Rest area on westbound I-84 near Bliss to close indefinitely starting Monday

On Monday (Sept. 12), the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will close the westbound Interstate 84 Bliss rest area until further notice due to a damaged waterline.

“We have been working to fix the line but have determined that more extensive repairs are needed,” ITD Maintenance Foreman Phil Etchart explained.

A timeframe for how long the rest area will be closed is not currently known.

“Our crews work hard to maintain rest areas for the benefit of travelers,” ITD Facility Manager Shawn Webb stated. “Our goal is to repair the line and reopen this location as soon as possible.”

The Bliss rest area facility located eastbound on I-84 will not be impacted and will remain open.

The statuses of rest areas can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov.

Work on the Perrine Bridge to begin next week

Image of the Perrine Bridge near Twin Falls

Drivers can expect lane restrictions and possible delays near Twin Falls to begin next week as crews from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) clean the deck and perform routine biannual inspections on the Perrine Bridge.

On Sunday, Sept. 11, crews will begin overnight cleaning operations on the bridge deck. This work is expected to continue through Thursday, Sept. 15, between the hours of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in either direction while cleaning is underway.

“When it is possible and safe to do so, we perform work at night to help lessen congestion in the area,” ITD Maintenance Foreman Chuck Sharp stated.

From Monday, Sept. 19, through Thursday, Sept. 22, crews will walk the arch and deploy ITD’s under bridge inspection truck along the bridge deck.

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:

– Northbound Right Lane Closure: Monday – Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
– Southbound Right Lane Closure: Wednesday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The left northbound lane will also be intermittently closed for 15 minutes at a time each day while workers access and exit the lower half of the structure.

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.

Click here for a photo of the bridge.

“The Perrine Bridge is a vital structure in the region and serves as a connector for thousands of motorists each day,” ITD Bridge Inspector Amy Bower said. “Inspections and routine maintenance projects play an important role in ensuring the bridge’s longevity for many years to come.”

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.

Snake River Crossing Study underway to find solutions for current and future traffic demands

Image of Snake River Canyon in South-central Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is conducting a study to evaluate potential transportation improvements to address congestion and mobility at existing Snake River crossings that connect Twin Falls and Jerome counties.

The study will look at a range of alternatives such as improvements to the existing road network, an additional crossing over the Snake River, new roadway connections, and potential traffic routing. The study will be ongoing through early 2023.

“With tremendous growth in communities on both sides of the canyon, and the unique challenges created by the canyon, effective infrastructure is key to mobility and economic opportunity in the region,” ITD project manager Nathan Jerke said. “The project team is working closely with local jurisdictions and key stakeholders to analyze data with a goal to find a solution that works for the entire region.”

Over the coming months, ITD will work with an executive team made up of local elected officials, a technical committee comprised of roadway and engineering staff, and key stakeholders. These groups will work toward the goal of developing alternatives and proposed actions to reduce congestion and address future transportation needs.

To learn more about the study and to find out about upcoming opportunities for public input, sign up for email updates by visiting itdprojects.org/snakerivercrossing or contact the study team at info@snakerivercrossing.com.

Work to begin next week on SH-24 and SH-25 in Minidoka County

Work is expected to begin Monday (July 25) on a highway construction project in Rupert. The primarily focus of this project is to restore the condition of State Highway 24 and State Highway 25 in the area.

“These highways have long served as major connections between Interstate 84 and the cities of Paul, Rupert, Acequia, and Minidoka,” said ITD Project Manager Brock Dillé. “Upcoming work will improve both the safety and driving experience for motorists.”

During construction, the intersection at Oneida Street and East 8th Street will be reconfigured to provide better traffic flow. Stormwater repairs and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades will also occur on pedestrian ramps.

“In addition to work on the roadway, Eastern Idaho Railroad will also make improvements to its system in this area,” Dillé stated.

While work is underway, traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction. Access points for the highway and the intersection at Oneida/East 8th streets will be temporarily closed for a portion of the project.

