April 21–25 is Work Zone Safety Awareness Week

Drone shot of the Heyburn Interchange on I-84 before construction

As construction season ramps up across the state, the Idaho Transportation Department is joining transportation agencies nationwide in recognizing Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April 21–25. This annual effort is a timely reminder to Idahoans that driving safely in work zones protects everyone on the road, including the crews working alongside fast-moving traffic.  

“Driving cautiously in work zones helps families,” said Dan McElhinney, ITD Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer. “Travelers, workers, and their loved ones all benefit when drivers reduce crash risks by driving slower and staying alert for traffic cones and guiding signage. Our employees are working hard to improve roadways and quality of life for Idahoans. Driving safely near road work is one of the best ways to support that effort.” 

Work zones are active job sites where ITD crews, contractors, utility workers, law enforcement, and tow truck operators are performing critical maintenance and construction—often in unpredictable conditions. These areas are marked by signs, barriers, cones, and sometimes narrowed lanes or uneven surfaces. Rear-end crashes are the most common type of work zone collision, typically caused by distracted or impatient driving. 

From 2019 to 2023, Idaho saw more than 3,400 work zone crashes, with 30 fatalities, all of whom were vehicle occupants. This stark reality is often overlooked: drivers and passengers are most at risk in work zone crashes, not just road workers. 

To stay safe in work zones, ITD urges drivers to check Idaho 511 before traveling, slow down, stay alert, avoid distractions, and maintain safe following distances, especially around large vehicles. Always watch for workers and flaggers, buckle up, and follow Idaho’s Move Over Law when passing emergency or response vehicles with flashing lights. 

In the Magic and Wood River Valleys there are several construction zones ongoing or planned. Drivers should be aware of the following areas: 

  • Burley/Heyburn Interchanges 
  • South Jerome Interchange 
  • SH-75 Elkhorn  

Respect the zone so we ALL get home. 

For updates and more information, visit Idaho 511 or itd.idaho.gov. 

Construction begins on SH-75 in Ketchum

Image of ID-75 near Ketchum

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction next week to improve safety and capacity on State Highway 75 between Elkhorn Road and River Street. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026.

Crews will remove trees in select locations the week of April 28. Generally throughout construction, motorists can expect:

  • The speed limit on SH-75 will be reduced to 25 mph in the construction zone.
  • Work will occur Monday – Saturday between 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. with the occasional exception on nights and weekends.
  • One lane will remain open in each direction on SH-75 between Elkhorn Road and River Street.
  • Closures will occur on local roads, and detours will be in place.
  • Traffic shifts will occur on SH-75 and local roads.

SH-75 is the primary north-south highway in the Wood River Valley serving the cities of Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley in Blaine County. Improvements include widening SH-75 to 4 lanes between Elkhorn Road and River Street, improving intersections and local roads and making pedestrian access more readily available in the project area. These changes have been developed to accommodate traffic projections for the next 20 years.

The project team will share information about upcoming traffic impacts through email and website updates. For more details and to sign up for construction updates, please visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/idaho75, email info@sh75project.com or call (208) 254-0421.

On-ramp to westbound I-84 at Heyburn Interchange to close Sunday night

Drone shot of the Heyburn Interchange on I-84 before construction

The on-ramp to head west on Interstate 84 at the Heyburn Interchange will close Sunday night as it is repaved.

The closure will be in place from 6 p.m. Sunday night to 7 a.m. Monday. To head west on the freeway, drivers will be detoured to the nearest on-ramp that is open about five miles to the east at the Declo Interchange (Exit 216) where they can use the interchange to safely change direction.

Traffic on I-84 remains two lanes in each direction, and the speed limit is reduced to 65 miles per hour.

Construction has been underway since 2024 to update the Heyburn and Burley Interchanges to meet growing traffic demands and is funded as part of Idaho 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.

SH-24/US-30 closure planned under I-84 (Exit 211) – watch for detours this weekend

Drone shot of the Heyburn Interchange on I-84 before construction

The Idaho Transportation Department is closing State Highway 24/U.S. Highway 30 under Interstate 84 at Exit 211 from Friday, April 4, at 6 p.m. through Monday, April 7, at 6 a.m. The closure is necessary to remove the old I-84 bridge as part of the ongoing reconstruction of the Heyburn Interchange.

