Treasure Valley projects identified for further funding

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 TECM fund for the next three years and allows the department to invest an extra $1 billion in the Idaho transportation system.

With this new funding, the following projects have been recommended for further design and construction:

SH-16 from SH-44 to Beacon Light: This project will increase capacity by widening the road from two to four lanes with a median barrier between the future SH-44 Interchange and Beacon Light Road. An overpass will be added at Floating Feather Road. Construction is anticipated to start in 2027, one year earlier than planned.
I-84 Mobility Improvements: The ongoing study will provide a prioritized list of operational improvements like auxiliary lanes between Boise and Nampa, and this revenue stream will provide construction funding for the highest priority needs that emerge from the study.
US-20/26 from Middleton to Star: This project will add capacity by widening the road to two lanes in both directions and improve safety by adding a continuous center turn lane. Construction is anticipated to start in 2026, four years earlier than planned.
SH-44 from Star to SH-16: This project will add capacity by widening the road from three to five lanes between Mira Avenue and Moyle Ave. It includes resurfacing between Star Road and Mira Ave. Construction is anticipated to start in 2027, two years earlier than planned. Download a photo of the SH-44 and SH-16 intersection.

With these projects now included in the draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP), the public will have the opportunity to give feedback on these projects 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 Southwest Idaho, TECM funds have successfully extended SH-16 from I-84 to US-20/26 including the construction of five new interchanges, with the corridor set to open by 2027. These funds also allowed SH-55 to be widened to two lanes in each direction from Farmway Road to Middleton Road, with work set to be done in 2027.

These latest projects were identified because they are existing high-priority corridor needs that will improve traffic flow and increase safety.

Traffic shift Thursday night on SH-55 from Middleton Road to Midway Road

The Idaho Transportation Department will shift traffic on Karcher Road (State Highway 55) Thursday night from the Middleton Road intersection through the Midway Road intersection as part of ongoing efforts to widen it to four lanes. Traffic will move to the newly paved temporary shoulder to allow crews to work on the existing lanes of the highway in the coming months.

Drivers can expect:

Nighttime work from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
SH-55 reduced to one lane with flaggers at night
Permanent removal of the acceleration and deacceleration lanes at both intersections

Karcher Road will keep two lanes of traffic during the daytime with a center turn lane available at intersections. When complete, the highway will feature four lanes and dedicated turn lanes at intersections. The public can expect to see the closure of all acceleration and deacceleration lanes on Karcher Road by next year.

“We will need to shift traffic regularly to keep everyone moving while we widen the highway. Please be aware of your surroundings and drive with caution,” Project Manager Justin Wolf said. “Your safety and the safety of our workers depends on it.”

This work is part of the SH-55, Farmway Road to Middleton Road project, a larger effort to increase mobility and safety along the corridor in Canyon County. When construction is complete in 2027, improvements will include:

Four lanes with dedicated left and right turn lanes at major intersections, including wider shoulders.

A raised median from 10th Avenue to Middleton Road with right-in-right-out-left-in access at mid-mile intersections.

A separated 10-foot bicycle and pedestrian pathway on the north and south sides of SH-55, and a pedestrian undercrossing east of 10th Avenue near Vallivue Middle School.

Upgraded signal equipment at major intersections to allow for better timing between signals.

Sound walls at Crestwood Estates, Fieldcrest Village and Lakeview Apartments.

The Karcher View frontage road west of 10th Avenue on the north side of the highway.

To stay informed and get the latest information about the project and its traffic impacts visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55Farmway or text 55Farmway to 1-866-483-8422. For questions, contact the project team at (208) 477-1379. Maps and other details can also be found on the project website.

Repairs to last year’s chipseal on Chinden start tonight

Aerial view of Chinden Boulevard, US-20/26, in Boise.

Starting tonight the contractor will return to Chinden Boulevard to address the limited sections from last year’s chipseal project that did not meet ITD standards. Repairs will protect the driving surface and extend the life of the roadway.

Between Glenwood Street and Eagle Road, the highway will receive a thin asphalt overlay resurfacing. From Eagle Road to Linder Road, pavement sealer will be sprayed on to the road to protect it, and lines will be freshly painted.

Work will be done at night from 7:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. to minimize impacts to travelers. One lane will be closed in each direction at night for up to six weeks. All lanes will be open during the day when crews are not on site.

Travelers should check 511.idaho.gov to know before they go.

I-84 will close Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the Karcher Interchange

Aerial photo of I-84 Karcher interchange near Nampa, Idaho.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close I-84 under the Karcher Interchange Tuesday and Wednesday nights to place girders on the overpass bridge. Detours will be in place.

Closures will run from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night. On Tuesday night, westbound traffic will be affected, and on Wednesday night, eastbound traffic will be affected.

Motorists traveling westbound on I-84 Tuesday night will:

Exit I-84 at the Northside Interchange (Exit 35).
Travel north on Northside Blvd.
Turn left on to Karcher Road.
Travel west until you reaching the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp.
Use the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp to merge back on to westbound I-84.

