Category: Southwest

Ada County Highway District and Boise County Road and Bridge snowplow drivers heading into their first winter got to prepare for dealing with snow the season, thanks to ITD’s snowplow simulator.

When ACHD reached out to ask if their crews could train on the simulator, District 3 didn’t hesitate. A handful of employees loaded up the simulator and spent two days walking new plow operators and staff through what it’s really like out there during a storm.

The simulator creates less than ideal driving scenarios, allowing drivers to practice in advance, including navigating heavy traffic, dealing with cars not giving way, and facing white-out conditions. For rookies preparing for their first winter shift, that experience goes a long way toward confidence and safety.

But the day wasn’t all screens and simulations. ACHD’s new operators also got the chance to pick the brain of a few experienced ITD snowplow operators, the kind who have seen a few winters and lived to tell the tale.

District 3 Trainer Jared Gibson said the partnership made sense on multiple levels.

“We already coordinate closely with ACHD every day. This was another chance to connect. Our roads are an ecosystem and keeping them safe is a shared responsibility. We’re all better when we work together,” he said.

ITD crews left feeling proud, not only for helping fellow operators gain valuable skills, but for strengthening the relationship with a key partner who keeps Ada County moving.

A junior snowplow driver gains experience on ITDs snowplow simulator.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close eastbound Interstate 84 before Exit 57 (State Highway 21/Gowen Road) nightly from 7:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday through early Wednesday to complete ongoing bridge repairs.

After Wednesday repairs are expected to be complete for the season. Crews will continue to monitor pavement and joint performance throughout the winter.

Crews will pave bridge shoulders and finish joint repairs that began in August. This work will smooth out bumps and improve the transition at the beginning and edge of the bridge.

During the work, all eastbound traffic must exit at Exit 57 and reenter I-84 using the eastbound on-ramp at the same location. Minor delays are expected.

Drivers should plan ahead, follow signs through the work zone, and watch for crews and equipment operating near traffic.

For real-time traffic updates and travel information, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

UPDATE: Some users are reporting issues submitting their responses and being unable to proceed past the second page. We recommend that respondents hit the next button at the bottom more than once. If that doesn’t work, we encourage users to sign up to receive a different format of the survey, which will be available the week of Nov. 3. We are working to resolve any technical issues in the meantime.

The Idaho Transportation Department is updating the Idaho Statewide Rail Plan and is asking for public input to help guide the future of rail infrastructure across the state. 

The plan evaluates the current condition and performance of Idaho’s rail network, identifies system-wide challenges and opportunities, and outlines strategies to strengthen rail infrastructure. The plan will also explore key topics such as rail safety, grade crossings, and access for rail-served industries that help drive Idaho’s economy. 

Unlike other statewide transportation plans, this plan does not allocate funding for specific projects. Instead, it provides a strategic foundation that supports future grant applications and coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration and other partners. 

“We want to hear from Idaho communities about how rail infrastructure is working today and what improvements would make the biggest difference in the future,” Freight Program Manager Caleb Forrey said. “Your feedback will help us better understand statewide priorities and shape a plan that reflects Idaho’s needs.” 

Railways in Idaho are operated by the private sector, with ITD having shared responsibility for safety at highway-rail crossings. As is the case with public transportation in Idaho, there are no dedicated state funding sources for freight or passenger rail beyond match funds for federally-funded improvements to rail crossings.

The online survey is open through November 12 and takes about five minutes to complete. Feedback collected will be summarized in the final plan, which is expected to be released in spring 2026, and used to guide discussions with communities, railroads, and state and federal partners. 

A summary of the rail plan is available at itd.idaho.gov/planning. 

As winter approaches, the Idaho Transportation Department and the Idaho State Police are teaming up to offer free winter driving classes in the Treasure Valley.

Three sessions are currently scheduled for Oct. 29, Nov. 12, and Nov. 26, beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. Classes will take place in person at ITD’s District Office in Boise at 8150 W Chinden Boulevard.
Last year, ITD and ISP helped more than 170 Treasure Valley residents prepare for winter driving through similar classes. These sessions focus on tips, preparation, and safe driving techniques but do not include hands-on or behind-the-wheel training.

The classes are designed to help drivers prepare for Idaho’s winter conditions covering topics like vehicle readiness, proper equipment, defensive driving techniques, and how to safely share the road with snowplows. Instructors include state troopers and ITD employees who bring firsthand experience from years of working on Idaho’s roads during severe weather.

