The Idaho Transportation Department will begin the first of two ramp closures on Monday along Interstate 84. These closures are necessary in order to safely pave the ramps.
To minimize traffic impacts, ITD will conduct nighttime paving on both ramps. Each closure will begin at 8 p.m. and will reopen to traffic the following day by 5:30 a.m. Traffic control will be in place prior to any closures. The scheduled ramp closures, which are weather dependent, are as follows:
July 15: I-84 Eagle Road eastbound off-ramp
July 16: I-84 Eagle Road westbound off-ramp
July 17: I-84 Eagle Road westbound off-ramp
“While a standard pothole patch might last a few months to a year, the repairs we achieve with these overnight closures will last multiple years. This not only minimizes the need for constant maintenance but also significantly reduces the disruption for drivers,” Field Operations Manager Eric Copeland said.
Drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system by phone, online, or through the app for updated closure information.
Construction by the Union Pacific Railroad is underway to extend a siding track line near Parma that will result in the closure of the railroad crossing on Deb Lane and loss of direct access to U.S. Highway 20/26. Work began on Tuesday, and the permanent closure of the railroad crossing will occur on July 26.
To access US-20/26 after the crossing is removed, drivers should instead cross the railroad line and access the highway via the U.S. Highway 95 Interchange to the west. Crews will build a cul-de-sac at the end of Deb Lane so vehicles can turn around.
Changes were collectively agreed upon between the Union Pacific Railroad, the Idaho Transportation Department and the Notus-Parma Highway District #2. Increased rail activity is expected with the extension of the track line. Given increased train activity and the proximity of other crossings, stakeholders agreed it was appropriate to permanently close the Deb Lane crossing.
With consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is urging motorists to prepare themselves and their vehicles for traveling in the extreme heat.
ITD maintenance teams across Southwest Idaho are taking proactive measures by actively checking on vehicles pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. This extra diligence aims to ensure the safety and well-being of drivers during record heat, as being stranded can quickly turn dangerous in these conditions.
“We know that these scorching temperatures can pose serious risks, and our maintenance crews are committed to helping drivers stay safe on the roads. We urge all drivers to take necessary precautions and plan their trips wisely,” Field Operations Manager Eric Copeland said.
Alongside these actions, ITD encourages motorists to take these steps when hitting the road in triple-digit temperatures:
Top off coolant levels if needed.
Check tires and tire pressure to reduce the chances of a blowout on hot roads.
Make sure to have a spare tire for your vehicle.
Pack extra water.
Completely fill your gas tank, as the engine uses more fuel when the air conditioner is running.
Pack an emergency travel kit filled with snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit for unexpected delays.
Look before you lock. Never leave children or animals unattended in vehicles.
By following these tips and benefiting from our maintenance team’s vigilant efforts, motorists can navigate Idaho’s highways safely during periods of high temperatures.
The Canyon County Sheriff’s Alternative Sentencing Program was named ITD’s Adopt-a-Highway Group of the Year for the Southwest Idaho region during the June meeting of the Idaho Transportation Board in Boise. The honor is in recognition of efforts at keeping construction zones litter-free and specific focus on right-of-way areas near Treasure Valley highways amid an increasingly vocal traveling public weighing in on the subject, according to ITD District 3 AAH Coordinator, Jennifer Ford. She added that the group has also been focused on cleaning the freeway exits, along on- and off-ramps.
The Canyon County Sheriff’s group has been active since 1994. Last year, the group picked up more than 56,000 pounds of litter from the side of the freeway. Since forming, they have picked up around 284,000 pounds of trash.
Recently, the city of Nampa asked ITD to consider servicing the larger sections of right of way at the off-ramps and deeper sections of state-owned property beyond the right of way with litter-removal groups. When approached by ITD to help, in addition to continuing the 23-mile route they’ve cleaned since 1994, “there was no hesitation on their part and we thank them for their willingness to serve their community,” Ford explained.
