Category: Southwest

Information and news from Southwest Idaho | District 3

Traffic restrictions in place on SH-71 due to Oregon fire activity

Commercial traffic is restricted on SH-71 due to Durkee fire.

 

7/25/2024 update:

This restriction has been lifted, however there is a permanent length restriction on SH-71 in place. Check 511.idaho.gov for more information.

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The Idaho Transportation (ITD) is restricting all large commercial traffic from traveling on State Highway 71 due to the ongoing Durkee fire that’s actively burning in Eastern Oregon.

Using SH-71 to access Oregon is not a suitable detour for interstate trucks. SH-71, between Cambridge and the Oregon state line, is narrow and winding. To maintain traffic flow and ensure safety, non-essential commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds are now prohibited from using this route. Messaging boards have been deployed to inform the public of these restrictions and an alert has been posted to 511.idaho.gov. There is currently no estimate for when these restrictions will be lifted.

Additionally, Interstate 84 between Ontario and Baker City is closed. The Durkee fire is anticipated to expand as high winds are forecasted. There is no estimate for when this segment of I-84 will reopen.

Travelers are advised against heading to Ontario to wait for the reopening. ITD urges drivers to seek alternative routes.

I-84 extended closure in Eastern Oregon due to wildfires

Wildfire causes I-84 in Oregon to close.

 

7/25/2024 7:00 a.m. update: Rain helped the firefighting effort. Interstate 84 is currently open.

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7/24/2024 1:00 p.m. update:  Large commercial traffic is restricted until further notice on State Highway 71 between Cambridge and the Oregon state line due to fire activity.  Using SH-71 to access Oregon is not a suitable detour for interstate trucks. SH-71, between Cambridge and the Oregon state line, is narrow and winding. To maintain traffic flow and ensure safety, non-essential commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds are now prohibited from using this route.

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7/24/2024 12:30 p.m. update: I-84 is closed due to fire activity.  The fire has reached I-84 and it is not safe for travelers. Fire officials do not want people to travel to Ontario to wait. The fire is expected to grow as winds are forecasted in the area, there’s no estimate on when it will reopen.
Consider alternative travel options and for the latest information, keep an eye on TripCheck or Idaho 511.

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7/24/2024 9:30 a.m. update: The I-84 corridor has reopened, but due to the unpredictable nature of wildfires, travelers should be prepared for potential closures and are advised not to rely on this route.

Idaho travelers are urged to use 511.idaho.gov for traffic impacts.

Oregon travelers are urged to use Tripcheck.com for up-to-date information.

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This information is from the Oregon Department of Transportation

PENDLETON – If you plan to travel across Oregon in the coming days, make sure you carefully plan your route. I-84 and many other highways in eastern Oregon may be closed or unreliable due to wildfires. With a long hot summer ahead, other fires and closures throughout the state are likely.

Wildfires are unpredictable and we have no estimate on opening times for any fire-impacted highways. Previous plans for a nighttime only closure of I-84 to remove brush along the highway were upended when the fire quickly reached the highway. Fire crews are actively fighting fire from I-84.

Travelers should use U.S. 20 to move east or west across central and eastern Oregon. If you must travel, consult Tripcheck.com and check conditions for your route. Here are some other tips while traveling in wildfire season:

  • Do not follow GPS directions or detour on local or forest roads. These roads are not suitable for interstate traffic. If a highway is closed on Tripcheck.com, it is likely that nearby local roads will be closed as well.
  • Expect power outages near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic lights like a four-way stop. Roadside message boards and Tripcheck cameras may also be out in these areas.
  • Carry extra supplies including food and water in case your trip is delayed.
  • Driving in smoke is like driving in heavy fog. Slow down but keep a steady pace and stay alert. Slow driving gives you more time to respond to unexpected conditions.
  • Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.
  • The best place to wait for a highway to open is at home. Do not travel to the closure points and wait as closures could last for days.

Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website. 

Intermittent closures of 10th Avenue in Caldwell will begin Monday for bridge demolition

Intermittent closures on 10th Ave. will begin Monday. The closure is necessary to safely demolish the I-84 bridge that goes over it.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will intermittently close 10th Avenue under Interstate 84 in Caldwell beginning on Monday.  These closures are necessary for crews to safely demolish the westbound lanes of the I-84 bridge. The intermittent closures will occur through September.

Motorists can expect:

  • 10th Avenue will close during weekdays and may reopen on weekends.
  • Traffic will detour to Centennial Way. Click here to see a detour map.
  • Pedestrians will be detoured to the pedestrian overpass over I-84. Click here to see a detour map.
  • Access to businesses will remain open, but routes may change during the closures.
  • After 10th Avenue reopens, crews plan to restrict it to one lane in each direction until next year.

