Motorists can expect traffic changes next week on SH-16 near SH-44

Cones in truck

STAR—The Idaho Transportation Department will shift traffic and reduce State Highway 16 to one lane in each direction between the Boise River Bridge and State Highway 44 on Sunday. These traffic changes will allow crews to prepare and place concrete for SH-16 and build the northbound off-ramp for the new interchange.

Motorists can expect:

  • Northbound SH-16 traffic will be shifted onto the southbound lanes.
  • All lanes of SH-16 will be open at the intersection with normal traffic operations
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph.

Motorists are advised to use caution and plan extra time when traveling through the area.

“This is a challenging work zone, and we are actively looking at ways to improve traffic flow through the area,” said Styles Salek, ITD Design and Construction Engineer. “The new layout next week will allow us to complete the next two phases of construction. This helps our crews work more efficiently and reduces the number of traffic shifts during construction.”

The SH-16/SH-44 Interchange began construction in August 2025 and is part of the long-term vision for SH-16. When complete in 2027, SH-16 will be a limited-access freeway between I-84 and SH-44. Motorists will use interchanges to enter or exit the highway at I-84, Franklin Road, Ustick Road, US-20/26 and SH-44. The interchange project is $55 Million.

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.

Overnight I-84 closures scheduled this week for overhead sign installation

CALDWELL – The Idaho Transportation Department will close sections of westbound Interstate 84 overnight Wednesday and Thursday for crews to install permanent overhead signs. Closures will occur from midnight to 5 a.m. each night.

What to expect:

  • All westbound lanes of I-84 between the Franklin Road and 10th Avenue interchanges will be closed Wednesday night.
  • Motorists will detour using the Franklin Road westbound off-ramp (Exit 29), Blaine Street, and the 10th Avenue westbound on-ramp. View a detour map.
  • All westbound lanes of I-84 between the 10th Avenue and Centennial Way interchanges will be closed Thursday night.
  • Motorists will detour using the 10th Avenue westbound off-ramp (Exit 28), Illinois Avenue, and the Centennial Way westbound on-ramp. View a detour map.

The speed limit in the construction zone is 55 miles per hour. Drivers should slow down, pay attention and follow all posted signs. Crews and heavy equipment will be working close to traffic.

This project is part of the I-84 corridor improvement project, which is expected to be finished in 2027. For more information and to sign up for email or text updates, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-84-corridor or call (208) 334-8002.

Drivers can also use Idaho 511 to check for real-time traffic impacts related to construction projects and road conditions statewide.

Public invited to review results of SH-16 environmental reevaluation

The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to attend open house meetings to learn about the environmental reevaluation for State Highway 16 between State Highway 44 in Ada County and State Highway 52 in Gem County.

The meetings will provide an update on the study, outline the next steps toward environmental clearance, and share anticipated project phasing and future improvements. Both meetings will present the same information.

In-person open house details:

  • Monday, Sep. 15 (Eagle)
    4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (drop in anytime)
    Eagle Christian Church, 100 S Short Rd, Eagle
  • Tuesday, Sep. 16 (Emmett)
    4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (drop in anytime)
    Kenneth Carberry Elementary, 1950 E 12th St, Emmett

The same materials will be available online from Sep. 15 through 29 at sh1644to52.com for those unable to attend in person.

“We encourage the community to attend and learn about the reevaluation results and next steps,” ITD Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said. “We appreciate all the feedback we’ve received from community members, property owners, local agencies and many others throughout this process.”

ITD originally completed an environmental assessment for SH-16 in 2005 to evaluate long-term improvements. The current reevaluation is the first step in advancing the project to final design. This phase ensures the project aligns with current safety, environmental, and community standards. Once complete, the project will move into final design, with construction beginning when design is finalized and funding is secured.

For more information, contact the project team at sh16corridor@itd.idaho.gov or (208) 334-8008, or visit sh1644to52.com.

UPDATE: Gowen Road and portions of I-84 to close nightly beginning Friday for bridge repairs

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department will close Gowen Road nightly beginning Friday as part of a bridge repair project on Interstate 84. These closures are needed to facilitate safe and efficient traffic flow while both eastbound lanes of I-84 are closed at the Gowen Interchange. This project will repair bumps in the roadway caused by settling and rutting at the beginning and end of the bridge.

Road closure schedule:

  • Saturday and Sunday nights: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
  • Monday through Friday nights: 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Detour routes:

From Gowen Road to I-84 (eastbound or westbound):

Turn right on Eisenman Road, proceed to the Eisenman Interchange, and use on-ramps to access I-84 in either direction.

From Gowen Road to SH-21 or Federal Way:

Turn right on Eisenman Road, proceed to the Eisenman Interchange, access I-84 westbound, exit at the Gowen Interchange, and follow signs to SH-21/Federal Way.

From SH-21/Federal Way to eastbound I-84 or Gowen Road:

Travel east on Federal Way to the Eisenman Interchange. From there, access I-84 westbound or turn west on Eisenman to return to Gowen.

These closures coincide with previously released nightly full closures of eastbound I-84 near the Gowen Interchange. During the closures, eastbound drivers will be detoured off I-84 at the Gowen Road off-ramp and directed back onto the interstate via the on-ramp. The detour will remain within the same interchange, and only minor delays are expected.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted detour signs, and allow extra time when traveling through the area. For the latest updates and traffic conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

Public invited to review findings and proposed improvements for SH-44 corridor

STAR—The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to attend two upcoming open houses to learn about findings and recommended improvements for the State Highway 44 corridor between Interstate 84 and Star Road. 

