US-95 landslide between Council and New Meadows news blog

This article will be updated when new information is available

4/7/2025

This information is from the Idaho Office of Emergency Management

Businesses Impacted by U.S. Highway 95 Closure may be Eligible for Assistance

Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is gathering information from non-farm small businesses and non-profit organizations whose operations were disrupted by the March 16 closure of U.S. Highway 95 between Council and New Meadows due to a landslide. This information will help determine whether impacted entities may be eligible for disaster assistance through low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Heavy rainfall on March 16 triggered a landslide that caused several hundred feet of roadway shoulder to give way, forcing the highway’s closure. Since then, the Idaho Transportation Department has been working to safely restore access. The highway is expected to reopen in early May once repairs are completed. In the meantime, drivers are encouraged to use State Highway 55 as an alternate route.

IOEM is in close coordination with the SBA to evaluate the potential for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program. If approved following a disaster declaration request by Governor Brad Little, the program would make low-interest loans available to qualifying small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private non-profit organizations. These loans are intended to help cover ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met due to the disruption caused by the closure.

To request the declaration, the State of Idaho will need five or more qualifying EIDL worksheets from small businesses impacted by the closure. Businesses that have experienced economic losses, whether actual or estimated due to the ongoing closure, are encouraged to submit a worksheet, even if they do not intend to apply for a loan. This information is critical to demonstrate the extent of the economic impact and determine eligibility for federal assistance.

The worksheet may be found on IOEM’s website at ioem.idaho.gov/SBA. Forms can be downloaded and sent by email to jdick@imd.idaho.gov, by fax to 208.422.3044, or mailed directly to:

ATTN: Jarod Dick
4040 Guard St., Bldg. 600
Boise, ID 83705

Please note the EIDL worksheet is not a loan application; it is intended for businesses to report losses so a declaration request may be considered.

Farms and ranches are not eligible for the SBA program.

3/28/2025

Critical repairs on US-95 to begin Monday – two shifts per day to accelerate work

Full closure on U.S. Highway 95 between Council and New Meadows will begin Monday. The contractor will be working two shifts per day to expedite the repairs and minimize the closure time.

The Idaho Transportation Department has carefully considered all potential detour options, including local roads, to minimize the impact on travelers. After exhaustive evaluation, it was determined that no local routes are capable of handling the heavy traffic diverted from US-95 due to early-season conditions and challenging terrain. To mitigate disruption, ITD recently cleared snow from the Weiser River Trail, which will serve as a bypass for local pedestrians and emergency responders. This trail provides a direct route around the closure. Designated parking on US-95 will be available on the north and south side of the landslide, ensuring residents and emergency personnel can continue to navigate the area safely. Additional details will be shared with businesses and local jurisdictions as we monitor trail demand.

Beginning Sunday evening at 8 p.m., US-95 will be fully closed to all vehicle traffic due to the oversized drill rig crane taking up both lanes. Crews will begin relocating fiber optic lines on Monday, followed by the start of excavation on Tuesday for the installation of a retaining wall. The excavation will involve removing 200 feet of pavement and digging to a depth of 10 feet across a 200-foot-long section of roadway. This work is scheduled to be complete by late April or early May.

ITD has modified commercial vehicle permits, allowing 53-foot single trailers to temporarily use State Highway 55 as a detour. This modification ensures that rural communities continue to receive deliveries of goods and services during the closure. ITD is coordinating all work on SH-55, which serves as the detour route for regional traffic. Maintenance projects that were slated to begin this spring will be postponed until US-95 is reopened.

Regular updates on the roadwork and closure will be available on 511.idaho.gov, through the 511 app, or by calling 511. ITD remains committed to restoring US-95 as quickly as possible while minimizing the impact on local communities and businesses.

3/26/2025

The weight limit for vehicles traveling near the slide area has been increased to 26,000 lbs., up from 10,000 lbs. This change will remain in effect until Sunday’s closure.

3/26/2025
Equipment to be mobilized to US-95 landslide, full closure set for Monday

Equipment is being mobilized to begin permanent repair work on the U.S. Highway 95 landslide located between Council and New Meadows at milepost 146.5, about ten miles north of Council. Workers have been on-site since the hillside gave way last Sunday due to steady rainfall.

A full closure of US-95 to all vehicle traffic will be implemented starting Sunday evening at 8 p.m. Until then, flaggers will direct local non-truck traffic through one narrow lane during daylight hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. After the closure on Sunday evening, the road will remain closed, as the contractor’s equipment will require both lanes for earthwork removal and wall installation.

On Monday, crews will begin excavation of a 200-foot-long, full-width section of the roadway, digging to a depth of 10 feet. Once excavation is complete, construction will begin immediately. The repair project will include a retaining wall, which will be anchored by steel piles driven into the stable rock layers of the slope. The highway is expected to reopen in early May once the work is completed.

