Category: Southwest

The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to attend open house meetings to learn about the environmental reevaluation for State Highway 16 between State Highway 44 in Ada County and State Highway 52 in Gem County.

The meetings will provide an update on the study, outline the next steps toward environmental clearance, and share anticipated project phasing and future improvements. Both meetings will present the same information.

In-person open house details:

• Monday, Sep. 15 (Eagle)
  4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (drop in anytime)
  Eagle Christian Church, 100 S Short Rd, Eagle
• Tuesday, Sep. 16 (Emmett)
  4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (drop in anytime)
  Kenneth Carberry Elementary, 1950 E 12th St, Emmett

The same materials will be available online from Sep. 15 through 29 at sh1644to52.com for those unable to attend in person.

“We encourage the community to attend and learn about the reevaluation results and next steps,” ITD Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said. “We appreciate all the feedback we’ve received from community members, property owners, local agencies and many others throughout this process.”

ITD originally completed an environmental assessment for SH-16 in 2005 to evaluate long-term improvements. The current reevaluation is the first step in advancing the project to final design. This phase ensures the project aligns with current safety, environmental, and community standards. Once complete, the project will move into final design, with construction beginning when design is finalized and funding is secured.

For more information, contact the project team at sh16corridor@itd.idaho.gov or (208) 334-8008, or visit sh1644to52.com.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close Gowen Road nightly beginning Friday as part of a bridge repair project on Interstate 84. These closures are needed to facilitate safe and efficient traffic flow while both eastbound lanes of I-84 are closed at the Gowen Interchange. This project will repair bumps in the roadway caused by settling and rutting at the beginning and end of the bridge.

Road closure schedule:

• Saturday and Sunday nights: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Monday through Friday nights: 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Detour routes:

From Gowen Road to I-84 (eastbound or westbound):

Turn right on Eisenman Road, proceed to the Eisenman Interchange, and use on-ramps to access I-84 in either direction.

From Gowen Road to SH-21 or Federal Way:

Turn right on Eisenman Road, proceed to the Eisenman Interchange, access I-84 westbound, exit at the Gowen Interchange, and follow signs to SH-21/Federal Way.

From SH-21/Federal Way to eastbound I-84 or Gowen Road:

Travel east on Federal Way to the Eisenman Interchange. From there, access I-84 westbound or turn west on Eisenman to return to Gowen.

These closures coincide with previously released nightly full closures of eastbound I-84 near the Gowen Interchange. During the closures, eastbound drivers will be detoured off I-84 at the Gowen Road off-ramp and directed back onto the interstate via the on-ramp. The detour will remain within the same interchange, and only minor delays are expected.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted detour signs, and allow extra time when traveling through the area. For the latest updates and traffic conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

Beginning Friday, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin nighttime lane closures on State Highway 44 between Linder Road and State Highway 55 (Eagle Road) for resurfacing.

Resurfacing serves to improve ride quality for drivers and extend the life of the roadway.

Work is scheduled to take place overnight during the following hours:

• Monday through Friday: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Saturday: 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
• Sunday: 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Flaggers will be on site to guide traffic through the work zone. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, follow posted signs, and plan ahead.

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

Starting Friday, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin one week of nighttime closures on eastbound Interstate 84 near Gowen Road. The closures are part of a repair project to fix bumps in the roadway caused by settling and rutting at the beginning and end of the bridge.

During the closures, eastbound drivers will be detoured off I-84 at the Gowen Road off-ramp and directed back onto the interstate via the on-ramp. The detour will remain within the same interchange, and only minor delays are expected.

The project involves reconstructing approximately 250 feet of the two-lane eastbound approach before the Gowen Bridge, as well as 50 feet beyond it.

Full eastbound closures are scheduled during the following hours, weather permitting:

• Monday through Friday: 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time when traveling through the area. For the latest construction updates and detour information, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

Interstate 84 will be closed in both directions under the Karcher Interchange Wednesday night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. This closure will allow crews to safely pour the concrete that will support the third westbound lane on Karcher Road (State Highway 55).

To follow the westbound detour:

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

To follow the eastbound detour:

1. Exit I-84 using the Karcher Interchange eastbound off-ramp (Exit 33).
2. Cross Karcher Road.
3. Use the eastbound on-ramp to merge back onto I-84.

