ISP team up to host free winter driving classes

As winter approaches, the Idaho Transportation Department and the Idaho State Police are teaming up to offer free winter driving classes in the Treasure Valley.

Three sessions are currently scheduled for Oct. 29, Nov. 12, and Nov. 26, beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. Classes will take place in person at ITD’s District Office in Boise at 8150 W Chinden Boulevard.
Last year, ITD and ISP helped more than 170 Treasure Valley residents prepare for winter driving through similar classes. These sessions focus on tips, preparation, and safe driving techniques but do not include hands-on or behind-the-wheel training.

The classes are designed to help drivers prepare for Idaho’s winter conditions covering topics like vehicle readiness, proper equipment, defensive driving techniques, and how to safely share the road with snowplows. Instructors include state troopers and ITD employees who bring firsthand experience from years of working on Idaho’s roads during severe weather.

The courses are open to all drivers but are especially useful for:

New drivers (ages 14–17) including those who are currently enrolled in a driver’s education course
Young drivers with limited winter experience
New residents facing their first winter on Idaho roadways

Each participant must register online in advance.

For details and registration links for classes throughout Idaho go to ITD’s Travel page.

ITD and ODOT host SH-52 Snake River Bridge replacement open house

Bridge with potholes, seals spans river with greenery on far shore.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to learn about construction plans for a new State Highway 52, Snake River Bridge in Payette during in-person and online public meetings.

The in-person meeting will be held in an open house format with no formal presentation. Representatives from both ITD and the Oregon Department of Transportation will be available to answer questions, share construction plans and gather feedback about upcoming bridge and roadway improvements.

In-person meeting details:

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 22,

Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Payette City Hall Chambers, 700 Center Ave.

Starting in 2027, ITD and ODOT plan to build a new structure over the Snake River. The project will take about two years to complete. The existing 72-year-old bridge has reached the end of its design life and will be replaced with a bridge that meets current highway standards.

During an initial public meeting in 2023, ITD heard concerns that a full bridge closure would negatively impact livelihoods, safety, and mobility. In response, the project team revised the plan to keep the bridge open during construction.

Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to participate online between Oct. 22 and Nov. 5 at sh52snakeriverbridge.com.