SH-44 is a key east-west route through Middleton and Star. With continued population growth, traffic volumes and congestion have increased and reinforced the need for a modernized SH-44. This project proposes alternatives to realign SH-44. 

These open houses will give the public an opportunity to review the results of the alternatives evaluation and see which proposed recommendations advance into preliminary design and environmental review.  

 

Open house details: 

Tuesday, Aug. 26 

Middleton Middle School, 511 W Main Street, Middleton 

4:30 p.m.  7 p.m. (drop in anytime) 

 

Wednesday, Aug. 27 

Star Fire Protection District, 11665 W State Street, Ste. B, Star 

4:30 p.m.  7 p.m. (drop in anytime) 

 

The same materials will be available online from Aug. 26 through Sept. 10 at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh44pel. 

 “We’ve spent the past two years working with agency partners and local communities to identify practical solutions for this growing corridor,” ITD Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said. “This is the public’s chance to see the alternatives we evaluated and what we’re recommending to move forward.” 

This study followed the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process to identify and screen potential transportation improvements. The PEL process is a collaborative approach to decision-making for transportation projects. Used to gather data and input from the community and stakeholders, PEL helps to understand a project’s needs and goals and identify solutions before moving into the detailed analyses required by the National Environmental Policy Act. The project team previously held three rounds of open houses in January, April, and September 2024 to gather feedback from the public.  

Construction for this project has not yet been funded.  

For more information or assistance, contact the project team at info@idaho44corridor.com or visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh44pel.

Nighttime lane closures on SH-44 begin Friday

EAGLE  Beginning Friday, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin nighttime lane closures on State Highway 44 between Linder Road and State Highway 55 (Eagle Road) for resurfacing.

Resurfacing serves to improve ride quality for drivers and extend the life of the roadway.

Work is scheduled to take place overnight during the following hours:

  • Monday through Friday: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Saturday: 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Sunday: 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Flaggers will be on site to guide traffic through the work zone. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, follow posted signs, and plan ahead.

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

Nighttime closures planned for eastbound I-84 near Gowen Road

BOISE – Starting Friday, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin one week of nighttime closures on eastbound Interstate 84 near Gowen Road. The closures are part of a repair project to fix bumps in the roadway caused by settling and rutting at the beginning and end of the bridge.

During the closures, eastbound drivers will be detoured off I-84 at the Gowen Road off-ramp and directed back onto the interstate via the on-ramp. The detour will remain within the same interchange, and only minor delays are expected.

The project involves reconstructing approximately 250 feet of the two-lane eastbound approach before the Gowen Bridge, as well as 50 feet beyond it.

Full eastbound closures are scheduled during the following hours, weather permitting:

  • Monday through Friday: 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time when traveling through the area. For the latest construction updates and detour information, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

I-84 nighttime closure Wednesday at the Karcher Interchange

NAMPA – Interstate 84 will be closed in both directions under the Karcher Interchange Wednesday night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. This closure will allow crews to safely pour the concrete that will support the third westbound lane on Karcher Road (State Highway 55).

To follow the westbound detour:

  1. Exit I-84 at the Northside Interchange (Exit 35).
  2. Travel north on Northside Boulevard.
  3. Turn left onto Karcher Road.
  4. Travel west until you reach the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp.
  5. Use the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp to merge back onto westbound I-84.

To follow the eastbound detour:

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

Click here to view the detour maps.

These improvements are part of a larger effort to improve traffic flow and safety in the area.

Project improvements 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

The I-84, Karcher Interchange project will enhance safety and reduce congestion at the interchange and along Karcher Road in Nampa. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.

Stay informed by signing up for email and text alerts by texting 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcheric. For questions, contact the project team at (208) 334-8002.

More information can be found at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcherich.

I-84 ramp closures at Meridian Interchange begin Saturday

MERIDIAN – The Idaho Transportation Department will close alternating eastbound and westbound ramps at the Interstate 84 Meridian Interchange (Exit 44) overnight from Saturday to Friday as crews apply a hot chip seal to extend the life of the pavement. Through traffic will not be affected.

Ramp closures are scheduled as follows:

  • Saturday and Sunday: Midnight to 5 a.m.
  • Monday through Friday: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

During these hours, Northbound ramps will be closed Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, while Southbound ramps will be closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

ITD is committed to minimizing disruptions during construction while prioritizing the safety of both motorists and crews. Chip seal oil is extremely hot. Drivers are urged to use extra caution in the work zone, stay clear of paving equipment, and follow all posted signs and flaggers’ directions.

Visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55-69maintenance to learn more, sign up for email updates or contact the project team.

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

Construction begins Monday night on I-184 Flying Wye flyover and westbound I-84

Highway overhead bridge close up of significant damage.
BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction Monday to repair significant barrier damage on the Interstate 184 Flying Wye flyover and westbound Interstate 84.

The damage was caused by a recent crash and presents a safety hazard to motorists. Contractors will restore the bridge barriers, which are designed to contain vehicles during collisions, protecting both traffic on the flyover and traffic below on I-84.

Drivers should expect:

  • Intermittent nighttime two-lane closures on westbound I-84
  • A single-lane closure on the flyover for approximately two weeks
  • Reduced speeds in the work zones

Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time, and drive with caution through the work zone. For real-time traffic updates and road conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.