Detours will be in place to guide motorists through the project area and is expected to add 10 minutes to commutes. Speed limits have been reduced to 65 mph on I-84.

Reconstruction of the Heyburn Interchange is expected to cost $90.1 million and last until late 2026. Since work began in 2024, construction of half of the westbound bridge over US-30, an embankment for the future interchange and center pier for the future interchange structure have been finished.

The next phase of the project includes the removal and construction of the eastbound structure over US-30, removal and construction of the eastbound road and construction of the south half of the interchange.

Built in the early 1960s, the interchange has reached the end of its service life. ITD is focused on improving safety, mobility, and economic opportunity for all users who travel these important agricultural and industrial routes.

Construction is being funded as part of Idaho Governor Brad 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/pages/i-84-burley-and-heyburn-interchanges.

For traffic updates and closure information go to 511.idaho.gov.

Nighttime I-84 closures expected through mid-April at the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168)

South Jerome Interchange

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will have intermittent nighttime closures on Interstate 84 under the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) through mid-April. The closures will allow crews to form and place bridge abutments, which will provide support for the new Lincoln Avenue bridges. Closures are expected to begin next week, and will take place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Click here to view detour maps.

Starting tonight, eastbound I-84 is expected to close under Lincoln Avenue multiple nights. Eastbound I-84 traffic will use the eastbound ramps to detour around the closure. Eastbound closures are expected to occur at nighttime on:

  • Wednesday, April 2
  • Thursday, April 3
  • Wednesday, April 9

Next week, westbound I-84 is expected to close under Lincoln Avenue multiple nights. Westbound I-84 traffic will use the westbound ramps to detour around the closure. Westbound closures are expected to occur the nights of:

  • Sunday, April 6
  • Monday, April 7
  • Tuesday, April 8

“We encourages motorists to plan ahead for delays and drive with caution when traveling over these next couple of weeks in April,” said Resident Engineer Seth Helms, “We want to thank everyone for their patience as crews work to place the bridge abutments as quickly and safely as possible.”

During the I-84 closures, motorists can expect:

  • Business access will remain open on local roads and detours will be in place.
  • Lincoln Avenue may be impacted over I-84 during these closures. Motorists are encouraged to use other routes.
  • Work is weather-dependent and may be impacted by conditions. Any schedule changes will be announced through email and reflected on Idaho 511

This work is part of ITD’s I-84 South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) replacement project. Motorists can continue to expect intermittent I-84 and local road closures, traffic shifts and ramp changes throughout the duration of the project. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

Those who are interested in learning more about the project are invited to visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sjeromeic or text 84JTF to 1-866-483-8422.

Drivers should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling to plan for impacts from this project and other work zones.

I-84 will close Monday and Tuesday nights at the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168)

South Jerome Interchange Girders

I-84  will close Monday and Tuesday nights at the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168)

The Idaho Transportation Department plans to close Interstate 84 at the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) overnight on Monday and Tuesday (March 17 and 18). The closures will allow crews to place girders, which will provide support for the new Lincoln Avenue Bridges.

Monday, March 17:

  • Eastbound I-84 will close under the Lincoln Avenue Bridge from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Motorists will use the eastbound ramps to detour around the closure.
    • Reminder: The eastbound off-ramp is detoured to Bob Barton Road and the eastbound on-ramp is detoured to E Frontage Road S.
  • Business access will remain open on Bob Barton Road, and a detour will be in place.
  • Click here to view a detour map.

Tuesday, March 18:

  • Westbound I-84 will close under the Lincoln Avenue Bridge from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Motorists will use the westbound ramps to detour around the closure.
    • Reminder: The westbound off-ramp is detoured to E Frontage Road N.
  • Business access will remain open on E Frontage Road N and a detour will be in place.
  • Click here to view a detour map.

Lincoln Avenue may be impacted during these closures. Motorists are encouraged to use other routes to cross over the freeway. This work is weather-dependent and may be impacted by conditions.

Ongoing construction at this interchange will help traffic flow easier as the volume or vehicles on the road increases now and in the future. Motorists can continue to expect intermittent I-84 and local road closures, traffic shifts and ramp changes until construction is completed in 2026.

For details about the I-84 South Jerome Interchange project, please visit

itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sjeromeic or text 84JTF to 1-866-483-8422.

