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.

Delays expected on the Perrine Bridge next week for inspection

Drivers can expect lane restrictions and possible delays near Twin Falls to begin Monday as crews from the Idaho Transportation Department perform routine biannual inspections on the Perrine Bridge.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction while crew members are utilizing the inspection truck. Work will occur at non-peak hours to help reduce congestion and is expected to follow the below schedule:

– Southbound outside lane closure: Monday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
– Northbound outside lane closure: Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pedestrian access may be subject to short restrictions during portions of the inspection. Motorists should consider using an alternate route between the hours listed above. The schedule is subject to change pending weather conditions, so travelers should remember to check 511.idaho.gov for updates or pay attention to signage in the area.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution near the work zone and watch for crew members and equipment. ITD appreciates the patience and cooperation of those driving through the area.

Lower Stanley evacuating due to Wapiti Fire

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.

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.

Wapiti Fire closes SH-21 near Stanley

State Highway 21 is now indefinitely closed in both directions from Warm Springs Creek to Stanley due to the Wapiti Fire.

SH-21 between Boise and Lowman closed Tuesday, but due to fire growth the closure has been extended to Warm Springs. The highway is closed between milepost 92 and milepost 130.

There is no public access to Grandjean at this time, and traffic to and from Stanley will need to use State Highway 75 as an alternate route. There is no estimated reopening time, but travelers should continue to check Idaho 511 for updates.

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.

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.

Multiple seal coating projects to start in the Wood River Valley

Drone photo of the intersection with mountains in the background

Several sections of State Highway 21, State Highway 75, State Highway 24, State Highway 81, and State Highway 77 will begin receiving surface treatment as early as Monday. Seal coating will begin in Stanley and move through the Wood River Valley for about a month. The sections listed below are in the order that work will be performed:

Stanley SH 21 for .41 miles
Galena SH 75 for 11.56 miles
Ohio Gulch SH 75 2.82 miles
SH 24
SH 81
SH 77

Lane closures will be in effect while crews work on each section. A pilot car will be in place to guide traffic. Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes when available.

Seal coating helps extend the life of pavement, reduce the amount of damage done by weather and give a water-resistant surface.

Work should be completed by the beginning of September. For live traffic updates go to Idaho 511

Daytime ramp closures begin at I-84 Exit 141 for US-30 pavement repair

The Idaho Transportation Department will have daytime ramp closures at Exit 141, both on and off ramps, for up to two weeks during work to rehabilitate the pavement on US-30. Closure of the ramps will ensure the work is completed more efficiently and for the safety of the work crews.

During the daytime ramp closures at Exit 141, all drivers will be detoured to Exit 137 about four miles west of Bliss. Ramps at Exit 141 will be opened as work concludes each day; impacts are expected to be complete by July 29.

The ramp closures are part of a project to extend the life of US-30 through Bliss by recycling the existing asphalt, adding cement to better stabilize the roadway base, and repaving the roadway. Construction on US-30 through Bliss is expected to be completed in early fall.

For more information on this project go to Idaho 511

Major traffic pattern changes starting tomorrow as part of Burley Interchange (Exit 208) reconstruction

Motorists should watch for new traffic patterns on State Highway 27 as part of the reconstruction of the northbound lanes and bridge over Interstate 84 at the Burley Interchange. Beginning tomorrow, the Idaho Transportation Department will implement the following changes while the new road and structure are under construction:

Northbound and southbound SH-27 traffic will shift to the west.
The I-84 westbound on-ramp to SH-27 will be shifted to the north.
The westbound I-84 on-ramp will be closed on the west side of SH-27.
The on-ramp located on the east side of SH-27 will provide westbound access to I-84. The on-ramp will be controlled by a temporary traffic signal.

Motorists should slow down and follow construction signage in the work zone to adjust to the new traffic pattern which will be in place until fall 2025.

Reconstruction of the Burley Interchange is expected to cost $85.1 million.

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 this important agricultural and industrial route.

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.org/projects/i-84-burley-and-heyburninterchanges.

Three lanes close on US-93 near Jerome starting July 23

US-93 will be reduced to a single lane on July 23 and 24 for shoulder work from 8 am to 5 pm. The closure will start north of the blinking light at the State Highway 25 junction and last about 2 miles. A pilot car and traffic control will be in place to help navigate through the area.

SH-25 is not expected to be impacted as the shoulder work begins north of the junction. Delays are expected and drivers should try to find an alternative route. Drivers along US-93 will be stopped for a short period of time to allow the flow of traffic on that single lane in each direction with the help of a pilot vehicle.

For traffic impacts go to Idaho 511

Emergency repair on I-84 near SLC interchange begins July 17

An emergency repair on Interstate 84 near the Salt Lake City Interchange will begin on July 17 to fix concrete pavement that is starting to fail. The pavement has lifted several inches causing a noticeable bump near one of the bridge decks through the region. This bump can be not only disruptive to motorists but poses a safety hazard.

Westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and the speed limit has been reduced to 55 mph. Bump warning signs have been placed until the repair can be completed. The repair should take 5 days. Drivers should properly secure loose items on their vehicles, slow down and use extra caution through the area.

For traffic impacts and information go to 511.idaho.gov