CASCADE – The Idaho Transportation Department will install a new Dynamic Message Sign tomorrow in Round Valley to enhance safety and improve communication for drivers traveling along State Highway 55 between Boise and McCall.
The new sign will be located on the southbound side of SH-55 at milepost 102, just before drivers descend toward Rainbow Bridge and enter the narrow canyon stretch of highway.
The sign will display real-time alerts about wildfires, traffic delays, and other emergencies that may impact travel through the corridor. SH-55 is one of Idaho’s most heavily traveled mountainous highways, especially during summer and holiday weekends. Limited cell service in the area makes timely roadside messaging essential.
“Reliable communication in this area is critical, especially during wildfire season or major traffic incidents,” said ITD Project Manager Javier Hernandez. “This new DMS will allow us to give travelers accurate, up-to-date information when they need it most.”
Installation is scheduled to begin tomorrow and will take several days to complete. A single-lane closure will be in place during work, with flaggers directing traffic. Minimal delays are expected.
As part of the project, crews will also install a 50-foot camera pole aimed at the new DMS. This camera will allow ITD to remotely monitor, test, and verify the sign’s performance, helping ensure it’s working properly without needing to send maintenance crews to the site.
Before heading out, motorists are encouraged to visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app for the latest travel conditions.
STAR – The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction next week for a new interchange at State Highway 16 and State Highway 44 in Star. The interchange will replace the existing intersection.
Initial activities will include setting up temporary traffic control and shifting traffic north to SH-44.
Motorists can expect:
- At least one lane of travel will remain open in each direction of SH-16 and SH-44 during most of the construction.
- Some work will require flagging, delays and occasional detours on SH-16 and SH-44.
- Most work will occur during the day, but some work will be necessary at night.
- Speed limits on SH-16 and SH-44 will be reduced.
The SH-16 and SH-44 Interchange is part of the long-term vision for SH-16. When complete, SH-16 will be a limited-access freeway between Interstate 84 and SH-44. Motorists will use interchanges to enter or exit the highway at I-84, Franklin Road, Ustick Road, US-20/26 and SH-44.
To request email or text alerts, text HIGHWAY16 to 1-866-483-8422. For maps and details about the project, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor.
Interchange construction is expected to be completed in 2027.
McCALL – The Idaho Transportation Department and the City of McCall invite the public to provide input on potential improvements to State Highway 55 and Deinhard Lane to Boydstun Street.
SH-55 is part of the primary north-south corridor connecting Boise and central Idaho. Through downtown McCall, SH-55 functions as the city’s “Main Street.” Growth and increasing traffic through downtown have placed pressure on the route’s function as an efficient state highway.
This project focuses on determining the proper use of each roadway and designing improvements accordingly. One potential solution includes exchanging the ownership and classification of SH-55 and with Deinhard Lane to Boydstun Street, reducing traffic in downtown McCall.
The public meeting will be available both in person and online:
- In-person: Wednesday, August 6, drop in anytime between 4 to 7 p.m. at the McCall Public Library, Community Hall, 218 Park Street
- Online: A self-guided website will be available August 6–20 at sh55deinhard-boydstun.com
Community members are encouraged to review concept designs, ask questions, and provide feedback.
“Public input is key to ensuring proposed improvements meet the needs of McCall residents, businesses, and visitors,” Project Manager Wendy Howell said. “We encourage everyone to participate, either in person or online.”
The same meeting material and survey will be presented in person and online. While comments are welcome throughout the project, they are most useful if received by Wednesday, August 20.
Stay updated on the project and submit comments at sh55deinhard-boydstun.com.
CALDWELL – The intersection of State Highway 55 (Karcher Road) and 10th Avenue in Caldwell will be fully closed from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.
Crews will be installing a new waterline for Falcon Ridge Elementary School, which is opening this year. The work requires digging an 18-foot-deep trench across the intersection. Crews will remain onsite throughout the weekend.
Drivers are encouraged to detour around the closure using Interstate 84, State Highway 19, and State Highway 95. Signs will be posted indicating the detour route, additionally drivers can find the detour route at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55farmway. Drivers should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling, plan ahead, and allow extra time.
This work is part of the larger SH-55: Farmway Road to Middleton Road improvement project, scheduled for completion in fall 2027. Project improvements include:
- Widening SH-55 to four lanes with dedicated turn lanes
- Installing a raised median from 10th Avenue to Middleton Road
- Constructing detached pedestrian and bicycle pathways on both sides of the highway
- Building a pedestrian undercrossing near Vallivue Middle School
- Upgrading signal equipment at major intersections
The project is designed to improve safety and mobility along the SH-55 corridor in Canyon County. To learn more, sign up for updates, or contact the project team:
Visit: itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55farmway
Call: (208) 477-1379
Email: info@55farmwaytomiddleton.org
To receive text alerts: Text 55FARMWAY to 866-483-8422
Drivers on Interstate 84 in Caldwell will see a major change Friday and Saturday nights as westbound traffic shifts back to the westbound side of the interstate between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges.