Motorists traveling eastbound on I-84 Wednesday night will:

Exit I-84 using the Karcher Interchange eastbound off-ramp (Exit 33).
Cross Karcher Road.
Use the eastbound on-ramp to merge back onto I-84.

View the detour maps at ITDProjects.idaho.gov/pages/Karcher IC Maps

The girders were fabricated locally and will support the new westbound lane on Karcher Road over the interstate. ITD will host a Facebook live event during the girder placement on Tuesday, June 10. To tune in visit the ITD Facebook page.

Improvements on this project include:

Adding a free running right hand turn at the westbound off-ramp
Paving a third westbound lane on Karcher Road from the westbound off-ramp to Sundance Road
Reinforcing the Karcher Interchange and Indian Creek bridges to support the new lane
Updating signal equipment and adding a pedestrian flashing beacon at the eastbound on-ramp
Building a separated mixed-use path on the north side of Karcher Road

These improvements will increase safety and traffic flow at the interchange. Construction is expected to finish in fall 2025.

Stay informed by signing up for email and text alerts regarding project updates. Text 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcheric. For questions, contact the project team at (208) 334-8002. Maps and other details can also be found on the project website.

US-95 lane reductions will begin next week between Payette and Weiser

Section of US-95 showing distress and cracking

Motorists can expect lane restrictions on U.S. Highway 95 between Payette and Weiser this summer while the Idaho Transportation Department applies a protective sealcoat to the highway surface. The project will extend the life of the asphalt.

Construction will begin in Weiser and progress north nine miles. After that section is complete, work will resume in Weiser and move south toward Payette. All work is expected to be completed by mid-July.

Motorists can expect that:

Work will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays work will end at 12 p.m. All lanes will be open on weekends and outside of working hours.
US- 95 will be reduced to one lane in the work zone. Flaggers and pilot cars will direct traffic.
Speed limits will be reduced, and 12-foot lane restrictions may be in place.

Community members can request email updates about this project by visiting lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/pI5SwgY. Questions may be directed to (208) 402-8408 or info@itdsealcoats.org.

Current restrictions are also posted to 511.idaho.gov.

Summer closure of Ustick Road will begin next week between Owyhee Storm Avenue and McDermott Bypass

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin major work next week on the future State Highway 16 and Ustick Road Interchange. Starting Tuesday, May 27, Ustick Road will be closed from Owyhee Storm Avenue to McDermott Bypass until late August.

Motorists can expect that:

Ustick Road will be closed between Owyhee Storm Avenue and McDermott Bypass.
Traffic will be detoured around the work zone. Click here for the detour map.
Access to homes within the closure will be maintained.
Temporary traffic signals will be in place at the Cherry/McDermott and Ustick/Can-Ada intersections as requested by ACHD and the city of Nampa.

The closure will give crews room to widen Ustick Road immediately around the interchange and connect the on- and off- ramps for the interchange.

“Our goal is to complete as much work as possible while schools are out of session,” Project Manager Dan Gorley said. “We look forward to the completion of this interchange, and we thank the community for their patience during construction.”

The Ustick Road Interchange is anticipated to be completed in 2027. Intermittent lane closures will continue in the area over the next year.

Stay informed about State Highway 16 construction by signing up for email and text alerts. Text HIGHWAY16 to 1-866-483-8422 or visit itdprojects.org/sh16corridor to see a map of work in the area.

For questions, contact the project team at (208) 334-8008.

Resurfacing to begin Tuesday on US-95 in Cambridge

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin a road resurfacing project on five miles of U.S. Highway 95 in and around the city of Cambridge on May 27. The project is designed to extend the life of the roadway, improve ride quality, and enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians.

Motorists should expect delays in the area as crews will close one lane at a time during daytime hours, Monday through Friday, with no work scheduled on weekends or holidays. Flaggers and pilot cars will guide traffic safely through the work zone.

This project includes:

Resurfacing the roadway with a mill and inlay to extend the life of the pavement and improve ride quality for drivers.
Slope repairs to address soil instability south of the Cambridge city limits. This work will begin immediately and require a lane closure controlled by a temporary traffic signal. This closure will be in place less than two weeks.
Sidewalk pedestrian ramp replacements to improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians.

The speed limit will be reduced through the work zone for the safety of workers and travelers. This project is expected to be complete by mid-July.

ITD encourages drivers to plan ahead and use caution in construction areas. For the latest updates on road conditions and detours, visit 511.

Long-term ramp closure and traffic changes begin this month in Caldwell

Extended ramp closures and traffic changes will begin on I-84 this month as the Idaho Transportation Department nears the halfway point of a major interstate reconstruction in Caldwell.

