Early construction activities begin on new State Highway 16 extension

This July the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) begins the next phase of construction on the State Highway 16 corridor through the central Treasure Valley. The new extension will run north to south between U.S. Highway 20/26 and Interstate 84, west of McDermott Road along the border of Ada and Canyon counties. It will tie into the existing SH-16 route, which continues north to Emmett.

Monday, July 18, initial work starts on the southern end of the corridor where crews will set barriers and shift traffic to create room to build ramps and the bridge foundation for what will become an interchange connecting I-84 to the SH-16 extension. Drivers can expect overnight lane closures on I-84 between the Black Cat Road and Robinson Road overpasses from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Work begins on the northern end, at the intersection of SH-16 and US-20/26, Monday, August 1. Traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction on US-20/26 as crews remove the center median and widen the intersection. Lane restrictions on US-20/26 will be in place through next year.

“We are excited to get underway with the next step of construction,” said ITD Project Manager Merrill Sharp. “Ultimately, this highway will address growth and improve mobility for thousands of motorists in the central Treasure Valley.”

ITD is building SH-16 in phases. The first phase was completed in 2014 between US-20/26 and SH-44. The second phase will be under construction from 2022 to 2024. A third and final phase will be constructed in future years as funding becomes available.

Phase 2 includes constructing:

A new I-84 interchange to access the central Treasure Valley north of I-84.
Approximately 4.5 miles of highway between US-20/26 and I-84.
Overpasses crossing Cherry Lane and McMillan Road.
Bridges over irrigation canals and the railroad.
Signalized intersections at US-20/26, Franklin Road, and Ustick Road.
Reconstruction of the current signalized intersection at US-20/26.

Early construction activities will also include increased truck traffic in the area as crews haul materials and utility companies relocate infrastructure. Construction may require additional closures or delays on roads in the project area and nighttime work. “It will be important to plan ahead when traveling around the corridor. ITD will communicate regularly throughout construction with those who live, work, and commute in this area,” Sharp said.

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. Maps and other details can also be found on the project website.

Phase 2 construction is funded through Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho initiative. Leading Idaho allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to invest in projects within the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) corridors that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy and positively impact communities across the state for years to come.

Interstate 84 restrictions on Sunday, July 10 for organized motorcycle ride

Law enforcement will reduce speeds and temporarily block access to eastbound Interstate 84 between Nampa and Mountain Home Sunday, July 10 for the Idaho Patriot Thunder motorcycle ride. Up to 1,200 motorcyclists are expected to participate in the annual event.

The organized procession, escorted by Idaho State Police (ISP), will enter I-84 at Eagle Road (Exit 46) starting at 11 a.m. Prior to that start time, ISP will begin to slow eastbound I-84 traffic in Nampa at Northside Boulevard and restrict vehicles from entering the interstate.

As the group of riders approaches each eastbound on- and off-ramp, drivers will not be allowed to enter, join, or pass the motorcycle procession. Surface streets may also experience congestion as the procession passes.

ISP and multiple local law enforcement agencies within Canyon, Ada, and Elmore counties will monitor traffic conditions and I-84 access at the following interchanges prior to, during, and after the ride concludes in Mountain Home at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Temporarily blocked on-ramps include: Franklin Boulevard, Garrity Boulevard, Ten Mile Road, Meridian Road, Eagle Road, Franklin Road/Milwaukee Street, the I-184 Wye, Cole Road/Overland Road, Orchard Street, Vista Avenue, Broadway Avenue, Gowen Road, Eisenman Road, East Boise Rest Area, Blacks Creek Road, East Boise Port of Entry, Mayfield Road, Simco Road, I-84B/Old U.S. 30 Exit 90, and Exit 95 in Mountain Home.

Eastbound I-84 travelers should plan for short delays to allow the motorcyclists to safely ride along the interstate. The ride will end at Carl Miller Park in Mountain Home, and regular traffic flow will then resume. The Idaho Patriot Thunder Ride benefits the Idaho Guard & Reserve Family Support Fund and Operation Warm Heart. For more information, click here for the registration website.

ITD shares future plans for State Highway 55 and I-84, Karcher Interchange at Nampa open house July 7

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites the public to an open house this month for two adjacent projects in Canyon County. Design plans will be shared for improvements to the Interstate 84, Karcher Interchange and several miles of State Highway 55 west of the interchange.

Community members may stop by an in-person open house on Thursday, July 7 between 5 and 7 p.m. at Nampa Christian School, 11920 W. Flamingo Avenue in Nampa. Online open houses for each project will also be available July 7-14 at itdprojects.org/karcheric and itdprojects.org/state-highway-55-farmway-to-middleton-road.

