Overnight detour planned on I-84 near Twin Falls for bridge repair

The Idaho Transportation Department will close a section of eastbound traffic on Interstate 84 between the Twin Falls Interchange (exit 173) and the Kimberly Interchange (exit 182) to continue reconstruction of the Vinyard Bridge. The closure will be between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. tomorrow night. Additional nighttime closures may be necessary later this week or early next week for crews to set bridge supports in place. Real time updates about closures will be available using 511.

For the official detour, eastbound drivers on I-84 will need to exit at the Twin Falls interchange and detour to State Highway 25 back to I-84. Those taking US-93 will not be able to access eastbound I-84 and will need to follow the detour. Westbound drivers will be unaffected by this closure.

Detour signs will be in place at the ramp closures, and drivers should plan for approximately 20 minutes of additional travel time.

The bridge was damaged last year by a truck that did not meet height restrictions and struck the bridge. Work is expected to be completed by mid-December. ITD is working through the process to recover costs related to the bridge.

For project updates and travel information, drivers can visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.

Input sought on long-range planning for transportation in Idaho

People review a map of a proposed project

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking input on long-range planning for transportation across the state through a series of public meetings in the next month.

Comments will inform the update to ITD’s Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan, a federally required strategy document that is updated every five years and is used by the Idaho Transportation Board and planning staff as a guide to program future studies and projects.

Open houses will be held in each region of the state:

Nov. 18 in Pocatello at the Portneuf Medical Center (777 Hospital Way)

Nov. 19 in Idaho Falls at the Crosspoint Community Church (1900 Grandview Drive)

Dec. 2 in Coeur d’Alene at the Hampton Inn and Suites (1500 West Riverstone Drive)

Dec. 3 in Lewiston at the Lewiston Community Center (1424 Main Street)

Dec. 4 in Boise at Mountain View High School Library (2000 South Millennium Way)

Dec. 8 in Twin Falls at the College of Southern Idaho (315 Falls Avenue)

All events will take place 3 – 7 p.m. The same material will be shared online, with comments sought from Nov. 18 to Jan. 10.

ITD’s Long-Range Transportation Plan will look at the needs of the transportation network out to 2050 and consider a variety of factors including growth, travel demands, land use, safety, economic development, system reliability and anticipated revenue.

“This policy document looks at current conditions, existing plans and future trends in Idaho and lays the foundation for ITD to continue to deliver on our mission of safety, mobility and economic opportunity,” said Amy Schroeder, the division administrator for planning. “It’s not necessarily about identifying specific projects. It’s about determining, through data analysis and public input, the best strategy for investing in the transportation system given the variability of future revenue.”

The plan comes at a time of extraordinary growth and funding uncertainty. Besides seeking public feedback, ITD is engaging with other planning organizations as the plan will look at the transportation network as a whole, which extends beyond state-managed highways to locally owned routes and alternative modes of transportation.

“This is about working with local jurisdictions and planning agencies to address congestion in major cities,” Schroeder said. “It’s also about adopting a statewide perspective and recognizing that it’s just as important to look at improving safety and reducing fatalities in our rural areas.”

An additional public comment period to review the draft plan is planned for summer 2026, and the plan is expected to be released in 2027.

ITD seeks public feedback to help shape the future of rail in Idaho

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.

Reckless driving in Carey construction zone risking safety of workers, other drivers

The Idaho Transportation Department is reminding drivers to plan ahead for delays on U.S. Highway 93 near Carey after roadway workers and equipment were nearly struck in the last two weeks by impatient drivers trying to pass in the work zone.

Crews are resurfacing US-93 to make it smoother and easier to drive. To complete the improvements, traffic has been reduced to a single lane with a pilot car and flaggers to guide drivers during the day. At night traffic relies on temporary signals. Impacts are expected to last until the end of September.

ITD has witnessed numerous incidents of drivers illegally trying to pass other vehicles and the pilot car. Some drivers have nearly struck flaggers and equipment.

“Our biggest concern is the risk to workers and other drivers in the work zone; the pilot car is intended to show traffic the path to follow and the appropriate speed to go,” District Engineer Jesse Barrus said. “Even beyond that, this could undo progress that’s been made, which means construction could go longer than needed.”

Drivers need to plan an extra 10 – 15 minutes to their commute times. Delays like this are shared via the 511 app or 511.idaho.gov so that drivers can plan ahead and know before they go.

Repairs to Vineyard Bridge begin Monday

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin repairs on Monday to the Vineyard Bridge over Interstate 84 west of the Kimberly Interchange.

