Road striping begins on SH-55

Vehicles involved in a mobile painting operation

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin striping State Highway 55 today. As crews work their way north, drivers are urged to be patient and avoid passing during active painting operations.

The striping, which will cover the stretch from Horseshoe Bend to New Meadows, is expected to take up to four days to complete. During this time, a convoy of vehicles consisting of pace cars, a paint truck, and a crash cushion trailer will work together to ensure the safety of both the crew and the public. This line of vehicles will be moving slowly as they paint the roadway markings to ensure they last.

All of Idaho’s highways are painted at least once each year, with some areas receiving a second coat. This year, ITD will stripe more than 3,000 lane miles across Southwest Idaho. Drivers should exercise caution when following striping trucks, as driving over wet paint can strip away the reflective beads, reducing the visibility of road markings at night.

Snake River Rest Area vandalized three times in last month

Broken door due to vandalism at Snake River Rest Area.

The Snake River Rest Area, located on eastbound Interstate 84, just two miles from Ontario, serves as a vital first stop for many travelers entering Idaho. Unfortunately, the rest area has been the target of repeated vandalism, with three separate incidents occurring in September alone.

The recent acts of vandalism include a shattered window, a broken glass door, and the destruction of a child changing area. This rest stop not only provides essential public restroom facilities but also welcomes visitors to Idaho with its visitor center.

“These facilities are here to serve travelers, but each act of vandalism makes it harder to maintain the level of service we strive to provide. If you see someone acting suspiciously or damaging property, please speak up,” Facilities Operations Manager John Hall said.

The Idaho Transportation Department urges anyone who witnesses vandalism to contact the Payette County Sheriff’s Office.

Broken window due to vandalism happening at the Snake River Rest Area.

SH-21 reopens following Wapiti Fire

The Idaho Transportation Department will reopen State Highway 21 between Lowman and Stanley at 8 a.m. on Friday. Traffic will be managed with a pilot car or flagging operation to safely guide vehicles through areas where crews are working on repairs.

ITD crews continue to work alongside emergency contractors to address the significant damage caused by the Wapiti Fire. This work includes clearing ditches, hauling materials to rebuild eroded hillsides, removing hundreds of hazardous trees, and replacing damaged guardrails. Once completed, steel guardrails that meet new modern standards will replace the burnt wooden rails.

Drivers are advised to avoid unnecessary trips and reminded not to stop along the highway, especially in the burn areas. Those traveling through the affected area should expect:

Traffic guided by a pilot car or flaggers during active work.
A temporary reduced speed limit of 45 mph.
Significant delays when crews are working on the highway.
Repair work continuing until weather conditions make further progress impossible.

The recent rain in the area has helped suppress the fire but has also caused slides and boulders to fall onto the highway. Due to the evolving conditions created by the wildfire, ITD advises drivers to always check 511.idaho.gov before heading out.

Overnight I-84 closures will begin Sunday between Meridian and Nampa

I-84 closure will begin Sunday between Meridian and Nampa.

The Idaho Transportation Department advises motorists to plan for nighttime lane closures on Interstate 84 beginning on Sunday between Meridian and Nampa.

Crews are painting permanent striping and installing overhead signs at the future interchange of State Highway 16 and I-84. One direction of I-84 will be closed each night during this work.

Sunday, Sept. 8:

Eastbound I-84 will be closed between the Garrity Boulevard (Exit 38) and Ten Mile Road (Exit 42) Interchanges from 9 p.m. Sunday night to 5 a.m. on Monday. Traffic will be detoured down Franklin Road. Click here for the detour map.

Tuesday, Sept. 10:

Westbound I-84 will be closed between the Ten Mile Road (Exit 42) and Garrity Boulevard (Exit 38) Interchanges from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Traffic will be detoured down Franklin Road. Click here for the detour map.

Additional nighttime lane restrictions on I-84 will continue through September, but at least two lanes will remain open in each direction. The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph at night.

To request updates about the State Highway 16 project, text HIGHWAY16 to 1-866-483-8422. For more information, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor.

SH-21 Wapiti Fire information and updates

A burned sign along SH-21 from the Wapiti Fire.

Update Sept. 12, 2024 – State Highway 21 remains closed as the Wapiti Fire continues to burn between Lowman and Stanley. Despite ongoing fire activity, the Idaho Transportation Department has completed a damage assessment of the area.

Emergency contracts have been established, and repair efforts are actively underway. Crews are currently removing hazard trees along the highway, and assessments indicate that approximately 49 road signs and several miles of guardrail will need to be replaced in Boise County. The guardrail is crucial, given the steep slopes along this mountainous highway.

“We are taking a proactive approach to this situation, and as long as it is safe to do so, we will continue our work in the area. Completing the damage assessment was a critical first step, allowing us to secure the necessary resources and determine what needs to be done to safely reopen the highway when the time comes,” Field Operations Manager Eric Copeland said.

