ITD doubles summer flagging resources at Idaho Highway 55 and Banks-Lowman Road to aid safety and mobility

Intersection of ID-55 and Banks-Lowman Road

The Idaho Transportation Department’s Southwest Idaho Office will double the number of days flagging will be conducted at the intersection of Idaho Highway 55 and the Banks-Lowman Road, which can see significant congestion during summer Sundays.

The Department will deploy flaggers on the six weekends this summer anticipated to have the highest number of travelers at the intersection. Historically, flaggers were deployed for the three summer holidays, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Using historical data and partnering with local event organizers, ITD is changing which days flaggers will mobilize in order to target the busiest days. The current schedule for flagging is:

June 20th
July 5^th(Independence Day)
All remaining Sundays in July (11, 18, 25)
September 6^th (Labor Day)

“We removed Memorial Day from our flagging schedule after we looked at years of travel data,” said Caleb Lakey, District Administrator of ITD’s Southwest Idaho Office. “We confirmed the reports of our maintenance staff that there are, on average, more cars on the road any given Sunday in July and the first weeks of August than Memorial Day. A lot of that is weather dependent, and we may still see a lot of people on the road if we have warm temperatures early on.”

ITD urges motorists to still plan for significant travel delays on ID-55 between Boise and Cascade, as well as on the local road, Banks-Lowman Road during summer weekends. Flagging the intersection relieves some congestion on Banks-Lowman Road but also slows traffic on ID-55.

“Ultimately, both highways and the intersection simply reach capacity as everyone who spent the weekend in the mountains returns home to the Treasure Valley,” said Lakey. “I urge those travelers to consider taking alternate routes or making their return outside the peak time of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Otherwise, plan to have some delay.”

ITD is partnering with the Western Federal Land Division of the Federal Highway Administration to develop a plan for improvements at this intersection. The project launched in March 2021 and will complete environmental and geotechnical work along with preliminary design options for the intersection improvement. ITD will seek additional funding to finish design, acquire right of way, and construct the improvement.

In addition to the increased flagging days, ITD has placed new advisory signs ahead of the intersection. The new signs will advise slower speeds and alert drivers to the congestion and flagging ahead. These signs will improve the safety of the intersection and the efficiency of deploying the flaggers – a major factor in the department’s decision to increase flagging days.

The 2021 flagging operation is the direct result of robust engagement between ITD and the communities in Boise and Valley County. In fall 2019, ITD held a public meeting in Garden Valley to discuss the challenges of the intersection. Following that meeting, the department formed a community working group which spent 2020 developing this plan.

“I want to thank the community for partnering with us on this situation,” added Lakey. “We all want to see business flourish while preserving the unique beauty of Idaho’s Central Mountains. The impacts of growth in southwest Idaho is felt in every community. The public servants at ITD are doing everything we can to meet the growing needs. All users of the road need to take responsibility to plan ahead, drive well, and make wise decisions.”

ITD encourages those traveling from or through the McCall/New Meadows area to consider using U.S. 95 as an alternate route. Those with trips from Stanley or Lowman should consider using Idaho Highway 21 to avoid the congested intersection.

Be sure to Recreate Responsibly. Pack plenty of water and snacks, ensure your vehicle is well maintained, fill your gas tank before long trips, and take a restroom break before traveling through a remote location. Check out road conditions and travel delays before you leave by downloading the Idaho 511 app, available for Apple and Android devices.

ITD launches two-week virtual meeting (May 21-June 4) to share next steps for Idaho 16 extension

The Idaho Transportation Department launches a two-week online meeting today (May 21) to share plans for the next phase of extending Idaho Highway 16 through the central Treasure Valley. The meeting will be available from May 21 to June 4 at itdprojects.org/idaho16.

The meeting includes a virtual tour and design plans for the future north-south corridor, which is currently the primary route to Emmett. ITD is extending the corridor 5.5 miles south to connect with I-84.

The extension of Idaho 16 will operate as a high-speed expressway, with limited access on or off it. By 2040, the highway is expected to serve 60,000 motorists each day in the growing area between Ada and Canyon counties.

“This corridor has been in the making for many years and the community has given input at many important stages of this significant highway corridor,” said ITD Program Manager Amy Schroeder. “All of the design plans in this online meeting are consistent with the overall vision and allows ITD to proceed to construction next year.”