The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office accomplishes their mission by utilizing inmates as a part of their court-ordered sentence, including assistance with numerous other projects throughout Canyon County in addition to picking up trash and litter from the interstate. The safety of participants in always a top priority. This includes wearing high-visibility safety vests, posting signage prior to the start of the pickup location, using vehicles with flashing lights and identifiable decals, and utilizing tools to assist with litter and trash pickup and trailers to load filled trash bags and larger trash items.
“The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office takes obvious pride in their county,“ Ford added. “They are focused on the roads on which their community travels and takes pride in working with partners in other departments and other jurisdictions to collectively brainstorm solutions for common issues.”
Idaho drivers should expect delays beginning Wednesday near Homedale, as the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will apply a sealcoat to five miles of State Highway 19. This project will extend the life of the roadway.
SH-19 from the Oregon border to the U.S. Highway 95 Junction in Homedale will be reduced to one lane in the direct area crews are working, with the lane closure moving as work progresses. Vehicles parked along the route will need to be moved prior to work beginning.
Flaggers and a pilot car will help guide traffic through the project area. To minimize traffic disruptions, work will be limited to weekdays from Monday through Thursday. The project is expected to be completed in August.
It’s important for motorists to plan ahead this summer by checking traffic impacts on their route at 511.idaho.gov.
The eastbound on-ramp and off-ramp on Interstate 84 at the Simco Road Interchange (Exit 74) will be closed for construction beginning Monday and will not reopen until late August. Vehicles using these ramps will be rerouted through Mayfield (Exit 71). This closure is necessary in order for crews to pave and stripe the new ramps.
The Simco Road Bridge over the freeway will remain open as one lane. Drivers can expect reduced speeds when approaching the interchange.
Construction began in July 2023 to replace the bridge over I-84, originally built in 1959. Work is expected to be completed this fall.
The Idaho Transportation Department reminds drivers to be patient, slow down and obey all posted signs in the construction zone. Travelers should check 511.idaho.gov before driving in the area.
The eastbound on-ramp and off-ramp on I-84 at the Simco Road Interchange (Exit 74) will be closed for construction starting Monday and will not reopen until late August.
The Idaho Transportation Department advises motorists to plan for nighttime Interstate 84 eastbound and westbound closures on Monday and Tuesday between the Garrity Boulevard and Ten Mile Road interchanges (Exits 38 and 42).
Crews are stripping framework and installing overhead sign foundations at the future interchange of State Highway 16 and I-84. One direction of I-84 will be closed each night during this work.
July 8:
Westbound I-84 will be closed between the Ten Mile (Exit 42) and Garrity (Exit 38) interchanges from 10 p.m. Monday night to 6 a.m. Tuesday morning. Click here for the detour map.
July 9:
Eastbound I-84 will be closed between the same interchanges from 9 p.m. Tuesday night to 5 a.m. Wednesday morning. Click here for the detour map.
The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph at night.
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is seeking feedback on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The ITIP outlines the state’s transportation priorities and guides investment decisions for the next seven years through 2031. ITD encourages everyone to review the draft and provide comments July 1-31.
Transportation projects included in the draft ITIP range from large-scale interstate improvements to smaller projects like the installation of new guardrail. Projects are located throughout Idaho’s 44 counties and involve all modes of transportation. Project selection is determined through technical data, as well as input from local officials and residents.
This draft ITIP shows plans for $6.9 billion in funding, including $200 million dedicated to pavements and $100 million dedicated to bridges each year.
Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney confirmed, “With the growth of traffic accelerating the need for improvements and the impacts of inflating costs since 2020, the added annual investment in highway pavement and bridge repairs proposed in this draft ITIP plan will provide the Idaho Transportation Board effective options to consider looking ahead for Idaho.”
Paper copies of the ITIP will be available at regional offices and provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department at 208-334-4455.
All comments will be reviewed and incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate. Responses will be sent by September.