To complete the traffic shift, I-84 will have several overnight ramp closures between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges from Thursday through Saturday between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. These closures will allow crews to safely establish the new traffic pattern, which is expected to remain in place through summer 2026.
This milestone marks a key phase in the Idaho Transportation Department’s I-84 widening project. For the past year, westbound traffic has been temporarily using the eastbound side of the interstate to allow crews to rebuild the westbound lanes and add a third travel lane along with an auxiliary lane.
Now that work on the westbound lanes is completed, westbound traffic will return to the westbound side. Drivers will travel on the outer lanes while crews begin work in the center median. Two lanes will remain open in each direction during construction.
The I-84 widening project in Caldwell began in November 2023 and includes:
- Widening I-84 to three lanes in each direction with auxiliary lanes
- Replacing the 10th Avenue Interchange
- Removing one westbound on-ramp at the 10th Avenue Interchange
- Updating the pedestrian overpass
- Constructing a soundwall along Hannibal Street
- Adding a traffic signal at the westbound ramps at the Centennial Way Interchange
The speed limit in the work zone is 55 mph. Drivers are asked to slow down, pay attention and follow all posted signs. Crews and heavy equipment will be working close to traffic.
Construction remains on schedule and is expected to be completed in 2027.
For real-time traffic updates and statewide road conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.
Drivers on State Highway 55 can expect short traffic delays north of Horseshoe Bend Aug. 5–7 as crews drill to collect roadway samples in preparation for a future pavement rehabilitation project.
Crews will be working at multiple locations within a one-mile stretch of the highway north of town. Each sample will take approximately one hour to collect, with single lane closures in place during that time. Flaggers will direct traffic through the work zones.
The road will remain open throughout the operation, but drivers should plan for brief delays and reduced speeds. The Idaho Transportation Department asks motorists to slow down in the work zone for the safety of travelers and work crews.
For current traffic conditions and updates, visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.
ELMORE COUNTY – Drivers should plan for delays starting Monday as the Idaho Transportation Department begins sealcoating operations on State Highway 167, from Grand View to Mountain Home Air Force Base, and State Highway 67, from the base to SH-51.
Crews will reduce each highway to one lane with flaggers and pilot cars directing traffic. Speed limits will be reduced through active work zones. Work will take place Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and is expected to be completed in early September.
Sealcoating is a summer maintenance process that helps preserve the roadway and extend pavement life. It also improves vehicle traction by creating a skid-resistant surface. The treatment requires hot, dry weather to ensure that oil and rock chips properly bond.
Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time, and use caution near crews and equipment.
Stay informed by signing up for email updates at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/pI5SwgY. For real-time traffic impacts and detour information, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.
MERIDIAN – Motorists can expect nighttime lane reductions on State Highway 69 from Kuna to Interstate 84 this summer while the Idaho Transportation Department applies a hot chip seal to the roadway. The project will extend the life of the pavement.
Construction will begin near Kuna tonight and move north toward I-84. All pavement work is expected to be complete by late summer.
Motorists can expect:
- All work to take place overnight.
- At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times on SH-69.
- Shifting traffic patterns and flaggers in the roadway.
- Reduced speed limits to 35 mph.
- Intermittent ramp closures and detours at the Meridian Interchange. Roadside message boards will provide drivers with advance notice.
- Access to residences and businesses will remain open.
ITD is committed to minimizing disruption during construction while prioritizing the safety of both crews and motorists. Chip seal oil is extremely hot. Drivers are urged to use extra caution when traveling through active work zones, keep their distance from paving equipment and follow instructions from signs and flaggers.
Visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55-69maintenance to learn more, sign up for email updates or contact the project team.
For real-time traffic impacts drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system to plan ahead for travel.
Cascade –The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to comment on plans to replace the Rainbow Bridge over the North Fork Payette River on State Highway 55.
Community members can participate in an in-person open house from 4 to 7 p.m. tomorrow, at American Legion Post 60 (105 Mill Street) in Cascade. Those unable to attend in person may review materials and provide input online at
sh55rainbowbridge.com between July 22 and Aug. 5.
The open house will feature:
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Updates on the project timeline
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Design options for the new bridge and retaining walls
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Information about the condition and history of the existing 1933 bridge
The existing Rainbow Bridge was constructed in 1933 and no longer meets standards for state highway bridges. The new bridge will be located slightly northwest and upstream of the current location. It will include wider lanes and shoulders, and improved sight distance for traffic crossing the bridge. Construction of a new bridge is currently scheduled to begin in 2028.
Initial feedback was gathered during a July 2024 open house. More information is available at
sh55rainbowbridge.com. Questions can be directed to the project team at info@55eagletonewmeadows.org or (208) 391-6580.
NAMPA –The westbound on-ramp to I-84 at Garrity Boulevard will be closed Monday night beginning at 8 p.m. as crews complete paving work.
The ramp is expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Tuesday morning.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes and plan ahead to avoid delays. Nearby interchanges at Northside Boulevard and Meridian Road can be used to access westbound I-84.
For the latest traffic updates, visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.
