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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The Idaho Transportation Department will begin maintenance work on the Rainbow Bridge along State Highway 55 over the North Fork of the Payette River starting Monday. This project is intended to ensure the bridge meets current safety and capacity requirements until a new bridge is completed.
Crews will repair reinforced concrete bridge elements, replace expansion joints, and restore the deck surface. Work is expected to be completed in the fall. Motorists should expect delays in the area during construction.
SH-55 will be reduced to one lane on weekdays in the project area (Mondays at 6 a.m. to Thursdays at 5 p.m.). Temporary traffic signals will direct traffic.
Both lanes of SH-55 are expected to be open on weekends (Fridays – Sundays) and major holidays this summer. Prior to Memorial Day, one lane may be closed on weekends.
Lanes will be reduced to 11 feet.
Rafters should be aware of work on the bridge, follow signage, and look for direction from the river flagger during overhead work.
Repairs this summer will help prevent future load restrictions that could impact service vehicles, delivery vehicles and cattle trucks using SH-55. For the latest updates and additional information, please visit the project website.
The aging State Highway 21 bridge over the South Fork of the Payette River in Lowman will soon be replaced with a modern structure that improves safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Traffic control for this multi-season project begins setting up next week.
In the initial phase, crews will begin reconstructing the roadway adjacent to the existing bridge. Starting July 2025, demolition of the bridge’s north half will begin. From July through November 2025, traffic will be reduced to a single alternating lane, controlled by a temporary traffic signal, as construction on the north portion of the new bridge gets underway.
To minimize environmental impact—especially on critical bull trout spawning habitat—and to keep traffic moving, construction will take place over two seasons. Full completion is anticipated in spring 2027. Once finished, the new Lowman Bridge will offer improved travel conditions and enhanced safety.
The site has a rich history of moving Idahoans safely across the river: the original late 1800s timber truss bridge was replaced in 1925 with a newer timber truss bridge, which featured a timber center pier and two concrete piers. That bridge was declared unsafe in 1946 and replaced shortly thereafter with the current steel girder bridge.
Delays are expected during construction. Motorists are encouraged to check their route at 511.idaho.gov before heading to the area.
With repairs to the slide area at milepost 146.5 on U.S. Highway 95 now complete, the Idaho Transportation Department is reinstating routine permitting for commercial vehicles on State Highway 55 starting May 5.
Length restrictions had been temporarily lifted for the last month to allow companies to continue delivering goods to rural communities while crews worked to reopen US-95 between Council and New Meadows following a landslide on March 16.
Given the narrow and winding conditions on SH-55, only certain combinations of trucks and trailers are typically allowed for safety reasons. All regular restrictions are back in place for both highways.
For 24/7 updates on the status of Idaho highways, including restrictions for commercial vehicles, visit 511.idaho.gov, download the 511 app or call 511 for updates.
US-95 set to reopen Monday morning after critical repairs made to large landslide
he Idaho Transportation Department will reopen U.S. Highway 95 between New Meadows and Council starting Monday.
This critical north-south route sustained significant damage from heavy rainfall on March 16, prompting a partial closure and the immediate launch of emergency design efforts. Repairs began on March 31, and this Monday will mark exactly four weeks since the full closure of the highway. Construction crews have been working extended hours, including two shifts per day. This accelerated schedule made it possible to reopen the highway in under a month.
“US-95 is one of Idaho’s most essential transportation routes, and from day one we knew we had to act swiftly and decisively to reopen in April,” said Dan McElhinney, ITD Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer. “We deeply appreciate the public’s patience and the continued collaboration among all city, county and local business partners throughout the closure.”
Crews may be completing roadside and guardrail work using temporary lane closures as needed.
“The expedited work by our engineers and contractor to reopen US-95 was focused on quality and community support,” said Jason Brinkman, ITD District 3 Engineer.
The public is encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov before traveling on any of Idaho’s highways this summer, as construction projects on SH-55 are scheduled to begin once US-95 reopens.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
The Idaho Transportation Department will activate the new, long anticipated, interim traffic signal at the intersection of State Highway 55 and Banks Lowman Road on May 5, introducing a new traffic pattern to improve safety and efficiency at this busy junction.
This week crews will finish installing the traffic signal poles, with final preparations scheduled over the coming days to ready the intersection for the signal to go live. Once operational, the signal will provide safer and more predictable turning opportunities—particularly for those traveling from Banks Lowman Road onto SH-55, where long wait times have been common, especially during weekends and peak summer traffic. This interim signal solution was developed based on a preliminary study and public feedback. ITD crews designed this important safety project and installation work has included building the signal foundations, placing underground utilities, paving on Banks Lowman Road, installing guardrail, and erecting signal arms and heads.
“The new signal will help mobility and safety at this historically busy summer SH-55 river access intersection,” said Dan McElhinney, ITD Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer. “This signal will provide a turning solution for those drivers on Banks Lowman Road, which will help reduce long lines and delays.”
In addition to adding the interim signal this year, ITD is also working on a long-term intersection widening solution. Staff has already begun a comprehensive intersection planning and design process that will review bridge widening, hillside setback earthwork and turn lanes to meet the growing regional and river area traffic mobility demands.
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
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.