“These two projects are part of ITD’s ongoing work to address growth and the resulting congestion on highways in Canyon County, particularly State Highway 55,” said project manager Erika Bowen. “ITD is targeting the most urgent needs in this area while continuing to plan for long-term solutions.”

The I-84, Karcher Interchange project includes widening the interchange bridge and adding a new westbound lane across the interchange to Caldwell Boulevard. Several improvements are also planned on the interchange ramps, signals, and intersections. Details are available at itdprojects.org/karcheric.

The SH-55, Farmway Road to Middleton Road project will widen SH-55 to two lanes in each direction in the busy area between Farmway and Middleton roads. More information is on the project website at itdprojects.org/state-highway-55-farmway-to-middleton-road/.

Once construction funding has been confirmed, work on the Karcher Interchange could begin as early as 2023, and the widening of SH-55 could start in 2024.

Funding for this design stage of both projects comes from the Leading Idaho Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation Program. The program allows ITD to build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to build.

A Spanish interpreter will be present at the July 7 open house. Community members can also request written materials in Spanish by calling (208) 334-8002.

Repaving work begins Monday, June 27 on State Highway 45 between Walters Ferry and Nampa

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is making improvements to State Highway 45 between the State Highway 78 junction in Walters Ferry and Deer Flat Road in Nampa. Construction on the 13-mile stretch of road will begin Monday, June 27. All work is expected to be complete by early September.

Construction plans include replacing the bridge deck at Mora Canal, resurfacing the pavement between the SH-78 junction in Walters Ferry and Deer Flat Road in Nampa, and widening the turning radius on SH-45 at Missouri Avenue and at Patterson Avenue. This project will extend the life of SH-45.

Motorists should expect the following traffic impacts this summer:

Work will take place during the day and night.
One lane of SH-45 will be open with flaggers directing traffic. Please plan for delays up to 15 minutes.
The speed limit will be reduced.
Drivers can expect an uneven road surface and bumps when entering SH-45.
Access to and from homes and businesses may be closed for up to one hour. ITD will notify those affected prior to closures.

Work will temporarily pause over the Independence Day holiday weekend. For more information about the project visit itdprojects.org/45repaving.

ITD and the Idaho State Police advise motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.

State Highway 55 and Banks-Lowman Road summer flagging schedule

As summer travel increases to Idaho’s mountain destinations, ITD’s Southwest Idaho office will also increase flagging resources at the busy State Highway 55 and Banks-Lowman Road intersection in Banks. ITD will flag traffic on the eight weekends expected to have the highest number of travelers due to local events and holidays. These weekends were selected in cooperation with a community working group involving Boise and Valley County community members.

Sunday, June 19
Independence Day, Monday, July 4
All remaining Sundays in July: 10, 17, 24, and 31
Sunday, August 7
Labor Day, Monday, September 5

Plan ahead for any road trip by checking 511.idaho.gov for the latest road conditions, and itdprojects.org for road construction work happening across the state. ITD asks drivers to please do your part to keep roads safe and prevent crashes. Slow down, drive engaged, and always buckle up.

I-84 expansion will require extended ramp closures at Franklin Road Interchange in Caldwell this summer

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is nearing a major milestone in the Interstate 84 widening project in Caldwell, bringing extended ramp closures and traffic changes near the Franklin Road Interchange (Exit 29).

Between June and September, each of the ramps at the Franklin Road Interchange will close for six weeks. The closures will allow crews to rebuild the ramps and connect them to new lanes on I-84.

Although exact dates are subject to change due to weather and other factors, ITD expects:

On June 19, the westbound off-ramp will close at 10 p.m. and remain closed for six weeks. Drivers will be detoured to 10th Avenue, where they can turn around and access Franklin Road from eastbound I-84.
On June 26, the eastbound on-ramp will close at 10 p.m. and remain closed for six weeks. Traffic will detour down 21st Avenue to Blaine Street, then west to the 10th Avenue Interchange.
On June 26, Linden Street will close under I-84 at 10 p.m. until late 2022 while crews finish the reconstruction of the underpass.

Once these two ramps re-open in late July, the other two ramps will close until early September. In addition to the extended closures, motorists can expect occasional nighttime lane restrictions on I-84 and ramps in the area. To request email or text updates about upcoming closures, text 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422.

“We have been working with our engineers and community leaders since 2020 to determine the best way to deliver this complex project while keeping traffic moving,” said Shawna King, ITD Design/Construction Engineer. “We ask motorists to be patient this summer and drive safely. We will keep everyone informed and look for every opportunity to expedite the process.”