Although exact dates are subject to weather and other factors, ITD expects that:

Tonight (May 15) the 10th Avenue westbound on-ramp will close at 10 p.m. and remain closed through August. Traffic will detour to the westbound on-ramp at Centennial Way. Detour map
On May 22, the Centennial Way westbound off-ramp (Exit 27) will close overnight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. so crews can move traffic onto the newly constructed concrete lanes. Traffic will be detoured to the eastbound off-ramp, using the Notus/Parma Exit (Exit 26) to turn around. Detour map
Beginning May 23, westbound traffic exiting at Centennial Way will follow a new ramp configuration, located before the previous off-ramp. Motorists will need to exit early to use the temporary design, which will be in place through August. View map

“Our crews have an enormous amount of work to complete in a tight work zone,” ITD Resident Engineer Styles Salek said. “Closing the 10th Avenue westbound off-ramp this summer allows us to get the work done quickly and safely while the weather holds. We appreciate motorists being patient and planning ahead during construction.”

In addition, motorists can expect occasional nighttime lane restrictions and short-term ramp closures on I-84 this summer. To request email or text updates about upcoming closures, text 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or email 84CORRIDOR@itd.idaho.gov.

The I-84 widening project in Caldwell began in November 2023 and 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

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

Construction on I-84 in Caldwell will be completed in 2027. For more information, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-84-corridor or call (208) 334-8002.

Drivers should expect busy construction season on SH-55 between Boise and New Meadows

A two-lane highway stretches through a meadow with mountains in the background

Construction season is kicking off on State Highway 55, a vital link in the north-south corridor connecting Boise and Lewiston. With Idaho’s short summer construction window and the need for warm temperatures before snowfall returns, the Idaho Transportation Department will soon begin several key projects along SH-55 to maintain and improve this critical route as shown on the attached map.

Motorists should expect significant delays and are encouraged to travel during off-peak hours—such as early mornings or late evenings. ITD recognizes the inconvenience construction may cause, but each project is part of the department’s continued commitment to enhance safety and mobility along this essential route. From bridge replacements to essential maintenance, these efforts are designed to keep Idahoans moving safely and efficiently throughout the region for many years ahead.

North on the map from Eagle to New Meadows, drivers can expect the following projects this construction season:

Horseshoe Bend to Boise National Forest Boundary Chip Seal (Construction: summer 2025) ITD will apply a chip seal to SH-55 between Horseshoe Bend and the Boise National Forest Boundary to extend the life of the pavement. The highway will be reduced to one lane with pilot cars where crews are working. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday from mid-June to mid-August.

Fleming Creek Bridge Replacement (Construction: fall 2024 – late 2025) ITD is replacing the Fleming Creek Bridge on SH-55 approximately four miles south of Banks. The project includes a minor realignment of SH-55 to accommodate the bridge and meet current standards for roadway geometry. Work this year will have minor impacts to motorists.

Banks-Lowman Road Intersection Interim Traffic Signal (Construction: spring 2025) The new signal was activated May 5 and replaces flagging operations that had previously occurred during peak travel periods, providing a safer and more efficient solution for travelers. Travelers may expect delays around the signal.

Rainbow Bridge Maintenance (Construction: spring – fall 2025) ITD will repair concrete bridge elements, replace expansion joints and repair the deck surface. This maintenance is necessary to continue meeting safety and capacity standards until a new bridge is constructed in the future. During the week (Monday-Thursday) one lane of traffic will be open across the bridge. On weekends (Friday-Sunday), both lanes will be open. Prior to Memorial Day, one-lane closures may occur on weekends.

Dynamic Message Sign (Construction: summer 2025) ITD is installing a dynamic message sign on SH-55 this summer between Round Valley and Cascade. The new message board will notify motorists of detours or incidents.

Little Goose Creek Bridge (Construction: June 2024 – fall 2025) ITD is replacing the Little Goose Creek Bridge along SH-55 near New Meadows. This project has been extended due to weather, road conditions and unexpected contractor delays. SH-55 will continue to be reduced to one lane with a traffic signal during construction. Work will be completed this fall.

Motorists are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov before traveling throughout the state for the latest road conditions and construction updates. However, due to limited cell phone reception along parts of the SH-55 corridor, real-time delays may not always be accurately reflected. Drivers should plan for significant weekend delays and allow extra time for travel.

Westbound I-84 will close Wednesday night between Garrity and Ten Mile exits

Future Interstate 84 and SH-16 Interchange.

The Idaho Transportation Department advises motorists to plan ahead for a full westbound Interstate 84 closure on Wednesday between the Garrity and Ten Mile interchanges. Crews will mobilize a large crane and other materials into the center median of I-84 to begin work on the piers for the new fly-over ramps and work on overhead sign structures. This work will begin the next stage of construction at the future I-84/State Highway 16 System Interchange.

What to expect Wednesday, May 7:

Westbound I-84 will be closed between the Ten Mile (Exit 42) and Garrity (Exit 38) interchanges from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday. Traffic will exit at Ten Mile (Exit 42) and be detoured down Franklin Road to the Garrity Interchange (Exit 38). Click here for the detour map.

Ongoing nighttime lane restrictions on eastbound and westbound I-84 will take place for several weeks. Work will take place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each night between the Ten Mile and Garrity interchanges (Exits 42 and 38). At least two lanes will remain open overnight. For safety of crews, the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph at night.

To request updates about the State Highway 16 project, text HIGHWAY16 to 1-866-483-8422.

For more information, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor.