Right turn only restrictions at I-15 Stoddard Creek exit

Road Closed signs in place on Stoddard Creek Road underneat I-15 Stoddard Creek Exit 184.

The Idaho Transportation Department is continuing repairs to the Stoddard Creek Bridge at Exit 184 on Interstate 15. Stoddard Creek Road underneath the I-15 bridge is closed for safety, as crews work to demolish the current bridge deck above.

Both northbound and southbound travelers exiting the freeway will only be able to make right turns from the ramps on to Stoddard Creek Road. Drivers cannot turn left and travel underneath the closed bridge. This restriction will remain in effect until work is completed, which is estimated to be late spring.

The recreational parking area west of the Stoddard Creek Exit is only directly available for southbound I-15 drivers. Northbound traffic needing to access the recreational parking area should proceed six miles to Humprey Exit 190, then head back southbound to exit at Stoddard Creek. From this direction, a right turn to the parking area can be safely completed.

Updates on this closure and construction can be found on the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.

‘The Salt Seeing Eye:’ the snowplow driver’s crystal ball

A hand points out the screens inside the cab of a snowplow, one of which shows the truck bed holding salt.

If we each had a crystal ball, just think of all the time, money, pain or heartache we could save!

While not exactly a crystal ball, Idaho Transportation Department plow operator Skylerr Valentine, with help from the Idaho Falls shed crew, has come up with an innovation that’s a little bit close. Well, for ITD operations folks in terms of work that is.

Valentine pondered on the fact that while plowing, he would need to make multiple stops through his route to climb up the truck bed and see how much salt was left. This of course involved pulling over, getting out of the cab and physically climbing on the heavy equipment. On newer dump/ plow trucks, a small ladder is fitted to the side of the bed. On older ones that still operate in force across the state, this salt check involves navigating from the stairs of the cab across to one of the rims of the truck bed. Valentine actually once fell while doing just that.

He figured that surely a camera could be installed to show down into the sander box that holds augers and salt. This would allow salt levels to be monitored visually just like wing plows are. He happened to be aware of a truck in east Idaho that was on the surplus sale line and talked to ITD Fleet Manager Dalton Rice about using the outdated wing plow camera from it to test out this innovative idea.

With the help of the entire Idaho Falls crew and ITD electricians Josh Harris and Justin Romrell, that older camera was mounted to the truck bed and wired around, then into the cab, with concern for easy disconnect points to retain dump truck functionality. The smaller screen of the unit was mounted inside, just underneath the tablet typically used by plow operators. Valentine dubbed it the “Salt Seeing Eye.”

“It was a lot of work, figuring it all out just right,” he said. “We really tried to make sure it was waterproof and could stand up to the elements. I wanted to see it put to the test this winter.”

Tablets equipped inside plow trucks show drivers video of where their wing is at, and relay salt and brine output numbers right on the screen. They don’t, however, indicate when salt in the truck bed is gone. Those numbers keep on ticking, and the operator keeps on driving, thinking he’s covering the road when in fact, he’s sure not.

Multiple times Valentine, and surely other operators anywhere, would stop to check salt levels in the bed, only to see that it’s empty and have no idea how long it had been. Then begins backtracking to determine where to pick back up with salt application, essentially doing the same thing over again and wasting time.

“I would make a 70-mile round trip, having run out but no idea where,” Valentine said. “I had no idea how long ago it had been or how many miles really had nothing on the road.”

There are formulas and historical knowledge that can help operators determine just how far so much salt will cover. Let it be said that ITD operations folks could certainly be given science and math degrees for the calculations they’ve mastered when it comes to doing the work they do. They rely on the output readings on the tablet in each truck also. Where those reading don’t stop even if the salt is empty, calibrations aren’t without a significant margin of error though.

“This could really help us find discrepancies in our calibrations,” Idaho Falls Operations Foreman Jared Loosli said. “It has the potential to save a lot of money when it comes to salt ordering.”

This winter, Valentine has indeed had the chance to put the new tool to the test. While plowing the five-lane section of US-20 west of Idaho Falls, he’s determined from the safety of the cab that he can in fact make one more pass on his route, where he normally would have stopped to check or headed back to the shed to refill.