After approval by the Idaho Transportation Board in September, the ITIP will then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency in October.
Public input is crucial in ensuring that the ITIP includes the prioritized needs of Idaho’s communities.
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is performing maintenance work this summer on five Boise bridges along the Connector (Interstate 184). Crews will start work on the I-184 bridge over Chinden Boulevard on Monday.
The bridges included in this project are:
Curtis Road Interchange
Fairview Avenue eastbound on-ramp over I-184
Orchard Street Bridge
I-184 over Chinden Boulevard
Boise River Bridge
Crews will apply epoxy overlays to seal the driving surface, patch and repair bridge decks, and perform joint work to enhance safety and extend the service life of each bridge. The specific work will vary depending on the bridge. The project is expected to be complete this fall.
Motorists should expect lanes and ramps along I-184 to be restricted or closed overnight and speed limits to be reduced. Check 511.idaho.gov to plan your route in advance.
To learn more about the project or sign up for construction updates, visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/boisebridges, call (208) 391-2979, or text BOISEBRIDGES to 1-866-483-8422.
Five bridges on I-184 will be under construction beginning on Monday 6/21/2024
Idaho drivers are urged to plan ahead when traveling north of Eagle this summer as the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is advancing several projects along State Highway 55. These projects include lane closures and reduced speeds in various locations between Eagle and New Meadows.
“Each of these projects is intended to improve traffic flow and safety along this regional route. We look forward to a safer, smoother State Highway 55 after these projects are complete,” District 3 Engineer Jason Brinkman said.
The projects include:
Little Goose Creek Bridge (Construction: June 2024 – late 2024)
ITD will begin replacing the Little Goose Creek Bridge today along SH-55 near Last Chance Campground in New Meadows. SH-55 will be reduced to one lane in the area with flaggers and a traffic signal during construction. Drivers should expect delays. Learn more and sign up for construction updates on the project website.
SH-55 Smiths Ferry to New Meadows chip seal (Construction: July 2024 – fall 2024)
This July ITD will start applying a chip seal to several areas of SH-55 between Smiths Ferry and New Meadows. This project will extend the life of the pavement. The highway will be reduced to one lane with pilot cars where crews are working. Drivers should expect delays. In order to see where crews are working, travelers should sign up for updates on the project website.
Rainbow Bridge (Design: 2024-2026)
ITD is currently conducting soil and rock sampling in the area of the Rainbow Bridge for a project to build a new bridge over the North Fork of the Payette River in Valley County. Drivers can expect 15-minute delays on weekdays in June. To learn more about the project visit https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rainbowbridge.
SH-55 DMS Sign (Construction: fall 2024)
ITD will install a dynamic message sign on SH-55 between Round Valley and Cascade. The new message board will notify motorists of detours or incidents along SH-55. Minimal delays expected. Any traffic impacts during the installation will be posted at 511.idaho.gov.
Flaggers will direct traffic at the Banks-Lowman intersection on all Sundays in July. The project team is planning to install an interim traffic signal at the busy intersection later this year.
SH-55 Fleming Creek Bridge Replacement (Construction: fall 2024 – late 2025)
This fall ITD will begin replacing the Fleming Creek Bridge on SH-55 approximately four miles south of Banks. SH-55 will be reduced to one lane in the work zone with speed limit reductions during the week. Details will be posted to itdprojects.idaho.gov later this summer.
SH-55 State Street to Horseshoe Bend Rehabilitation (Construction: fall 2023 – fall 2024)
ITD is milling and resurfacing SH-55 between State Street in Eagle and Horseshoe Bend. Work is expected to be complete this fall. Details are available on the project website. Drivers are encouraged to slow down in the work zone as there have been too many close calls with flaggers.
It’s important for motorists to plan ahead this summer by checking traffic impacts on their route at 511.idaho.gov.
The Idaho Transportation Department is advancing several projects this summer along State Highway 55 north of Boise.
