The Idaho Transportation Department, in partnership with Garden City, invites the community to attend an online meeting to learn more about a study to develop a stormwater drainage plan and identify corridor improvement projects. Future projects may include multi-use pathways that serve pedestrians and cyclists and other active modes along Chinden Boulevard.
The online self-guided meeting will be available from July 18 through August 1 at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/chinden-drainage-and-design.
The online meeting provides the public with an opportunity to review and provide feedback on study concepts for improved water management systems and future projects to enhance connectivity and mobility along the corridor.
The study aims to develop an integrated corridor plan to guide development and identify specific projects for future planning, design, and construction. This unified plan will ensure that consistent drainage and multi-modal facilities, such as sidewalks and bike lanes, are included with each new construction project along the corridor.
Currently, funding has not been allocated for future Chinden Boulevard improvement projects. Final recommendations and cost estimates are scheduled to be completed early in 2026.
The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to learn about the future State Highway 16 and State Highway 44 Interchange at a public meeting Thursday evening. Construction will begin this summer to replace the current intersection with a new interchange design that includes ramps to help drivers get on and off the highway more safely and easily.
Community members may participate in person Thursday, or online July 17-31, to learn about anticipated traffic impacts and how to stay informed during construction.
“The new interchange at SH-16 and SH-44 will address growing traffic demands in the Treasure Valley,” Project Manager Styles Salek said. “This interchange will also help reduce congestion along West State Street [SH-44], a heavily traveled route for commuters and travelers alike.”
The interchange is part of ITD’s long-term vision for State Highway 16. The first phase of highway improvements, that included highway widening, were completed in 2014 between US-20/26 and SH-44.
Funding for this project comes from the Idaho Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation bonding program. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to complete.
Stay informed by signing up for email and text alerts regarding project updates. Text HIGHWAY16 to 1-866-483-8422 or visit itdprojects.org/sh16corridor. For questions, contact the project team at (208) 334-8008. Maps and other details can also be found on the project website.
The Idaho Transportation Department will change the traffic pattern on westbound I-84 in Caldwell starting Sunday night. Westbound motorists are advised to drive with caution and follow signage.
Under the new traffic pattern, westbound traffic will split into two lanes just after the 10th Avenue Interchange. The right lane will allow drivers to either continue west or exit at Centennial Way, while the left lane will continue westbound with no access to the exit. Once the lanes split, there will be a physical barrier between them, and drivers will be unable to change lanes. Motorists should pay close attention to signage and make sure they are in the correct lane before the split, especially if they plan to exit at Centennial Way. The lanes will merge back together just after the Centennial Way Interchange and westbound traffic will return to its regular configuration. Click here to view a map of the traffic change.
To set up the traffic changes, crews will close the westbound off-ramp at Centennial Way the night of Sunday, July 13 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists will be detoured to Exit 26 where they can then return on I-84 eastbound to exit at Centennial Way. Click here to view a detour map.
In early August, crews plan to move into the next phase of construction. Westbound traffic will return to the westbound side of the highway and ITD expects to reopen the 10th Avenue westbound on-ramp at that time. The ramp was closed in June to reconstruct the westbound lanes on I-84.
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 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.
Construction 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.
Interstate 84 will close overnight under the Karcher Interchange this Sunday and Monday to protect crews working on the Karcher Interchange Bridge. Detours will be in place.
Eastbound I-84 will close Sunday and westbound I-84 will close Monday. Closures will begin at 10 p.m. and end by 5 a.m. each night.
Motorists traveling eastbound on I-84 Sunday night will:
- Exit I-84 using the Karcher Interchange (Exit 33).
- Cross Karcher Road.
- Use the eastbound on-ramp to merge back on to I-84.
Motorists traveling westbound on I-84 Monday night will:
- Exit I-84 at the Northside Interchange (Exit 35).
- Travel north on Northside Boulevard.
- Turn left on to Karcher Road.
- Travel west until you reach the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp.
- Use the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp to merge back on to westbound I-84.
View the detour maps at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karchericmaps.
This work will facilitate the addition of a third westbound lane on Karcher Road to accommodate higher traffic volumes. Other improvements for 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 Indian Creek Bridge to support the new lane
- Updating signal equipment and adding a pedestrian flashing beacon at the eastbound on-ramp
- Building a 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 be completed in fall 2025.
Stay informed regarding any schedule changes 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.
The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to view design plans for a new bridge over the North Fork Payette River at a public meeting on July 22 in Cascade. The new bridge will replace the existing Rainbow Bridge on State Highway 55.
Community members may stop by the meeting at their convenience between 4 and 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 60 (105 Mill St.) in Cascade. Project staff will be on hand to answer questions. Those who cannot attend in person are invited to participate online at sh55rainbowbridge.com anytime between July 22 and Aug. 5.
The open house will include an update on the project, design options for the new bridge and retaining walls, and an update about the existing Rainbow Bridge.