 

Motorists should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling to plan for impacts from this project and other work zones.

Second community open house about the Dry Creek Bridge on US-30 to be held in Murtaugh

A truck crosses an old bridge near Murtaugh

The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting a community open house on Tuesday, Feb. 18, to share updated design plans for the replacement of the Dry Creek Bridge located on U.S. Highway 30.

The open house will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Murtaugh High School Cafeteria (500 Boyd St. W. Murtaugh, ID 83344). An online option will be available at ITDProjects.idaho.gov/pages/US30DryCreek from Feb. 18 to Feb. 24 to give members of the public who cannot attend in person a chance to participate.

“The project team has been working hard since October to design the new bridge,” said ITD project manager Brent Brumfield. “We’ve designed a new bridge that will last a very long time and takes into account the feedback we got last year.”

Originally built in 1934, the existing bridge is a two lane, 60-foot long and 26-foot wide concrete arch structure that crosses Dry Creek just north of Murtaugh Lake. It is one of several open-spandrel arch bridges in Idaho and was state of the art for its time.

The new bridge will be a 111-foot pre-stressed concrete girder bridge. ITD will also repave the highway where it ties into the bridge, provide updated guardrails and build the bridge at a higher elevation to improve sight distance for motorists.

For more information, or to participate in the online open house, visit ITDProjects.idaho.gov/pages/US30DryCreek.

ITD to host open house next week on US-30 Business Loop in Burley

Burley Main St project

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to an open house on Thursday, February 6, to comment on preliminary design features to improve traffic flow on the U.S. Highway 30 Business Loop.

The open house will be from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Burley Council Chambers located at 1401 Overland Avenue. Staff will be available to provide information and answer questions about the project.

Improvements are planned for US-30 between the intersections of Parke Avenue and Airport Road. In 2024, ITD completed the preliminary design for the US-30 Business Loop, which will include:

  • New pavement throughout the corridor
  • ADA accessible pedestrian curb ramps at each intersection
  • Updates to the existing traffic signals at each intersection within the project area

“These changes will make it easier and safer for people who drive and walk  in Burley,” Project Manager Brent Brumfield said. “In working with local property owners, we have also identified  the removal of unused or underutilized driveways to reduce the number of conflict points and increase safety for all users.”

Information will also be available online at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us-30-burley-business-loop.

Comments will be accepted online until March 6.

Traffic signal upgrades have begun in the Magic and Wood River Valleys

Traffic Signal

The Idaho Transportation Department has begun upgrading traffic signals throughout the Magic Valley and Wood River Valley.

Initial work will integrate and upgrade wiring on specific signals. Replacement of signal poles, upgrading cabinets, and detection will then take place.

Wiring improvement on the signals at the intersections of SH-75 and Saddle Road, Hospital Road, and East Fork Road is ongoing and will occur at night between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. with no flagging or lane closures until January 24. Drivers should stay aware of crews working in the areas.

Other signals slated for upgrades through the end of February are:

  • US-30 and Kimberly Road in Kimberly
  • Idaho Street and Main in Wendell
  • US-26 and SH-46 in Gooding
  • SH-24 and 100 West in Rupert
  • SH-24 and 100 South in Rupert
  • Main and Hiland in Burley
  • Overland and 16th in Burley
  • US-30 and Bedke in Burley
  • Overland and 21st in Burley
  • Overland and 3rd North in Burley
  • Overland and 7th North in Burley
  • US-30 and 7th in Heyburn

Drivers should expect some delays while work is being done.

Crews will return to the three signals on SH-75 at the end of February to further upgrade cabinets and continue testing and detection. During that time, flaggers and temporary lane closures are expected to be present between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weeknights barring any weather concerns.

For up-to-date information on road closures go to 511.idaho.gov.

Eastbound lanes of I-84 closed near Declo

Crash at the Declo Exit with semi over the rails

A crash at Exit 216 for Declo has closed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84.

A semi traveling on State Highway 25 over I-84 crashed into the guardrail and is now partly off the bridge and impacting interstate traffic. Idaho Transportation Department workers are on site to assess the scene and will determine how to remove the semi safely.

One lane is closed on SH-25. No detour is posted for the I-84 closure.

Drivers should avoid the area, plan extra time to travel and check 511.idaho.gov for updates.