“We will not permanently remove any access points and will work to minimize the duration of any closures that occur,” said Dillé. “Motorists should plan for extra time when commuting through the area and be on the lookout for signs and flaggers when traveling through the work zone.”

Idaho Materials and Construction is the primary contractor on this project that is expected to be complete early fall.

As part of Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative, the 2021 Idaho Legislature dedicated $126 million of one-time funds from Idaho’s budget surplus to transportation projects statewide. The funds were split 60/40 between ITD and local jurisdictions. Construction on this project is paid for with ITD’s portion of the funds that will accelerate projects to replace bridges, restore pavements, and improve mobility in communities across Idaho.

Work to resume next week on US-93/US-26 in Lincoln County

Image of U.S. Highway 93/U.S. Highway 26 near Richfield

Work is expected to restart next Friday (July 15) on a highway rehabilitation project in Lincoln County. Approximately six miles of U.S. Highway 93/U.S. Highway 26 from Marley Road to Jim Byrne Slough (milepost 177.5-182.8) will undergo construction to improve both the safety and driving experience for motorists in the area.

“Earlier this year, before water was flowing in the irrigation system, crews replaced irrigation structures along the roadway,” said ITD Project Manager Tom Logan. “Upcoming work will address the surface of the roadway.”

Construction this month will start with the removal of rock knobs along the highway in three areas south of Richfield.

“Removal of rock will even out the hilly profile of the roadway,” Logan explained. “This will increase sight distance for motorists and improve safety.”

While this earthwork occurs, traffic will be reduced to a single lane. Temporary traffic signals will be in place and motorists should anticipate 4-5 minute delays when traveling through the area.

The last phase of construction will involve milling and repaving the existing surface of the highway. During that portion of work, pilot cars and flaggers will be present to direct motorists during working hours – Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Western Construction is the primary contractor on this project that is expected to be complete late summer.

Sealcoating to begin next week in Lincoln, Jerome, Twin Falls and Gooding counties

Image of sign in truck with cones in a work zone

Weather permitting, on Monday (June 27) the Idaho Transportation Department will begin sealcoating multiple portions of roadway throughout the region to preserve the pavement.

“Throughout the next month, we will sealcoat approximately 82 miles of highway,” said ITD Engineering Manager Travis Hitchcock. “The sealcoat will both protect the surface of the roadway and provide better traction for drivers.”

Work will occur on five highways in the South-central Idaho region:

State Highway 24 (milepost 32 – 68)
• State Highway 25 (milepost 5 – 18)
• State Highway 46 (milepost 111 – 130)
• State Highway 50 (milepost 5 – 8)
• U.S. Highway 26 (milepost 139 – 150)

While work is underway, roadways will be reduced to a single lane. Both lanes will be open to traffic outside of working hours.

Motorists should anticipate short delays and watch for the presence of flaggers and pilot cars during the day.

Sealcoating is a surface treatment that takes place during the summer months and involves applying a layer of oil and rock chips to the roadway. The process requires hot temperatures and dry weather for chips to properly adhere to the oil.

Chips placed during sealcoats have the 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 Inc. is the primary contractor on this project which is expected to be complete by the end of July.

Temporary daytime lane reductions on US-93 (Blue Lakes) in Twin Falls, expect delays

Photo of Blue Lakes and Fillmore Intersection in Twin Falls

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead for temporary daytime lane reductions on Blue Lakes Boulevard this week as part of the continuing pavement rehabilitation project in Twin Falls.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and its contractor, Idaho Materials & Construction, will be working 24 hour shifts to safely reopen all lanes of traffic from the Perrine Bridge to Pole Line Road. Unforeseen issues with stormwater drainage in the construction zone are requiring temporary daytime closures.

“Safety is our top priority, and ITD is working closely with IMC to reopen lanes during the day, and continue work during overnight hours as planned,” said ITD Resident Engineer Seth Helms. “ITD appreciates commuters for their patience during this important work.”

For the latest traffic updates, please visit 511.idaho.gov or call 511.

To learn more about this project and sign up for construction updates, please visit itdprojects.org/us-93improvements.

Work begins later this month on SH-21 in Custer County

Image of culvert at SH-21 and Elk Creek west of Stanley

Construction is expected to begin June 27 on State Highway 21 northwest of Stanley. In the coming weeks, crews will replace an old culvert at Elk Creek (milepost 123.06) with a new bridge.

“The current culvert was placed in 1966 and has exceeded its life expectancy,” ITD Designer Andrew Young said. “The new structure will be both wider and longer and will serve motorists for decades to come.”

The new bridge also aims to improve fish habitat in the area.

“When we build the new structure, we will be providing a better natural channel that will be more favorable to fish,” stated Young. “We will also have temporary fish passage in place during construction.”

While construction is underway, traffic will be reduced to a single lane. Temporary traffic signals will be in place to direct motorists through the work zone. Drivers should anticipate delays up to 15 minutes when traveling through the area.

Braun Jensen is the primary contractor on this project that is expected to be complete this fall.

ITD to share plans tomorrow to widen I-84 between South Jerome and Twin Falls interchanges

View of Interstate 84 near Jerome, Idaho.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is holding an in-person meeting tomorrow (June 14) to share plans for widening Interstate 84 from the South Jerome Interchange to the Twin Falls Interchange. The meeting will be held at Con Paulos Chevrolet in Jerome from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held in open-house format and provide members of the public an opportunity to review design plans and provide input. If individuals are unable to participate at the in-person meeting, a self-guided online meeting option will be available from June 14 until June 28 at itdprojects.org/84jerometotwin.

The interstate serves as a major corridor through South-central Idaho and beyond, with traffic counts expected to double over the next 20 years. The purpose of this project is to increase capacity and improve safety. Once funding has been confirmed, construction may start as early as 2023.

“Widening this section of I-84 will allow us to proactively address capacity and safety needs between Jerome and Twin Falls,” said ITD Engineering Manager Crystal Craig. “We are advancing this project to construction as soon as possible and plan to keep the public involved through each phase.”

This design project is funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of Governor Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build. Construction funding will be identified at the time that the project is ready to advertise for construction bids.

For more information on the project or to request updates, visit the project website at itdprojects.org/84jerometotwin or text 84JTF to 866-483-8422.

Construction begins next week on SH-27 near Burley

Work on State Highway 27 is expected to begin Monday (June 13). Construction will restore the highway from the north end of Burley to Interstate 84 (milepost 22.7 – 24.1) and improve the functionality of the roadway.

“This summer, crews will reconstruct portions of the highway and resurface SH-27 throughout the project limits,” ITD Project Manager Brock Dillé said.

Work is expected to occur Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. While construction is underway, lane reductions will be in place with signs and flaggers present to direct motorists. On- and off-ramps will temporarily close at Exit 208.

“Motorists are advised to utilize Exit 201 or Exit 211 for access to Burley during ramp closures,” stated Dillé. “No more than two ramps will be closed at the same time, and closures will not exceed eight days.”

Signs will be in place on SH-27 and I-84 to notify motorists during closures. Drivers should plan extra time when traveling through the area.

“This will be the first of several upcoming projects we have planned for the region over the coming years,” explained Dillé. “This project, along with future projects in the area, will increase mobility and improve the highway for users.”

Idaho Materials and Construction is the prime contractor on this project that is expected to be complete in August.

As part of Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative, the 2021 Idaho Legislature dedicated $126 million of one-time funds from Idaho’s budget surplus to transportation projects statewide. The funds were split 60/40 between ITD and local jurisdictions. Construction on this project is paid for with ITD’s portion of the funds that will accelerate projects to replace bridges, restore pavements, and improve mobility in communities across Idaho.