ITD is expanding I-84 to three lanes in each direction between the Franklin Road Interchange in Caldwell and the Karcher Interchange in Nampa. Traffic will be shifted to the newest lanes in the I-84 median in June, allowing crews to begin rebuilding the existing outside lanes.

Construction on I-84 in Caldwell will be complete in 2023. For more information, visit itdprojects.org/84corridor, email 84corridor@itd.idaho.gov or call (208) 334-8002.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFDfu_fZnc4

Construction underway on State Highway 21 widening project in Boise

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has started construction to widen State Highway 21 between Technology Way and Surprise Way in Boise.

The project began Monday, May 16 and is expected to finish in late July. Planned improvements include a new center turn lane, wider shoulders, and dedicated right turn lanes at the intersections of Grand Forest Drive, Lake Forest Drive, Old Oregon Trail Road, and Surprise Way. An acceleration lane will also be installed for traffic turning onto southbound SH-21 from Surprise Way. When complete, this stretch of highway will feature two 12-foot wide travel lanes, a 14-foot center turn lane, and 6-foot shoulders.

Construction will begin on the south side of the highway. When paving is done, traffic will shift to the new pavement as crews complete paving on the north side of the road.

The anticipated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with work pausing on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and July 5.

Motorists should plan for reduced speeds through the construction zone, traffic shifts, and periodic delays with flaggers directing traffic. Access will be maintained to all neighborhoods throughout the project. ITD and the Idaho State Police urge motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Please plan ahead and visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.

For more information and project updates, visit itdprojects.org.

Public open house planned May 24 for US-20/26 Chinden West corridor improvements

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites the public to learn more about the future widening of U.S. Highway 20/26 between Middleton Road and Star Road.

ITD will host an open house on Tuesday, May 24 to share preliminary design plans and gather feedback on proposed improvements to this heavily traveled section of US-20/26.

This project will widen the highway and improve intersections to enhance safety and mobility for all users of the transportation system, including nearby residents, businesses, commuters, and freight carriers.

The public is encouraged to attend the drop-in style open house, share input on the plans, and meet members of the project team.

Tuesday, May 24, 2022
5-7 p.m.
Middleton United Methodist Church
104 E. Main Street (State Highway 44)
Middleton, ID

All materials provided at the open house will also be available online at itdprojects.org/chindenwest beginning May 25, for those who can’t attend in person. Comments will be accepted through June 7.

The design of this project is funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of the Leading Idaho TECM Program. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address Idaho’s rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build. Funding for the next phase of work will be determined when the project progresses to that stage.

To learn more about the project and sign up for email updates, visit itdprojects.org/chindenwest.

Plan ahead for overnight intersection work on Eagle Road in Meridian

The Idaho Transportation Department asks motorists to plan for intermittent overnight delays as construction continues to widen Eagle Road (State Highway 55) between Franklin Road and Ustick Road in Meridian. The project will increase mobility by adding a third southbound lane along this 1.6-mile segment.

Over the next few weeks, crews will be working to construct new signal and power poles at the intersections of Franklin Road, Pine Avenue, Fairview Avenue, and River Valley Street. This work will intermittently impact traffic during the nighttime hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Drivers should expect up to 15-minute delays and possible lane closures when traveling through the work zone. Check Idaho 511 for the current work schedule and consider using an alternate route.

Learn more about this project and sign up for construction updates at itdprojects.org/eaglerdwidening.

Road work begins April 25 on State Highway 44 widening near Star and Eagle

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) begins construction to widen State Highway 44 between State Highway 16 and Linder Road near Star and Eagle on Monday, April 25. Improvements include an additional lane in each direction, wider shoulders, and dedicated right turn lanes at major side streets.

During construction drivers should expect the speed limit lowered to 45 mph and lanes reduced in size from 12 to 11 feet wide. One lane in each direction will remain open during daytime hours throughout the project.

“The large amount of growth in the area has transformed this corridor. The work on this section of State Highway 44 is meant to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for all road users,” said ITD Design and Construction Engineer Daris Bruce. “Please remember to pay attention and slow down in the work zone.”

Work is expected to wrap up in August 2022.

SH-44 is the only east-west highway that links Canyon County to Ada County north of the Boise River. It connects Caldwell, Middleton, Star, Eagle, and Garden City. Development in the area has changed this once rural corridor into a mix of residential subdivisions and businesses.

To sign up for construction updates, text 44Widening to 1-866-483-8422 or visit the project website at itdprojects.org/SH4416toLinder.