Throughout the duration of this fire, ITD crews will continue to conduct twice-daily patrols using loaders to clear burnt trees, rocks, and debris from the highway, ensuring that fire crews and emergency responders can safely access the affected areas.

To date, the Wapiti Fire has burned more than 120,000 acres and is currently 12% contained. As multiple fires continue to impact Southwest Idaho, ITD encourages travelers to check road conditions at 511.idaho.gov before planning their journeys.

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Update Sept. 6, 2024 – Both directions of State Highway 21 remain closed from Sourdough Lodge to Stanley (MP 84 to 130). At the time of this update, the fire has burned more than 100,000 acres and is 12% contained. Traffic to/from the Stanley area can use State Highway 75 as an alternate route. There is no estimate on when SH-21 will reopen.

There are several active wildfires burning throughout Idaho . Wildfires don’t just affect landscapes—they force wildlife to migrate, moving away from flames and into new areas. This means more animals are crossing roads and entering populated areas, creating unexpected encounters with drivers. As the animals travel in search of food and habitat, they are at risk of additional threats like vehicle strikes. Keep yourself safe by slowing down, staying alert and watching for wildlife on the roads.

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The Idaho Transportation Department encourages all drivers to check 511.idaho.gov for current conditions on your route.

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Update Aug. 27, 2024 – Lower Stanley is being evacuated due to the movement of the Wapiti Fire. State Highway 75 will be closed at Museum (MP 190), Gateway (MP 192) and Casino Creek (195). Both directions of SH-75 are closed due to the fire risk. State Highway 21 from Stanley to Sour Dough Lodge is still closed in both directions.

We will continue to monitor fire movement and issue road closures as needed. Drivers in the area should keep an eye out for signage about the fire and avoid areas that are blocked off. The road closures include pedestrian, bicycling and other modes of transportation.

Go to 511.idaho.gov for up to date information on road closures and more. You can also follow Wapiti Fire Info 2024 for more fire information.

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Update Aug. 23, 2024 – The State Highway 21 closure has been expanded from Sourdough Lodge to Stanley (MP 84 to 130) due to wildfire activity from the Wapiti Fire. Only local traffic is permitted between the Sourdough and Warm Springs Airstrip. There is no public access from the highway to surrounding areas including Grandjean, Bull Trout, Cape Horn, Boundary Creek, or Seafoam.

Traffic to/from the Stanley area can use State Highway 75 as an alternate route. Access to local businesses in Lowman and Stanley remains open at this time. Please check with the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests for area closure information. Please check with the Boise and Custer County Sheriffs’ Offices for local road closures and evacuation orders.

There is no estimate on when SH-21 will reopen. Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

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Update Aug. 22, 2024 – State Highway 21 remains closed from Warm Springs Creek to Stanley (MP 92 to 130) due to wildfire activity from the Wapiti Fire. There is currently no public access to the Grandjean area, as the fire’s currently burning on both sides of the highway. Motorists planning to travel between Boise and Stanley must take an alternate route through Ketchum on State Highway 75. There is no estimate for when the road will reopen as fire activity remains unpredictable at this time.

If you are traveling on SH-21, please stay alert for increased fire traffic. It’s crucial not to slow crews down as they work to manage the fire. Avoid traveling to closure points to wait. For your safety, check 511.idaho.gov before you go!

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

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Aug. 20, 2024 – The Wapiti Fire burning in the Boise National Forest has forced the closure of State Highway 21 near Grandjean. Motorists planning to travel between Boise and Stanley will need to take an alternate route through Ketchum on State Highway 75. There is no estimate for when the road will reopen.

The Wapiti Fire is 10% contained and has burned more than 9,000 acres. The Idaho Transportation Department encourages all drivers to check 511.idaho.gov for current conditions on your route.

Here are some additional safety tips for traveling in areas with wildfires:

Power outages are common near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic signals as four-way stops.
Bring additional food and water in case your trip is delayed.
Driving in smoke is similar to driving in heavy fog. Slow down, maintain a steady pace, and stay alert.
Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.
The safest place to wait for a highway to reopen is at home. Avoid traveling to closure points to wait, as closures could last for days.

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

ITD to host two open houses next week for SH-44, I-84 to Star Road Project

ITD is hosting two open houses to present alternative concepts as part of the State Highway 44, Interstate 84 to Star Road Project. The alternatives include designs along SH-44 in both downtown Middleton and at the Star Road Intersection.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is hosting two open houses to present alternative concepts as part of the State Highway 44, Interstate 84 to Star Road Project. The alternatives include designs along SH-44 in both downtown Middleton and at the Star Road Intersection.

Details for the open houses are below:

Tuesday, Sept.10, at Middleton Middle School at 511 W Main Street in Middleton. 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime)
Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Star Fire Protection District at 11665 W State Street, Ste. B in Star. 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime)

The same information will be available at both in-person open houses and online from Sept. 10-25 at: https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh44pel. The project team held four previous open houses in January and April.

