Category: South-Central

The Idaho Transportation Department will meet with freight stakeholders across the state this September to collect feedback and update its freight plan.

The Idaho State Freight Plan identifies how ITD will strategically invest state and federal funding in infrastructure to increase the safety, capacity and efficiency of the freight system for the benefit of the Idaho economy.

The document analyzes the needs and issues in Idaho, details policies and strategies to overcome them, identifies critical freight corridors and lists projects to be funded. These projects are supported by approximately $10 million of federal funding each year.

Freight stakeholders utilize infrastructure on a daily basis for basic operations and produce, ship/receive or transport the majority of goods within the state. Such industries include: agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, mining, utilities, construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, retail trade and transportation and warehousing. Those who would like to participate in the process should contact Scott Luekenga at (208) 334-8057 or scott.luekenga@itd.idaho.gov to get details on the available times and locations.

Participants will be guided through a 30-minute survey based on their industry. They are invited to engage in person at the following events:

• Lewiston on Sept. 2
• Blackfoot on Sept. 16
• Twin Falls on Sept. 21

Virtual opportunities will also be accommodated through the end of September. Another round of public comment is expected in spring 2022 to review the updated plan.

Drivers can expect overnight lane restrictions near Twin Falls next week as crews perform cleaning operations on the Perrine Bridge.

From Sunday through Thursday (Aug. 15 – 19), single lane closures will be in place while crews clean the bridge deck, joints, drains and sidewalks.

Work is scheduled during evening and nighttime hours to help reduce traffic congestion through the area. Drivers may consider using an alternate route between the hours of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

“First we will clean the northbound lanes and then switch over to the southbound lanes,” ITD Maintenance Foreman Chuck Sharp said. “The Perrine is a vital bridge in our region and routine maintenance and cleaning help ensure the longevity of the structure.”

Motorists 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.

Two bridges over Interstate 84 near Heyburn will each close for approximately three weeks in July and August so that they can be resurfaced.

The first overpass at 500 West Road is expected to close next Tuesday (July 6), with traffic detoured to the interchange at Idaho Highway 27.

After crews complete work on the first overpass, they will move onto the overpass at South Meridian Road and drivers will need to cross over the interstate at 200 West Road.

Closure of these overpasses will not occur at the same time.

View a map of the detours.

These repairs are part of a larger project that began in late April to resurface thirteen bridges and nine overpasses in the region. This work will help prolong the service life of the structures.

Most bridges will be kept partially open during construction, but completely closing these two allows the general contractor, Cannon Builders, to complete the work sooner.

“By not allowing traffic on these two structures, we’re reducing the overall cost of the project and the impact to travelers,” ITD project manager Bruce Christensen said.

Construction on all bridges is expected to be finished by October of this year. As work shifts from one bridge to another, traffic patterns will change. Check 511.idaho.gov to learn about impacts and timing for each bridge.

Next Tuesday (June 29), crews are expected to sealcoat approximately two miles of Interstate 84 east of Hazelton from milepost 194 to 196.

Only the westbound lanes will be addressed with this project, and traffic in that direction will be reduced to a single lane while work is underway.

“This project should move quickly and is not expected to last for more than two days,” Project Manager Sam Purser said.

Sealcoating is a surface treatment to preserve and extend the lifetime of roadways. It also provides a skid-resistant surface for better traction. The process requires hot temperatures and dry weather for chips to properly adhere to oil that is deposited on the highway.

Chips placed during the sealcoating process have potential to cause windshield damage so drivers are cautioned to slow down and pay attention to reduced speeds and no passing zones throughout the work area.

On Monday, (June 21) a sealcoat project is expected to begin on US-93 in Twin Falls County. Over the coming weeks, approximately 27 miles from the Nevada State Line to Hollister will be addressed.

“This project will cover a substantial amount of highway but operations are expected to move fairly quickly,” Project Manager Kenny Lively stated. “We will begin work at the Nevada State Line and then proceed north on US-93 through Hollister.”

Sealcoating is a surface treatment to preserve and extend the lifetime of roadways. It also provides a skid-resistant surface for better traction. The process requires hot temperatures and dry weather for chips to properly adhere to oil that is deposited on the highway.

Work will require US-93 to be reduced to one lane while work is underway – Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Motorists should anticipate delays and watch for the presence of flaggers or pilot cars.

Chips placed during the sealcoating process have potential to cause windshield damage so drivers are cautioned to slow down and pay attention to reduced speeds and no passing zones throughout the work area.

Geneva Rock Products is the primary contractor on this $1.6 million project that is expected to be complete in July.