Crews will demolish the westbound side of the bridge section by section, which will take several weeks to complete. Closing 10th Avenue will give crews the space they need to bring multiple pieces of equipment in and out of the work zone safely.

“This closure will help us complete the bridge demo as quickly as possible while keeping the traveling public safe,” Resident Engineer Styles Salek said. “We will do everything we can to re-open 10th Avenue quickly, and we thank everyone for their patience in the meantime.”

This bridge demolition is part of ITD’s I-84 Centennial Way to Franklin Road project, which is widening the interstate to three lanes in each direction, replacing the 10th Avenue Interchange and adding a soundwall along Hannibal Street from 10th Avenue to Centennial Way. This project is expected to be completed in 2027.

For more information about the project and to stay updated on closure dates:

Please use caution when driving through the work zone. To plan your route in advance, visit 511.idaho.gov.

 

 

ITD will host community open houses next week in McCall and Horseshoe Bend about Rainbow Bridge project

Photo of the Rainbow Bridge in Valley County.

The Idaho Transportation Department will host community open houses next week to gather early input about a project to build a new bridge over the North Fork of the Payette River in Valley County. Nearly a century after its construction, the current Rainbow Bridge no longer meets current standards for highway bridges.

Open houses will be located both north and south of the bridge. Community members may stop by at their convenience to learn about the project and provide input.

  • Tuesday, July 23: 4-7 p.m. at the Evergreen Hotel (210 N. 3rd St., McCall)
  • Thursday, July 25: 4-7 p.m. at the Horseshoe Bend School (398 School Rd., Horseshoe Bend)
  • Online, July 23-Aug. 9 at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rainbowbridge

“ITD recognizes the Rainbow Bridge’s significance to Idaho residents and travelers,” said ITD District 3 Engineer Jason Brinkman. “Feedback from the community will be essential as we design the new bridge and make decisions about the existing bridge.”

Additional public meetings will be held as the design process continues. In addition, a Bridge Involvement Group will meet on July 17 from 4-6 p.m. at the American Legion Post (105 W. Mill St.) in Cascade. The Bridge Involvement Group is open to community members who are willing to invest a higher level of time and engagement during the design process.

The existing Rainbow Bridge was completed in 1933. Environmental and design work for a new bridge began this spring. Construction is currently proposed for 2028 or 2029.

To learn more about the Rainbow Bridge project, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rainbowbridge, call (208) 391-6580 or email info@sh55rainbowbridge.com.

Overnight closures set to begin Monday at I-84 Eagle Road Interchange for ramp paving

Eagle ramp closures begin on Monday for paving.

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin the first of two ramp closures on Monday along Interstate 84. These closures are necessary in order to safely pave the ramps.

To minimize traffic impacts, ITD will conduct nighttime paving on both ramps. Each closure will begin at 8 p.m. and will reopen to traffic the following day by 5:30 a.m. Traffic control will be in place prior to any closures. The scheduled ramp closures, which are weather dependent, are as follows:

  • July 15: I-84 Eagle Road eastbound off-ramp
  • July 16: I-84 Eagle Road westbound off-ramp
  • July 17: I-84 Eagle Road westbound off-ramp

“While a standard pothole patch might last a few months to a year, the repairs we achieve with these overnight closures will last multiple years. This not only minimizes the need for constant maintenance but also significantly reduces the disruption for drivers,”  Field Operations Manager Eric Copeland said.

Drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system by phone, online, or through the app for updated closure information.

 

Deb Lane railroad crossing, access to US-20/26 set to permanently close July 26

railroad crossing at Deb Lane and US-20/26

Construction by the Union Pacific Railroad is underway to extend a siding track line near Parma that will result in the closure of the railroad crossing on Deb Lane and loss of direct access to U.S. Highway 20/26. Work began on Tuesday, and the permanent closure of the railroad crossing will occur on July 26.

To access US-20/26 after the crossing is removed, drivers should instead cross the railroad line and access the highway via the U.S. Highway 95 Interchange to the west. Crews will build a cul-de-sac at the end of Deb Lane so vehicles can turn around.

Changes were collectively agreed upon between the Union Pacific Railroad, the Idaho Transportation Department and the Notus-Parma Highway District #2. Increased rail activity is expected with the extension of the track line. Given increased train activity and the proximity of other crossings, stakeholders agreed it was appropriate to permanently close the Deb Lane crossing.

ITD maintenance crews on alert to assist Idaho drivers during heatwave, motorists need to also prepare

Picture of an ITD truck.

With consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is urging motorists to prepare themselves and their vehicles for traveling in the extreme heat.

ITD maintenance teams across Southwest Idaho are taking proactive measures by actively checking on vehicles pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. This extra diligence aims to ensure the safety and well-being of drivers during record heat, as being stranded can quickly turn dangerous in these conditions.