The bridge has been closed to traffic since being damaged last year by a driver hauling equipment that exceeded height restrictions and struck the bridge. Work is expected to be completed by mid-December after which the bridge will reopen to traffic.

The project will replace four girders, which are horizontal support beams for the bridge, and install a new bridge deck over the affected section. The total cost of the work is approximately $605,000. The expense will be reimbursed to ITD by the private entity responsible for the damage.

“We knew it was going to take about a year to get this bridge repaired,” Project Manager Kenny Lively said. “With the bridge being important for some farmers, it is great to be able to get this bridge back up and running.”

For project updates and travel information, drivers can visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.

Westbound ramps at Exit 211 will temporarily close beginning Friday

Starting Friday the westbound off-ramp and on-ramp for Interstate 84 at Exit 211 will close for two weeks to reconstruct the ramps.
Westbound traffic will be detoured to Exit 208, and eastbound traffic will be detoured to Exit 216; as seen in the map below.
The closure will allow the contractor to efficiently construct the ramps simultaneously, cutting the duration of traffic impacts by about one month.
Construction has been underway since 2024 to update the Heyburn and Burley Interchanges to meet growing traffic demands and is anticipated to be complete in 2026.
The project is funded as part of Gov. Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to advance large projects that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy, and positively impact the Magic Valley and communities across the state for years to come.
For up to date traffic impacts check out 511.idaho.gov and for more information on the project go to the project website.

Bliss railroad crossing improvements begin this weekend on SH-26

State Highway 26 near Andersons Grain will be reduced to one lane beginning Saturday as crews address the deteriorating railroad crossing in Bliss.

Temporary traffic signals will be installed to safely direct vehicles through the work zone. Low clearance vehicles should find an alternate route due to limited clearance.

Work will replace the pavement and train tracks to make the crossing smoother and is expected to be complete by September 27.

Motorists should plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow posted signage in the Bliss area. Check 511.idaho.gov for updated traffic impacts.

ITD closing SH-46 at railroad crossing in Buhl for repairs next week

The Idaho Transportation Department is shutting down State Highway 46 (Clear Lakes Road) at the railroad crossing in Buhl from Monday through Aug. 16. ITD will repair the asphalt and replace the tracks near the SH-46/US 30 intersection.

North and southbound traffic on SH-46 can detour using Elm Street.
Westbound truck traffic is advised to take Broadway Avenue.
Eastbound truck traffic is advised to take N 1600 E to Sawtooth.

Please watch for detour signs as you navigate through the area.

This project was not initially planned to happen this year, but additional funding and recognition of the public need allowed ITD to quickly get these repairs planned and underway.

With average daily crossing of more than 3,000 vehicles, it is important to give yourself extra time to get through the detours and drive safely.

For up-to-date traffic information check 511.idaho.gov.

I-84 westbound on-ramp at Heyburn Exit 211 will close tomorrow night

The I-84 westbound on-ramp at the Heyburn Interchange (Exit 211) will temporarily close tomorrow night for construction.

Crews will begin the closure at approximately 6 p.m. The ramp is anticipated to be open again by 7 a.m. Saturday. Westbound traffic will be detoured east on I-84 and reconnected at Exit 216 near Declo. Detour signs will guide motorists through the project area. Motorists should watch for crews and use caution while travelling through the construction zone.

Construction has been underway since 2024 to update the Heyburn and Burley Interchanges to meet growing traffic demands and is anticipated to be complete in 2026. The project is funded as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to advance large projects that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy, and positively impact the Magic Valley and communities across the state for years to come.

To learn more about the project, please visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/projects/i-84-burley-and-heyburninterchanges. This closure and others will be posted to 511.idaho.gov.

Weight restrictions in place over Yankee Fork Bridge

Yankee Fork Bridge northeast of Stanley has a weight restriction in effect to prevent further damage to the bridge after a large hole developed last week due to the failure of a previous patch. Trucks are limited to 9.3 tons per axle with overall weight limits on large trucks.

A speed reduction of 25 mph is also in effect and steel plates have been placed over the damaged area to allow traffic to continue to cross until repairs are complete. ITD will be monitoring the plates daily to ensure they do not move.

Last week, a hole developed in the deck of Yankee Fork Bridge due to the failure of a previous patch.

Drivers should also be aware of bumps due to the steel plates and drive with caution, especially those pulling trailers or riding motorcycles.

Work to repair the bridge is expected to begin in the next two weeks and during that time, traffic will be reduced to one lane with temporary signals allowing traffic to alternate through the work zone.

Drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system to monitor ongoing traffic impacts and plan their travel accordingly.