Phase 1 of the corridor was completed in 2014 and involved bridging Idaho 16 over the Boise River and connecting U.S. 20/26 and Idaho 44.

On Wednesday, the Idaho Transportation Board approved funding to construct the next phase of the extension. Phase 2, the focus of the online meeting, will build the remaining five miles of highway from U.S. 20/26 to I-84. This includes an interchange with I-84, connections at Franklin and Ustick Roads, and bridge structures over local roads, canals, and a railroad.

The estimated cost of this work is $170 million. It will be funded using bonds and paid off using new sales tax funds approved by the Idaho Legislature in 2021.

“The work we have done on the Idaho 16 corridor in the last few years has prepared us to quickly leverage this new funding stream,” said Schroeder. “We have an obligation to the taxpayer to make the most of the today’s low interest rates and bring needed transportation investments to Idaho quickly.”

The online meeting will include live Q&A sessions from 12-1 p.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. on June 2. Alternate versions of the meeting are available for those without Internet access. Please contact ITD at (208) 334-8008 or Idaho16@ITD.Idaho.gov.

Idaho Transportation Board puts new money to work across Idaho

LEWISTON – The Idaho Transportation Board approved dozens of new road projects across every corner of the state Wednesday afternoon (May 19) during its regular monthly meeting in Lewiston. The projects include $350 million in construction work that is expected to begin sometime next year.

Many of the projects are part of Idaho Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” transportation funding solution.

“Idaho is the fastest growing state in the nation. To keep up with the demands of a fast-growing state, our historic transportation funding solution helps save Idahoans’ time, keeps us safe on our roads, and makes our state’s economy even stronger,” Governor Little said. “I appreciate the Idaho Transportation Board for acting quickly to put these new funds to work.”

Projects approved today that are ready now include $170 million of Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds to expand Idaho State Highway 16 from its current location at US-20/26 (Chinden Blvd.) to Interstate 84. The board also dedicated $37 million of TECM funds to expand US-20/26 to four lanes from Middleton Road to I-84. Both projects should be under construction next year and will likely be bonded.

In addition, the board approved about $140 million in projects with one-time funds from the Building Idaho’s Future program, along with federal and state COVID Relief funds. This statewide group of projects is focused on critical maintenance and safety needs for highways and bridges from Ashton in eastern Idaho, to the Magic Valley and north to Wallace.

Check this link to see the full list of projects approved across the state.

“We want to thank the Idaho Legislature and Governor for one of the most significant transportation investments in state history,” said Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Bill Moad. “Our goal as a board is to be great stewards of this funding. We will work with the department to pick the projects across Idaho that will have the greatest return on investment in improving safety, increasing mobility and addressing Idaho’s rapid growth.”

In addition to $350 million in construction that will begin next year, the board also approved nearly $170 million for project development. This includes environmental planning, design and right-of-way acquisition.

“Project development is very important. The Board wants the department to have projects ready for the Building Idaho’s Future program and to be constantly advancing additional work for any future federal or state funding opportunities,” said Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Bill Moad. “It is our goal to put the money to work as soon as it becomes available.”

The TECM fund was increased to $80 million through House Bill 362 signed by Governor Little earlier this month. The Idaho Transportation Department will leverage those ongoing funds into a Building Idaho’s Future bonding program that could yield as much as $1.6 billion. The goal is to have major safety and expansion corridors financed over the next six to eight years with the bond proceeds.

ITD staff will present potential projects and corridors to include in the bonding program to the Idaho Transportation Board by the end of this year.

I-84 Chip Seal Project From Broadway to Blacks Creek Road to begin May 22

This spring, crews will chip seal the travel lanes of I-84 between the Broadway and Blacks Creek Road Interchanges as well as the on and off ramps at Broadway, Gowen, Eisenman, and Blacks Creek. Work is expected to begin May 22 and is anticipated to be complete in mid-June.

Chip sealing, also called seal coating, maximizes the taxpayers’ investment by extending the lifespan of the pavement. A sticky slurry is sprayed on the pavement, rock chips are applied on top of the slurry for a long-lasting seal. Hot, daytime temperatures are needed to ensure a successful application.

Reduced speeds are required on fresh chip seals to protect rock chips from flying up, causing potential damage to vehicles and windshields. Before the end of each working day, crews will sweep up loose chips on all lanes.