The “Salt Seeing Eye” may not be the crystal ball that can help any one of us avoid bad personal life decisions, unfortunately. But with substantial time saved while snowplows are out doing the vital work they do, increased safety for operators that would no longer have to climb on heavy equipment in slick winter conditions, and visible cost savings through more accurate salt use calculations, this innovation certainly has the potential to greatly benefit operations across Idaho.

Ideally, this camera could come standard on all new ITD trucks and be paired with the typical tablet, becoming one of the options right on the screen operators use now.

US-26 Clark Hill Rest Area bathrooms to close through February

The stone building containing bathroom facilities at Clark Hill Rest Area along US-26 between Ririe and Swan Valley.

Bathroom facilities at the Clark Hill Rest Area along U.S. Highway 26 between Ririe and Swan Valley will close beginning Monday through February 28 for the Idaho Transportation Department to make repairs and upgrades to the facility.

This popular rest area at milepost 357 features a view of the South Fork of the Snake River. The parking lot and scenic overlook will remain open, with the buildings themselves out of service as repairs, deep cleaning and painting are completed in preparation for the busy summer months.

The closure will be noted and updates can be found on the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov. The nearest rest area/public bathrooms can be found at Hilltop gas station in Ririe.

Lower speed limits take effect on SH-48 east of Rigby

ITD and City of Rigby crews work roadside on SH-48 in preparation for furthering a 45 mph speed zone east of Rigby that takes effect next week.

RIGBY— The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) on Thursday will be extending the limits of a lower 45 mph speed limit zone on SH-48 about two miles east of US-20 to Road 4200 East.

ITD crews along with the city of Rigby are placing multiple new signs, including driver speed feedback signs, all in an effort to improve safety along this stretch of SH-48. Motorists should watch for the updated signs and orange caution flags.

These changes are a result of several working group meetings conducted over the past months with the ITD Chief Operations Officer and district managers, Jefferson County Commissioners, the city of Rigby and local legislators. The group is focused on enhancing traffic relief, long-term planning discussions and near-term highway solutions for the local community.

Road conditions and status for SH-48 and all major Idaho roads can be found by using the Idaho 511 app, or visiting 511.idaho.gov.

ITD partnering with Jefferson County to make immediate and future traffic improvements

RIGBY—The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) chief operations officer with district managers joined local state legislators and Jefferson County commissioners in November and December meetings as a working group to enhance traffic relief discussions to bring new improvements to local communities over the next ten years.

Amidst increasing traffic and growth statewide, ITD has been meeting with interested local officials to share long-range regional planning concepts and discuss the near-term highway solutions to partner on addressing traffic and safety concerns. At the recent council meetings, the working group outlined how ITD and county staff will team together to add a signal on SH-48 at Road 4000 East within two years to address school traffic congestion issues. The group agreed on the benefits of extending the limits of a lower 45 mph speed limit zone on SH-48 about two miles east of US-20 to Road 4200 East, in coordination with law enforcement to enhance safety for drivers approaching the new signal.

The signal installation design will be led by Jefferson County in partnership with city, ITD and school district officials. It will be jointly funded and should be ready for starting construction in the fall of 2025 or by spring 2026. Engineers expect the new signal to operate similar to the SH-48 and 3800 East signal near Rigby Middle School.

“I’m impressed with the quick progress in our recent meetings due to the strong local partnerships with our ITD District 6 team,” said ITD Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney. “We appreciated the leadership of Representatives Furniss and Raymond who joined us with county commissioners to define concerns and discuss solutions, looking ahead for timely traffic improvements to help our communities.”

Other discussion topics included regional needs for future traffic congestion relief on SH-48, improvements on US-20 at County Line Road and on US-20 a possible overcrossing at Road 200 as the region continues to grow in population. These planning discussions will continue in monthly meetings with ITD and local partners in 2025.

Southbound I-15 traffic being detoured around closed Stoddard Creek bridge

Snowy I-15 southbound roadway with road closure blockade signs and lights in place at Exit 184, Stoddard Creek.

DUBOIS—Southbound travelers on Interstate 15 are being detoured around the Stoddard Creek Bridge at Exit 184, which has been closed due to a damaged and deteriorating road surface. Interstate traffic is being slowed to 45 mph and directed onto the ramps so drivers can proceed over and through without stopping.