Click here to view the detour maps.

These improvements are part of a larger effort to improve traffic flow and safety in the area.

Project improvements include:

• Adding a free running right-hand turn at the westbound off-ramp
• Paving a third westbound lane on Karcher Road from the westbound off-ramp to Sundance Road
• Reinforcing the Karcher Interchange and Indian Creek Bridges to support the new lane
• Updating signal equipment and adding a pedestrian flashing beacon at the eastbound on-ramp
• Building a separated mixed-use path on the north side of Karcher Road

The I-84, Karcher Interchange project will enhance safety and reduce congestion at the interchange and along Karcher Road in Nampa. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.

Stay informed by signing up for email and text alerts by texting 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcheric. For questions, contact the project team at (208) 334-8002.

More information can be found at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcherich.

Beginning Monday, the Idaho Transportation Department will permanently close three left-turn locations on Eagle Road (State Highway 55) between Interstate 84 and State Highway 44 (State Street) as part of a pilot project to improve safety along the corridor.

The changes are based on traffic safety data and community input gathered during a recent safety study. By reducing conflict points these adjustments are expected to lower crash rates along one of Idaho’s busiest highways.

Left turns will be removed at the following locations:

• The two-way left turn between Island Woods Drive and the north channel of the Boise River
• Northbound left-in at Baldcypress Street
• Southbound U-turn at Bourbon Street near Ustick Road

Later this year, ITD will also install variable speed limit signs between Franklin Road and Chinden Boulevard. These signs will reduce speed limits to 45 mph during peak congestion. Additional improvements will include speed feedback signs and signs warning of stopped traffic at key locations.

“These Highway 55 operational changes reflect a commitment to safety for the more than 50,000 drivers daily, by listening to public feedback and studying crash trends, we’ve identified ways to reduce risk for everyone traveling this 7-mile corridor,” Dan McElhinney, ITD Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer said.

Microsurfacing maintenance

In addition to the safety upgrades, ITD will begin microsurfacing Eagle Road from SH-44 (State Street) in Eagle to I-84 in Meridian on Monday. Microsurfacing is a preventative pavement sealcoal that extends the life of the roadway and reduces the need for more extensive repairs.

Construction will begin at I-84 and progress north to SH-44. All work is expected to be completed by late September.

During construction:

• All lanes will be open during the day
• One lane will be open in each direction at night
• Nighttime work runs from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Drivers may encounter rough surfaces and loose gravel during the day. Please use caution.

“Crews will work one section at a time,” ITD Project Manager Josh Nisson said. “Drivers may see rough surfaces during the day until crews are able to finish that section at night. We appreciate the public’s patience during this project.”

To learn more or sign up for updates:

• Text EagleRoad to 1-866-483-8422
• Visit: itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55-69maintenance
• Sign up for emails: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/pI5SwgY

For real-time travel impacts, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close alternating eastbound and westbound ramps at the Interstate 84 Meridian Interchange (Exit 44) overnight from Saturday to Friday as crews apply a hot chip seal to extend the life of the pavement. Through traffic will not be affected.

Ramp closures are scheduled as follows:

• Saturday and Sunday: Midnight to 5 a.m.
• Monday through Friday: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

During these hours, Northbound ramps will be closed Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, while Southbound ramps will be closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

ITD is committed to minimizing disruptions during construction while prioritizing the safety of both motorists and crews. Chip seal oil is extremely hot. Drivers are urged to use extra caution in the work zone, stay clear of paving equipment, and follow all posted signs and flaggers’ directions.

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 updates and road conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction Monday to repair significant barrier damage on the Interstate 184 Flying Wye flyover and westbound Interstate 84.

The damage was caused by a recent crash and presents a safety hazard to motorists. Contractors will restore the bridge barriers, which are designed to contain vehicles during collisions, protecting both traffic on the flyover and traffic below on I-84.

Drivers should expect:

• Intermittent nighttime two-lane closures on westbound I-84
• A single-lane closure on the flyover for approximately two weeks
• Reduced speeds in the work zones

Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time, and drive with caution through the work zone. For real-time traffic updates and road conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

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.