Motorists should expect delays in the work zone along I-84 and between Exits 64 and 54 as traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Additionally, there will be lane closures on Gowen Road (up to Technology Way) and Blacks Creek Road near I-84. This project will require intermittent ramp closures. Detours will be signed. Check 511 for current and scheduled closures.

“The work zone for this project will be moving around quite a bit,” said ITD Project Manager Patrick Kelly. “Please check 511 regularly. Drive attentively and follow posted speed limits and detour signage. We want to get in, complete the work well, and get out as quickly as possible to limit our impacts.”

Work is anticipated to begin on May 22. Expect preliminary staging and traffic control setup on Friday, May 21. Work will be performed on the Eisenman, Gowen, and Broadway Interchanges on the weekends to reduce effects on weekday traffic per the following schedule:

May 22, 23 Project Start @ Eisenman Interchange
May 29, 30 Detours @ Gowen Interchange
June 12, 13 Detours @ Broadway Interchange
June 20 Work substantially complete

For more info visit the project website: ITDprojects.org/BroadwayToEisenman/

For updated traffic information on ramp closures and detours, call 511 or go to the 511 website at 511.idaho.gov/, which also host webcams showing traffic status at the Eisenman Interchange and Broadway Interchange.

ID-55 Construction Transitions to Summer Schedule in Coming Weeks

Starting May 17, road closures on ID-55 between Smiths Ferry and the Rainbow Bridge will shift to a new schedule: Monday through Thursday, 12 – 2 p.m. Please note that opening times may change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as equipment, weather and daily blasting results. Outside of the closure window, the road will be one-way alternating traffic with a 15-minute delay. This will continue through May 27, the end of the spring schedule.

For Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 28, through Monday, May 31, the road will be fully open to two-way traffic.

The summer schedule will start Tuesday, June 1. ID-55 will be reduced to one-lane alternating traffic Monday through early Friday and then will be fully open to two-way traffic through Sunday. This schedule will be in place through early September.

Visit itdprojects.org/ID55smithsferry for more information or to sign up for email and text alerts, or call (833) 913-ID55 to speak to a project representative

Overnight closure on I-84 between Eagle Road and I-184 Monday for utility work

Interstate 84 will be closed between Eagle Road and I-184 (The Connector) for three hours overnight Monday, May 10^th to allow Idaho Power crews to work over the roadway.

Idaho Power will be stringing new power lines adjacent to Cloverdale Road. To safely work over I-84, the utility company will install a net over the highway. The installation will require daytime work on the shoulder. Then, from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. on May 10^th, I-84 will be closed as crews erect the netting.

During the closure, I-84 traffic will be diverted to local roads. Eastbound traffic will exit at Eagle Road (Exit 46), travel along Overland Road, and re-enter the Interstate at Cole/Overland (Exit 50). Westbound I-84 and I-184 traffic will be detoured at Cole/Overland and Franklin Road (Exit 1) respectively. They will travel on Franklin Road and re-enter the Interstate at Eagle Road.

The Ada County Highway District will be actively managing signal timing on Overland and Franklin Roads during the closure to maximize the efficiency of those routes. ITD recommends the traveling public plan trips around the closure time or anticipate significant delays through the closure area.

Idaho Power estimates placing the new lines will take 8-10 days. A second closure of the Interstate will be required when that work is complete to remove the netting.

For questions about Idaho Power’s project, contact Sven Berg, Idaho Power Corporate Communications Specialist, at sberg@idahopower.com or (208) 388-2905.

Northside Boulevard Interchange at Interstate 84 will fully open on Sunday morning (May 9)

The Northside Boulevard interchange will be fully opened to motorists on Sunday morning, May 9 at 6 a.m. ITD began construction on the interchange in July 2019 and will reopen on schedule.

The Northside Boulevard Interchange has been replaced with a Single-Point Urban Interchange or SPUI design to accommodate more traffic and reduce delays.

The new SPUI interchange includes:

A central traffic signal underneath I-84 that will direct all turning movements from a single point.
New sidewalks and bicycle lanes added to both sides of Northside Boulevard.
Flattened on- and off-ramps to improve visibility for vehicles accessing I-84.
New ADA curb ramps at the intersection of 6th Street and Northside Boulevard.

ITD will open the new lanes of I-84 between Karcher Interchange and Franklin Boulevard on Tuesday morning, May 11. Motorists will have three lanes in each direction and a new auxiliary lane between the ramps.