There are no local detours that are passable this early in the season, and no local routes suitable for the impact of highway traffic. The Idaho Transportation Department has modified permitting for commercial vehicles to allow companies to safely operate on SH-55 to continue delivering goods to rural communities. This temporary exception allows 53-foot single trailers to use SH-55 as a detour for now.

ITD is working with emergency responders to ensure uninterrupted service for all areas. ITD is also working with local jurisdictions to identify potential alternatives for local workers to get past the US-95 closure.

For 24/7 updates on the status of the highway, visit 511.idaho.gov, download the 511 app or call 511 for updates on this closure.

3/21/2024

ITD modifies permitting for commercial vehicles on US-95 to ensure continued delivery of goods

In response to restrictions placed on U.S. Highway 95 between Council and New Meadows following a landslide on Sunday, the Idaho Transportation Department has modified permitting for commercial vehicles to allow companies to safely operate on State Highway 55 and continue delivering goods to rural communities.

The temporary exception allows 53-foot single trailers to use SH-55 as a detour for now. Given the narrow and winding conditions on SH-55, only certain combinations of trucks and trailers are typically allowed.

Drivers should expect more traffic on SH-55 with the current restrictions on US-95 and expect commercial vehicles to potentially slow down or stop near the Rainbow Bridge as they will be directed via signage to yield to oncoming traffic.

For 24/7 updates on the status of US-95 and SH-55 visit 511.idaho.gov, download the 511 app or call 511 for updates.

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3/20/2025

One lane temporarily open for local traffic only through US-95 slide near Council

One lane of U.S. Highway 95 is now temporarily open at the slide at milepost 146.5 north of Council. This lane will only be for local traffic and only open during daylight hours between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. until contractor equipment begins work next week.

The highway will fully close each night as crews will only visually monitor the route during daylight for slumps or cracks that could indicate another slide.

Commercial vehicles will not be allowed on the route to avoid the narrow road. Flaggers in New Meadows and Council will direct these vehicles to turn around. The Idaho Transportation Department is working on modifying the permitting process to allow for commercial vehicles to take State Highway 55 instead. Drivers should expect to see more trucks on SH-55 and practice patience.

The engineering team is reviewing data from foundation drilling yesterday and are expecting a design of a retaining wall by Tuesday that will be anchored by steel piles driven into the stable rock layers of the slope. This data will tell the team where and how deep to drive the steel piles, and land surveyor data collected the last few days will identify the full size of the slide for wall length and height design.

ITD has a prime contractor at the ready and will be working simultaneously with the design team to secure materials and any subcontractors prior to the repairs starting next week.

There are no local detours that are passable this early in the season and able to withstand the impact of highway traffic.

ITD will issue another update next week once the design for the repairs has been completed and future impacts to traffic are better known. Drivers may not be able to pass through the slide area once repairs are underway given the size of equipment that will be on site. The highway will likely be impacted through late April.

Workers have been on scene since the hillside gave way on Sunday following steady rainfall.

For 24/7 updates on the status of the highway, visit 511.idaho.gov, download the 511 app or call 511 for updates on this closure.

US-95 remains closed between Council and New Meadows

Guardrail hangs above a washed-out embankment

U.S. Highway 95 remains closed between Council and New Meadows due to a few hundred feet of downhill landslide of the roadway shoulder at milepost 146.5 along the Weiser River on Sunday afternoon following steady rainfall.

Engineering crews were on site this morning to assess the extent of the damage for repair decisions, and a drill crew will be on site tomorrow morning to investigate soil and slide information for a possible retaining wall.

“We aim to have one lane opened at some point this week, but just for cars,” District Engineer Jason Brinkman said. “We are concerned about allowing wider, heavier commercial vehicles on this narrow area until the repair work is complete.”

Regional traffic is encouraged to take State Highway 55 as no traffic is allowed through the landslide location. Only people who live between Council and Glendale south of the slide and between Pine Ridge and New Meadows north of the side will be allowed to access those areas. All other drivers are being turned around at the barricades in Council and New Meadows.

This particular area was already being monitored by the Idaho Transportation Department for storm damage concerns.

“These natural weather events are nearly impossible to predict,” Brinkman said. “Fortunately, given this season of storms, we are ready to respond and expedite this project.”

Download a photo of the slide.

Getting the highway back open fully could take weeks. Motorists should visit 511.idaho.gov, download the 511 app or call 511 for updates on this closure.

ITD seeking public input on proposed SH-69 plans from Kuna to Meridian over the next two weeks

ITD is hosting an online meeting starting April 7 for State Highway 69, from Orchard Avenue in Kuna to Overland Road in Meridian.