The Idaho Transportation Department has closed W. Camas Creek Road under the bridge to allow for this detour. Operations engineers and facilities managers are monitoring the path to ensure smooth passage for vehicles and semis.

Major improvements to the Stoddard Creek Bridge were already planned for early next spring. With the bridge condition worsening substantially, these have been advanced to start in January. Repairs are expected to take several months, with this closure in place until spring.

The Idaho Transportation Department Dubois maintenance crew and other operations personnel are monitoring the closure daily. Traffic control devices are also weighted and placed to avoid being covered by snow removal efforts. ITD will make necessary changes and efforts to keep traffic in this area moving safely through the winter.

Road updates and status can be found at 511.idaho.gov or on the Idaho 511 app.

ITD is on the job plowing snow: Here’s what you should know

Snowplow on SH-28 plowing snow and creating a plume to the side.

EAST IDAHO— With snowy conditions foreseeably here to stay, the Idaho Transportation Department is committed to keeping motorists safe. In eastern Idaho, maintenance crews are now working around the clock shifts from the Utah to Montana state lines as needed.

These 17 crews across eastern Idaho keep more than 4,300 lane miles of state highways and interstates as clear as possible all winter long. Plowing that amount of roadway means patience and caution from the public are important.

“We have high confidence in our plow teams,” ITD Operations Engineer Jeremie Pettingill said. “Winter driving does take some planning though. Slow down and be aware. Know that we’re prepared and doing the very best we can.”

ITD aims to keep roads bare 70% of the time during storms. The wind conditions in east Idaho often make that unrealistic and are the primary cause of road closures through the winter.

Closures are put in place only when conditions are unsafe. Roads are also only closed as long as necessary. Closures allow operators to be more efficient getting snow cleaned up, braving the elements as they do.

ITD reminds motorists across east Idaho to use common safe winter driving practices:

Brush and scrape your windows before driving. Starting the defrost in your vehicle well before you leave is very helpful.
Slow way down! Speed limits are based on ideal conditions and aren’t appropriate during winter weather.
Maintain substantial distance between yourself and other drivers—don’t follow closely.
Stay calm and don’t make sudden wheel movements in icy conditions.
Don’t use cruise control in the winter.
Obey posted road closure signs and lights—finding a back way to access closed roads is dangerous and delays plow work to get them re-opened! Remember roads are only closed for good reason. Unexpected traffic and crashes significantly delay getting the road re-opened.
Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle with supplies like water, lights, warm clothes and blankets, etc.
When you see plows, give them room to work. That means leaving plenty of following distance, not crowding them and letting them lead the way. Last winter, 17 plow strike occurred across Idaho, most often due to drivers attempting to pass.
Know before you go by checking conditions at 511.idaho.gov or on the Idaho 511 app. Cameras can show you exactly what to expect on certain roadways, and conditions are updated multiple times a day.

ITD and ISP to host winter driving classes

Photograph showing class for winter driver safety

EASTERN IDAHO – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Idaho State Police (ISP), as well as Chubbuck and Bonneville County Police Departments are teaming up to provide free, informative and engaging winter driving safety classes through November as the region prepares for icy roads and adverse weather.

While these courses are beneficial for drivers of all ages and skill levels, they are especially geared to young drivers and anyone new to the area who may be preparing for their first winter driving season.

The course will be taught by ISP Troopers, local law enforcement officers and ITD Operators, covering a wide range of topics from proper vehicle preparation, equipment, road conditions, driving tips, crashes, and snowplow safety.

Participants who attend the course will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible for a 10% discount on a set of new snow tires at participating Les Schwab Tires locations.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Rocky Mt, Middle School Auditorium

3443 N. Ammon Rd.

Idaho Falls, ID

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Chubbuck City Hall

290 East Linden Ave.

Chubbuck, ID

Seating is limited and classes are filling up quickly! Attendees should register online-click here for the Idaho Falls class or click here for the Chubbuck class to reserve a seat. Additional courses may be scheduled at a later date.