The courses are open to all drivers but are especially useful for:

• New drivers (ages 14–17) including those who are currently enrolled in a driver’s education course
• Young drivers with limited winter experience
• New residents facing their first winter on Idaho roadways

Each participant must register online in advance.

• For details and registration links for classes throughout Idaho go to ITD’s Travel page.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to learn about construction plans for a new State Highway 52, Snake River Bridge in Payette during in-person and online public meetings.

The in-person meeting will be held in an open house format with no formal presentation. Representatives from both ITD and the Oregon Department of Transportation will be available to answer questions, share construction plans and gather feedback about upcoming bridge and roadway improvements.

In-person meeting details:

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 22,

Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Payette City Hall Chambers, 700 Center Ave.

Starting in 2027, ITD and ODOT plan to build a new structure over the Snake River. The project will take about two years to complete. The existing 72-year-old bridge has reached the end of its design life and will be replaced with a bridge that meets current highway standards.

During an initial public meeting in 2023, ITD heard concerns that a full bridge closure would negatively impact livelihoods, safety, and mobility. In response, the project team revised the plan to keep the bridge open during construction.

Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to participate online between Oct. 22 and Nov. 5 at sh52snakeriverbridge.com.

Interstate 84 will be closed under the Karcher Interchange Wednesday and Thursday so crews can paint stripes on the interstate.

• Eastbound will be closed Wednesday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Westbound will be closed Thursday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Motorists traveling eastbound will exit I-84 using the Karcher Interchange eastbound off-ramp (Exit 33) and reenter using the on ramp.

Motorists traveling westbound will:

1. Exit I-84 at the Northside Interchange (Exit 35).
2. Travel north on Northside Boulevard.
3. Turn left onto Karcher Road.
4. Use the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp to merge back onto westbound I-84.

Click here to view the detour maps.

The I-84, Karcher Interchange project has been underway since 2024 to enhance safety and improve mobility at the interchange and along Karcher Road in Nampa. Crews are expected to place final touches in late spring of 2026.

Stay informed by signing up for tests or emails by texting 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or visiting 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 will close Interstate 84 eastbound at Exit 57 (State Highway 21/Gowen Road) nightly beginning tonight through Thursday night to accommodate bridge repairs.

These closures are needed to facilitate safe environment while crew pave the bridge shoulders and finish bridge joint repairs that began in August.

The nightly closure will begin at 7:30 p.m. and end by 5 a.m. each morning. During the closure, all traffic must exit at Exit 57 and reenter I-84 eastbound using the on-ramp at the same location.

Drivers should plan for delays, follow posted detours and watch for crews and equipment in the work zone.

Travelers are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 mobile app for the latest road conditions, detour routes and traffic impacts.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close State Highway 21 north of Grandjean tomorrow as additional rain enters the area to address ongoing safety hazards caused by recent landslides.

Though a closure was initially scheduled for Oct. 7, anticipated increased rainfall will continue to destabilize the area, triggering additional mudslides that threaten motorists and ITD crews. To protect the public and allow for emergency repairs, the highway will close with the storm’s arrival tomorrow. Crews expect to reopen the road by Wednesday. The area is experiencing increased slope instability due to burn scars left by the Wapiti Fire.

During the closure, crews will complete the previously scheduled emergency repairs caused by the August 2025 landslide, which plugged an existing culvert and diverted Canyon Creek to the east side of the highway. The creek is now flowing along the shoulder and eroding the road. Installing a new six-foot culvert across both lanes will restore the creek to its natural channel and protect the roadway from further erosion.

For updates on traffic conditions and closures visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 mobile app.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close sections of westbound Interstate 84 overnight Wednesday and Thursday for crews to install permanent overhead signs. Closures will occur from midnight to 5 a.m. each night.

What to expect:

• All westbound lanes of I-84 between the Franklin Road and 10th Avenue interchanges will be closed Wednesday night.
• Motorists will detour using the Franklin Road westbound off-ramp (Exit 29), Blaine Street, and the 10th Avenue westbound on-ramp. View a detour map.
• All westbound lanes of I-84 between the 10th Avenue and Centennial Way interchanges will be closed Thursday night.
• Motorists will detour using the 10th Avenue westbound off-ramp (Exit 28), Illinois Avenue, and the Centennial Way westbound on-ramp. View a detour map.

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.

This project is part of the I-84 corridor improvement project, which 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.