The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting an online meeting starting today for State Highway 69 from Orchard Avenue in Kuna to Overland Road in Meridian. The community is invited to view the proposed vision of the corridor, as traffic is expected to increase by 55% over the next 25 years. Participants can provide input and learn about the next steps for the SH-69 project.

The proposed vision for SH-69 includes:

Widening SH-69 to seven lanes between Overland and Kuna roads.
Widening SH-69 to five lanes between Kuna Road and Orchard Avenue.
Installing a new continuous raised median with access allowed at mile and 1/2-mile intersections. All other access onto SH-69 will be right-in and right-out.
Adding a 10-foot multi-use pathway on each side.

“The proposed vision of the corridor will accommodate motorized and non-motorized users as growth along the corridor is projected to increase 55% over the next 25 years. We look forward to gathering input from the community, as their feedback is crucial to moving the study forward,” Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said.

Details for the online meeting are listed below:

Online meeting will run Monday, April 7 – Monday, April 21
Comments may be submitted by visiting the online meeting at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/id69corridor

Those who do not have the ability to engage online are encouraged to call (208) 377-9688, or email Amber@RBCI.net, and a member of the project team will provide other resources to participate.

New American flags displayed on Cloverdale overpass in tribute to fallen airmen

ITD hanging flags on the Cloverdale Overpass

The Idaho Transportation Department has securely fastened 32 new American flags onto the Cloverdale Overpass, replacing the damaged ones that were removed Wednesday due to vandalism. These flags serve as a visible tribute to the fallen airmen who tragically lost their lives in a 2018 crash. ITD is also exploring options for a permanent memorial or other lasting ways to honor them at this site in the future.

“Vandalism of this type is not typical in Idaho. Working with community members and the Boise Police Department, our crew took quick action to remove the damaged flags and replace them with new ones. Above all, we made sure the entire process was carried out with the utmost respect,” ITD Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney said.

ITD is deeply committed to supporting those who have served our country, as reflected by the 167 veterans currently employed by the department, making up more than ten percent of its workforce. This underscores ITD’s respect for military service and the invaluable contributions these individuals make to the department’s mission and success.

American Legion Post 201 will hold a flag decommissioning ceremony in the near future to properly retire the damaged American flags.

Full closures of I-84 in Nampa to begin Sunday

The Idaho Transportation Department will close Interstate 84 around the Karcher Interchange in Nampa starting this weekend to implement a traffic shift. This shift will allow crews to establish a safe work zone around the center pier of the bridge while maintaining the same number of lanes on I-84. Over the following weeks, crews will reinforce the interchange bridge to support the new westbound lane on Karcher Road (State Highway 55).

Here’s what to expect:

Full closure of westbound I-84 on Sunday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Full closure of eastbound I-84 on Monday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m.

The Karcher Interchange project addresses the unprecedented growth in Canyon County by widening the interchange bridge, adding a free-running westbound right turn lane and an additional westbound lane through Caldwell Boulevard. Additional improvements will include:

Upgrading signal equipment and adjusting timing at ramp intersections
Adding a pedestrian flashing beacon at the I-84 eastbound on-ramp
Adding a new sidewalk/bike path west of Caldwell Boulevard on the north side of Karcher Road (SH-55)
Repaving Karcher Road (SH-55) from the westbound on-ramps to Middleton Road

This work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled if there is precipitation or temperatures drop too low. To learn more about the project or view detour maps, please visit the project website.

10th Avenue in Caldwell closing Saturday for bridge construction

The Idaho Transportation Department will close 10th Avenue in Caldwell underneath the interchange bridge this Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The closure is necessary for crews to install concrete girders that will support the new bridge deck.

The seven girders to be placed are made in Caldwell. Each girder is 140 feet long and weighs 133,000 pounds. Motorists will be detoured on Centennial Way during the closure, and shuttle buses will be available to transport pedestrians and bicyclists. Interstate 84 will not be impacted during this girder placement.

“Placing these girders is a major milestone in the project,” ITD Resident Engineer Styles Salek said. “The new bridge will accommodate the additional lanes being added to I-84, improving traffic flow and capacity in the area.”

This girder placement is part of the ongoing project on I-84 between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges in Caldwell. This comprehensive project, which began in November 2023, includes:

Widening I-84 to three lanes in each direction, with auxiliary lanes between interchanges.
Replacing the 10th Avenue Interchange.
Removing one westbound on-ramp at the 10th Avenue Interchange.
Updating the pedestrian overpass.
Building a sound wall along Hannibal Street.
Adding a traffic signal at the westbound ramps at the Centennial Way Interchange.

Drivers are reminded that the speed limit in the I-84 work zone is 55 mph. With workers, trucks, and heavy equipment operating close to traffic, ITD urges motorists to slow down, stay alert, and follow all posted signs.