Final full closure for US-20 Rexburg interchange starts tomorrow

US-20 Exit 333 at Rexburg, road closed sign in place with construction equipment surrounding

REXBURG— U.S. Highway 20 Exit 333 for Main Street in Rexburg will fully close beginning tomorrow. This closure allows crews to complete final paving operations and marks the last time Rexburg exits are expected to close for the construction of new diverging diamond interchanges. Exit 333 will be re-opened as soon as paving and striping work is finished, on or before October 29.

“Our goal was to have these projects completed by late fall and that really is going to happen,” Project Manager Conner Huffaker said. “We’re so grateful to the Rexburg community for their support and patience.”

After re-opening, construction efforts at Exit 333 will be largely off the roadway, with only limited lane closures from that point on. Motorists can expect some interruptions as work continues toward final completion, though they will be short lived.

With construction efforts winding down, motorists will also see improvements to timing for the traffic signals at both Exits 332 and 333. Engineers will make signal adjustments until the movement of the new interchanges is ideal for typical traffic flow.

Since March, the Idaho Transportation Department and contractor partners have been working to complete the massive undertaking of rebuilding Exits 332 and 333 in Rexburg. Both exits are now operating diverging diamond interchanges that are expected to resolve former traffic concerns in the Rexburg area.

Cold weather paving in Idaho: how we do it and why it works

Paving, compacting and temperature testing occurring in Idaho with Fall leaves in the background.

The Idaho Transportation Department is overseeing more road construction than ever before. This work continues as temperatures are cooling and the ice and snow make their all-to-soon appearance. How does ITD successfully pave a road and have one of the shortest summer seasons in the country? Materials engineering and testing actually do make it possible.

Before asphalt pavement is ever laid, the surface where it needs to go is sprayed with a binder that will make it stick. This is called tack, a liquid made of oil and water. Tack must naturally break apart to become adhesive, separating as it lays across the surface where paving will happen. As it breaks, tack turns from a brown color to darker black, indicating that breaking has happened, and asphalt can be laid on top.

On the warmest of Idaho summer days, tack breaks in about ten minutes. When it’s colder, it can take hours. Still, with the right process, tack will break. ITD just knows it takes longer and plans accordingly.

Hot mixed asphalt is combined in a hot plant that can heat the components—crushed gravel and oil—to more than 300 degrees. This is dumped from a truck and spread using a paver, then compacted with a roller. ITD inspectors are on site anytime the contractor is, testing temperatures, compaction and much more to ensure that taxpayers get their money’s worth out of each project.

For quality compaction on state highways and interstates, the process must occur between 240-280 degrees. On warm summer days, asphalt must sit for a while after being spread before it is cool enough to be compacted. On colder days, asphalt loads hauled from hot plants are covered in transit to retain the most amount of heat. The asphalt will then be spread, and the roller follows closely behind to compact immediately before the material has cooled too much. All century-old, effective tricks of the trade in action.

“We don’t loosen up our requirements just because it gets cold,” ITD Materials Engineering Manager Mark Hayes said. “All contractors are held to the same quality materials standards and only operate when there are ways to do it right.”

Most of Idaho’s state highways run through rural areas, far removed from permanent hot plant locations. This fall, paving is occurring on State Highway 28 between Leadore and Salmon. The closest permanent hot plant sits in Idaho Falls, nearly four hours away. Enter the mobile hot plant erected by contractors at the ITD Leadore gravel pit, less than five miles from where the asphalt needs to be delivered.

In Rexburg, where paving is still occurring on multiple interchanges off U.S. Highway 20, the contractor’s permanent hot plant lies in Teton, less than ten miles away. Planning to have these proximities ensures that temperature requirements are met, and paving can be done successfully both earlier and later in the year.

Of course, there comes a cold enough ambient daily temperature that means paving operations are simply no longer viable. ITD requires that the temperature be 40 degrees and rising for paving to happen, which can result in fewer hours to pave during the fall but still allows a window of work. The right equipment, materials, planning, testing and operating tricks of the trade make it so ITD and contractors can pave with quality even when it is colder outside.

When you see paving equipment and a compacting roller working close together while your heater is on inside your car, know that ITD and the industry have the brief Idaho summers and cold Idaho temperatures on tap. That new road surface will meet the same metrics as summer paving, ensuring it lasts for many years to come.