“Public feedback and stakeholder input have proven crucial to identifying suitable alternatives so far. Incorporating this feedback with traffic data has narrowed the number of alternatives carried forward. We look forward to sharing these designs and engaging with the public as the project moves to the next step,” ITD Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said.

In this study phase, ITD is implementing the Federal Highway Administration’s Planning and Environmental Linkage process to identify and screen transportation improvements. Once improvements have been chosen, the project will transition into the National Environmental Policy Act phase.

For details, assistance, or more information, you can reach the project team at info@idaho44corridor.com. Further project information can be found on the ITD project page.

Preparations begin to replace Fleming Creek Bridge on State Highway 55 south of Banks

State Highway 55 south of Banks at Fleming Creek Bridge

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin preparations next week to replace the Fleming Creek Bridge on State Highway 55 near Banks. Work is expected to begin Wednesday, Sept. 4 and is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2025.

Fleming Creek runs under SH-55 toward the Payette River approximately 3.7 miles south of Banks. The current bridge is a culvert and has reached the end of its design life.

During construction, motorists can expect a reduced speed limit, 11-foot width restrictions and no shoulders on SH-55 throughout the work zone. Most work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be intermittent night work and lane closures from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Flaggers and a temporary traffic signal will direct motorists during lane closures.

“We are completing the majority of work from Fall 2024 to Spring 2025,” said ITD project manager Greer Gardner. “Our hope is that doing this project during the ‘off-season’ will help alleviate traffic congestion and delays along State Highway 55.”

For more information on this project, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55-fleming-creek.

ITD presents pilot sign project and other safety enhancements for SH-55 Eagle Road

The Idaho Transportation Department invites you to learn about a pilot sign project on seven miles of SH-55 Eagle Road, from I-84 to SH-44.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites the public to learn about a pilot sign project on seven miles of State Highway 55/Eagle Road, from Interstate 84 to State Highway 44.

For more information and to submit feedback, visit the project website at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/eagle-road-safety-corridor.

ITD will hold two public open houses for the Eagle Road Safety Awareness Pilot Project. These meetings are designed to engage the community and gather feedback on proposed safety enhancements along Eagle Road, Idaho’s busiest non-interstate highway.

Meeting details:

Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 5 – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime) Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, 700 NE 2nd Street, Meridian, ID 83642
Thursday, Aug. 29 | 5 – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime) Hilton Garden Inn, 145 E Riverside Drive, Eagle, ID 83616

With more than 60,000 vehicles a day, the two-year pilot project includes adding new warning signage and speed feedback signs this fall to aid drivers, possibly installing congestion variable speed zone signs next year, and the removal of these four mid-block left-turns to help reduce crashes on SH-55:
• Southbound left-in at Meadowdale Street
• Northbound left-in Baldcypress Street
• Southbound U-turn near Ustick Road
• Northbound left-in at Lanark Street

Construction begins next week on 18th Street Bridge over I-84 in Mountain Home

ITD will begin performing maintenance work on the 18th Street Bridge over I-84 on Aug. 27

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin maintenance work next week on the 18th Street Bridge over Interstate 84 in Mountain Home. Crews plan to start repairs Thursday night, with the project expected to be completed this fall.

Motorists and area residents can expect:

18th Street over I-84 will close nightly between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Traffic will be detoured to NE Reservoir Road, U.S. Highway 20/26 and 8th Street.
Work may be noisy.

Improvements on this bridge include:

Repairing roadway cracks to enhance safety and durability.
Applying an epoxy overlay to protect the driving surface from water damage.
Completing joint work to allow the bridge to flex and accommodate changes in weather and heavy loads.
Adding bearing pads to reduce vibration and evenly distribute the weight of traffic across the structure.

The safety of crews and motorists is important to ITD. Please use caution when driving through the work zone. To plan your route in advance, visit 511.idaho.gov.

To learn more about the project or sign up for construction updates, visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/84bridges, or text 84BRIDGES to 1-866-483-8422.

SH-21 near Grandjean remains closed due to fire activity

The Wapiti Fire burning in the Boise National Forest.

There is no estimate on when SH-21 will reopen. Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

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

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The Wapiti Fire is 10% contained and has burned more than 9,000 acres. The Idaho Transportation Department encourages all drivers to check 511.idaho.gov for current conditions on your route.

Here are some additional safety tips for traveling in areas with wildfires:

Power outages are common near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic signals as four-way stops.
Bring additional food and water in case your trip is delayed.
Driving in smoke is similar to driving in heavy fog. Slow down, maintain a steady pace, and stay alert.
Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.
The safest place to wait for a highway to reopen is at home. Avoid traveling to closure points to wait, as closures could last for days.

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