Work continues on SH-55 Little Goose Creek Bridge

Water under a bridge

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.

Repairs to two bridges in Canyon County start Sunday night

Bridge over freeway with a couple of cars going across.

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

SH-45 lane reductions will begin Monday between Deer Flat Road and Walter’s Ferry

Open highway in rural area.

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.

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

Aerial view of SH-55.

 

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

 

Graphic illustrating the upcoming closures on SH-55.

 

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:

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

Motorists traveling eastbound on I-84 Wednesday night will:

  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.

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

Drone shot of the highway

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

Straightaway on US-95 near 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.