“We know that these scorching temperatures can pose serious risks, and our maintenance crews are committed to helping drivers stay safe on the roads. We urge all drivers to take necessary precautions and plan their trips wisely,” Field Operations Manager Eric Copeland said.

Alongside these actions, ITD encourages motorists to take these steps when hitting the road in triple-digit temperatures:

  • Top off coolant levels if needed.
  • Check tires and tire pressure to reduce the chances of a blowout on hot roads.
  • Make sure to have a spare tire for your vehicle.
  • Pack extra water.
  • Completely fill your gas tank, as the engine uses more fuel when the air conditioner is running.
  • Pack an emergency travel kit filled with snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit for unexpected delays.
  • Look before you lock. Never leave children or animals unattended in vehicles.

By following these tips and benefiting from our maintenance team’s vigilant efforts, motorists can navigate Idaho’s highways safely during periods of high temperatures.

Canyon County Sheriff’s program is SW Idaho Group of Year for litter cleanup along highway

The Canyon County Sheriff’s Alternative Sentencing Program was named ITD’s Adopt-a-Highway Group of the Year for the Southwest Idaho region during the June meeting of the Idaho Transportation Board in Boise. The honor is in recognition of efforts at keeping construction zones litter-free and specific focus on right-of-way areas near Treasure Valley highways amid an increasingly vocal traveling public weighing in on the subject, according to ITD District 3 AAH Coordinator, Jennifer Ford. She added that the group has also been focused on cleaning the freeway exits, along on- and off-ramps.

The Canyon County Sheriff’s group has been active since 1994. Last year, the group picked up more than 56,000 pounds of litter from the side of the freeway. Since forming, they have picked up around 284,000 pounds of trash.

Recently, the city of Nampa asked ITD to consider servicing the larger sections of right of way at the off-ramps and deeper sections of state-owned property beyond the right of way with litter-removal groups. When approached by ITD to help, in addition to continuing the 23-mile route they’ve cleaned since 1994, “there was no hesitation on their part and we thank them for their willingness to serve their community,” Ford explained.

The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office accomplishes their mission by utilizing inmates as a part of their court-ordered sentence, including assistance with numerous other projects throughout Canyon County in addition to picking up trash and litter from the interstate. The safety of participants in always a top priority. This includes wearing high-visibility safety vests, posting signage prior to the start of the pickup location, using vehicles with flashing lights and identifiable decals, and utilizing tools to assist with litter and trash pickup and trailers to load filled trash bags and larger trash items.

“The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office takes obvious pride in their county,“ Ford added. “They are focused on the roads on which their community travels and takes pride in working with partners in other departments and other jurisdictions to collectively brainstorm solutions for common issues.”

Sealcoat from Homedale to Oregon border set to begin Wednesday

SH-19 sealcoat will begin in July and be finished in August 2024.

Idaho drivers should expect delays beginning Wednesday near Homedale, as the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will apply a sealcoat to five miles of State Highway 19. This project will extend the life of the roadway.

SH-19 from the Oregon border to the U.S. Highway 95 Junction in Homedale will be reduced to one lane in the direct area crews are working, with the lane closure moving as work progresses. Vehicles parked along the route will need to be moved prior to work beginning.

Flaggers and a pilot car will help guide traffic through the project area. To minimize traffic disruptions, work will be limited to weekdays from Monday through Thursday. The project is expected to be completed in August.

It’s important for motorists to plan ahead this summer by checking traffic impacts on their route at 511.idaho.gov.

I-84 eastbound ramps at Simco Road set to close Monday for more than a month

The eastbound on-ramp and off-ramp on I-84 at the Simco Road Interchange (Exit 74) will be closed for construction starting Monday.

The eastbound on-ramp and off-ramp on Interstate 84 at the Simco Road Interchange (Exit 74) will be closed for construction beginning Monday and will not reopen until late August. Vehicles using these ramps will be rerouted through Mayfield (Exit 71). This closure is necessary in order for crews to pave and stripe the new ramps.

The Simco Road Bridge over the freeway will remain open as one lane. Drivers can expect reduced speeds when approaching the interchange.

Construction began in July 2023 to replace the bridge over I-84, originally built in 1959. Work is expected to be completed this fall.

The Idaho Transportation Department reminds drivers to be patient, slow down and obey all posted signs in the construction zone. Travelers should check 511.idaho.gov before driving in the area.

The eastbound on-ramp and off-ramp on I-84 at the Simco Road Interchange (Exit 74) will be closed for construction starting Monday and will not reopen until late August.
The eastbound on-ramp and off-ramp on I-84 at the Simco Road Interchange (Exit 74) will be closed for construction starting Monday and will not reopen until late August.