The public is encouraged to stay informed by signing up for email and text alerts. Text 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or visit https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/84-centennialtofranklin

A picture of the girders being made in Caldwell, Idaho. — Crews will close 10th Avenue underneath the interchange bridge on Saturday, March 8. This closure will give crews the space they need to place girders for the interchange bridge.

ITD to temporarily close section of US-20 tomorrow for snow removal

In preparation of more snow in the region, we will temporarily close U.S. Highway 20 from Anderson Dam Road to Hill City tomorrow.

In preparation of more snow in the region, the Idaho Transportation Department will temporarily close U.S. Highway 20 from Anderson Dam Road to Hill City tomorrow (Feb. 12, 2025).

ITD crews will work to remove built-up snow and overhangs along the highway to improve safety and allow for more effective plowing. To protect workers and motorists, this stretch of US-20 will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the snow removal effort.

“We understand this is an important route for many travelers, and our goal is to keep it as safe as possible. Clearing this snow now will make the highway safer for everyone, especially with more snowfall expected as early as Thursday,” Foreman Gabe Sielaff said.

Drivers should plan alternate routes and check 511.idaho.gov for the latest road conditions before traveling.

Weekend closures on SH-55 in Canyon County

Drone picture of Farmway Road and State Highway 55.

Sections of State Highway 55 between Farmway Road and Middleton Road will be closed beginning this Friday. The weekend closures will continue until March as part of the SH-55 widening project.

Each weekend, full closures will begin on Friday at 10 p.m. and continue until Monday at 5 a.m. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Large vehicles traveling to Nampa and Caldwell should use alternate routes, including U.S. Highway 95 and State Highways 19, 78, and 45.

“The canal under-crossings need to be replaced to support the wider highway and this work must be completed before spring while irrigation canals and lines are empty,” ITD Project Manager Justin Wolf said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.”

For more information about the SH-55: Farmway to Middleton widening project, please visit https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55farmway, or call 208-477-1379.

To receive text alerts about these weekend closures, text 55FARMWAY to 866-483-8422.

SH-21 between Idaho City and Lowman avalanche risk

Update: The closure for SH-21 has been extended and now includes Idaho City (milepost 41) to Lowman (milepost 72).

The Idaho Transportation Department will close State Highway 21 from Grandjean to Banner Summit this afternoon due to high avalanche risk.

The current weather pattern is likely to trigger avalanches in this section of highway. The anticipated closure will begin at 5 p.m. today.

Motorists needing to use the roadway are advised to make the trip immediately or plan to use alternate routes, like State Highway 75.

The ITD avalanche crew monitors the snowpack along this section of highway to forecast the risk of avalanches large enough to reach the roadway. This practice allows the department to keep the highway open during the winter months with a reasonable confidence of safety for the traveling public.

There are nearly 70 avalanche paths in this 11-mile stretch of SH-21. Avalanches can be triggered without warning, so there is no parking or stopping within this section of road during the winter.

The highway will reopen when the snowpack has stabilized and the risk of active avalanches is reduced. Updates on closures and openings will be posted on 511.idaho.gov.

Four cows killed on SH-51 in last month. Drivers need to stay alert when driving on open range

Picture of cow hit on SH-51 milepost 62. In the last month four cows have been hit on this stretch of highway.

There are 14 open range signs on State Highway 51 from the Nevada border to north of Bruneau that flash when cows are near the highway. Despite these flashing alerts, livestock continue to be hit on this stretch, with four cows struck and killed in the past month alone.

Wilmer Biggs, a transportation technician with the Bruneau maintenance crew, says the highway serves mainly local traffic with drivers who could use a reminder of how collisions can affect them and the livestock. Biggs noted black cows are especially vulnerable to being struck because they are harder to see at night.

“I have come out the next morning after a cow was hit, and the baby is still standing by its dead mom,” Transportation Technician Wilmer Biggs said. “It’s tragic and can be avoided by slowing down and realizing this is an open range area. Drivers need to plan for cattle to be on this highway.”

Tips for driving in open range areas:

Reduce speed at night: Visibility is limited, and black cows can blend into the darkness.
Stay alert: Look for reflective eyes or movement near the road.
Plan ahead: Assume cattle may be present, especially in known open range areas.

Biggs previously transformed advisory signs from a defunct federal radio alert system into flashing open range signs and hopes to convert more in the future. Read more here.

Open range cattle can be found on SH-51 and other Idaho highways year-round. Idaho is an open range state, meaning cattle and other livestock have the right of way. If livestock is hit on an open range, the owner of the animal is not liable for damages to the driver or the vehicle. Drivers may be liable for injuries or death of the animal if found to have been negligent.

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.