“Community input will play an important role in the selection of a new bridge design,” District Engineer Jason Brinkman said. “Since our last public meeting in summer 2024, we have completed extensive technical work for the new bridge design and have thoroughly evaluated the condition of the existing bridge. We look forward to sharing the outcomes and gathering input.”
The existing Rainbow Bridge was constructed in 1933 and no longer meets standards for state highway bridges. The new bridge will be located slightly northwest and upstream of the current location. It will include wider lanes and shoulders, and improved sight distance for traffic crossing the bridge.
In addition to the community open house, ITD will meet with a Bridge Involvement Group on July 9. The group includes community leaders, stakeholders and others who have agreed to invest additional time in the project. A recording of the meeting will be posted to the project website.
Construction of the new bridge is programmed to begin in 2028.
The Idaho Transportation Department will apply a sealcoat on State Highway 55 from Horseshoe Bend to north of Banks this summer. The sealcoat will preserve and extend the life of the pavement.
Starting Wednesday crews will begin work at the boundary of the Boise National Forest at milepost 91, about 12 miles north of Banks, and work their way 28 miles south towards Horseshoe Bend. This work is expected to be completed in early August.
During construction, motorists can expect:
- SH-55 will be reduced to one lane with flaggers and pilot cars inside the active work zone.
- The speed limit will be reduced and 12-foot width restrictions may be in place.
- Work will take place Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- All lanes will be open on the weekends and outside working hours.
Due to the popularity of this highway with recreationists, drivers should plan for delays up to 30 minutes and consider using an alternative route.
There are several other work zones active on this highway. Workers will be close to traffic. Slow down and do not block driveways and entrances along SH-55.
Visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55sealcoat to learn more, sign up for email updates or contact the project team.
For real-time traffic impacts drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system to plan ahead for travel.
Earlier this week the contractor for the Idaho Transportation Department resumed construction to replace the Little Goose Creek Bridge along State Highway 55 between New Meadows and McCall.
Drivers should plan for reduced speeds and intermittent flagging for most of construction. Later this summer during paving, SH-55 will be reduced to one lane with temporary traffic signals.
“This project has been extended due to weather, road conditions and unexpected contractor delays,” Associate Engineer B.J. Johnson said. “We are working with the contractor to ensure the work is completed as quickly and safely as possible, presumably this fall. We appreciate the community’s patience during this process.”
Work began in June 2024 to replace the bridge to enhance the overall safety, mobility and needs of the traveling public. The project also includes improving the nearby intersection at Last Chance Road and widening the shoulders of the highway. Last Chance Road and campground are closed until late 2025.
Learn more and sign up for construction updates on the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55-little-goose-creek.
CANYON COUNTY – The Idaho Transportation Department will begin maintenance work on two bridges in Canyon County starting Sunday night. Crews will work on both bridges simultaneously with construction lasting approximately one week.
The structures being repaired include the bridge for the eastbound on-ramp that crosses Indian Creek at the Karcher Interchange in Nampa and the Centennial Way Railroad bridge in Caldwell. Work will take place between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. with speed limits reduced to 35 mph.
At the Karcher Interchange, the on-ramp will be closed. Motorists will still be able to access I-84 by following the signed detour.
At the Centennial Way Railroad Bridge, one lane will be open in each direction.
This work is part of a larger effort to repair bridges throughout southwestern Idaho to extend their service life and reduce maintenance costs. ITD has completed work on bridges in Elmore and Ada counties and will be working on bridges along US-95 in Adams/Idaho counties later this summer.
Repairs will include:
- Patching and sealing concrete
- Working on expansion joints
- Removing asphalt overlays
- Improving deck drains
- Milling and paving bridge approaches
- Painting steel structures
ITD is committed to minimizing disruption during construction while prioritizing the safety of both crews and motorists. Drivers are urged to use extra caution when traveling through active work zones.
To learn more about the project or sign up for construction updates visit the project website at ITDProjects.Idaho.Gov/pages/Bridges2025
NAMPA – Motorists can expect lane restrictions on State Highway 45 between Deer Flat Road and Junction 78 near Walter’s Ferry while the Idaho Transportation Department applies a protective sealcoat to the roadway. The project will extend the life of the asphalt.
Starting Monday, crews will remove pavement markings, and flaggers will be in place to direct traffic.
Crews will begin work at Deer Flat Road in south Nampa and work their way 12 miles south toward Junction 78. Work is expected to be completed by late July.
Motorists can expect that:
- SH-45 will be reduced to one lane in the work zone. Flaggers and pilot cars will direct traffic.
- Work will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday. All lanes will be open outside of working hours.
- Speed limits will be reduced, and 12-foot lane restrictions may be in place.
Questions may be directed to (208) 402-8408 or info@itdsealcoats.org.
Current restrictions are also posted to 511.idaho.gov.
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.