“ITD would like to thank the community for their patience during the construction of this important project,” said Mark Campbell, ITD Project Manager. “Heads up, there are still final cleanup activities in the area over the next few weeks as construction crews finish the project. We ask motorists to continue to slow down and pay attention in the work zone.”

To request text message updates about other major traffic impacts on I-84 in Canyon County, text 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-ITD-84CC. For details about the I-84 expansion in Canyon County, visit itdprojects.org/84corridor or listen to the monthly Drive Idaho podcast.

Reconstruction of Middleton Road Bridge over Interstate 84 complete, open to traffic

The Middleton overpass is nearly complete

The Idaho Transportation Department has completed the reconstruction of the Middleton Road Bridge over Interstate 84 ahead of schedule and will open it to the public tonight. ITD will cover the opening at 8 p.m. live on Facebook.

The reconstruction was necessary to make room for additional travel lanes for I-84. ITD has begun the first phase of constructing a third travel lane in each direction. The new Middleton Road Bridge is long enough that a future fourth lane can be constructed without conflict.

The bridge was rebuilt ahead of schedule by contractor Concrete Placing Company. The cost of construction was $5.5 million.

The new bridge features a travel lane in each direction, wider shoulders, and a sidewalk on the north side. The design allows for future expansion of Middleton Road without the need to rebuild the entire structure. The project also constructed a signal at the intersection of Middleton Road and Cherry Lane, north of I-84.

“This project went really well and this new bridge is a great investment for transportation in the area,” said ITD Project Manager Michael Lucas. “We had a lot of coordination with some local road projects and the work on the Interstate. The crews worked through Covid-19 complications, adverse weather, and a lot of night work to get the job done. I appreciate the public’s patience during construction.”

The Department will quickly move to the second bridge over I-84 restricting the widening, Ustick Road. That bridge lies a little over a mile to the west of the Middleton Road Bridge. The Ustick Road bridge reconstruction project requires two separate bridge structures to be rebuilt, one over I-84 and the other crossing the Notus Canal. ITD will release a timeline for that project at a later date. Current information on the Ustick Road Overpass project can be found online at ITDprojects.org/UstickRoadOverpass/.

I-84 Safety Service Patrol continues through the I-84 work zone to Caldwell

New signage on a patrol truck for the I-84 work zone

The Idaho Transportation Department launched the next phase of a safety patrol and courtesy towing service on Interstate 84 this week. The service, which was introduced in 2019 in Nampa, will now include the I-84 construction zones in Caldwell.

The Safety Services Patrol provides complimentary towing for disabled vehicles in the I-84 construction zone. The service has assisted 274 vehicles since it began.

“I-84 is the main commuting and freight route for thousands of drivers in Canyon County,” said Mark Campbell, ITD project manager. “Our goal in funding this service is to keep these drivers moving as safely and efficiently as possible as construction moves west toward Caldwell.”

Patrol vehicles will operate Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. between 10th Ave/City Center (exit 29) and Karcher/Midland Road (exit 33). Vehicles will be marked with new signage to increase visibility.

Disabled cars, trucks or motorcycles are towed to one of four locations located on the map. Motorists are responsible to arrange transportation for their vehicle within 24 hours.

“We are committed to continuing the close working relationship between this program, our state communications office and Idaho State Police in the next phase of the program,” said Campbell. “These offices, working together, are able to clear crashes quickly and safely.”

Crews recently began constructing temporary travel lanes in the outside shoulders of I-84 between Caldwell and Nampa. For more information about I-84 construction in Canyon County, listen to the Drive Idaho podcast or visit itdprojects.org/84corridor.

Eastbound lanes to close tonight on Chinden at the Linder intersection

Graphic of the closure of Chinden at Linder

As part of ongoing construction to widen Chinden in the Treasure Valley, several eastbound lanes on Chinden will close tonight at the Linder intersection and stay closed until construction on this segment ends later this summer.

Flaggers will reduce eastbound Chinden to one dedicated left turn lane and one through/right turn lane so crews can place traffic signal poles. Westbound traffic will not be affected, but eastbound motorists should expect significant delays at peak travel time and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

Download a graphic of the closure.

This configuration will remain in place until later this summer when work on this segment is anticipated to end. At that time, Chinden will open to four lanes, two in each direction, with a center median between Linder and Meridian Road.

To learn more about other widening plans in the corridor and sign up for updates, visit itdprojects.org/chindenwest.