Repaving project on US-20 in Island Park

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin repaving on US Highway 20 through Island Park on August 14 and is expected to last until late September.

Repaving will take place on the 17.6 mile stretch of US-20 from Pine Haven Drive North to Island Park Lodge between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The roadway will be reduced to one lane in alternating shifts to allow traffic flow. During this time there will be flaggers on the road as well as a pilot car to lead traffic approximately two and a half miles each shift. This will continue until the project is completed in late September.

Repaving is important to maintaining the roadways. Heavy traffic takes a toll on both concrete and asphalt, producing ruts and surface generated cracks. Road resurfacing increases the safety of our roadways and contributes to longevity and clarity of road markings.

Drivers are encouraged to obey traffic laws, traffic signs, and construction signs while traveling through work zones.

For updates on traffic impacts on state highways and interstates, drivers should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling.

Repairs on South Fork Teton River Bridge in Rexburg

REXBURG—The Idaho Transportation Department will begin resurfacing the South Fork Teton River Bridge on State Highway 33 on July 31, with repairs expected to last until the end of August.

Repairs will replace the surface of the bridge to extend the life of the bridge. In addition, the sidewalk and walls will undergo minor work.

One lane will be closed in each direction, and drivers will not be able to make left turns within the work zone. Pedestrians will be able to cross the bridge throughout construction and access to nearby businesses will also remain open.

For updates on traffic impacts on state highways and interstates, drivers should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling.

Bridge repair on North 26th West Bridge in Idaho Falls begin July 31

IDAHO FALLS-The West 49^th North Bridge over I-15 will close for two weeks starting Monday for repairs

No through traffic allowed between North 26th West (Old Butte Rd) and Lindsay Boulevard during construction.

Resurfacing and other repairs will prolong the life of the West 49^th Bridge and will make it safer for travelers.

Drivers are encouraged to obey traffic laws, traffic signs, and construction signs while traveling through work zones.

For updates on traffic impacts on state highways and interstates, drivers should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling.

Leading Idaho funds Rigby Airport Taxiway

The latest small community airport in Idaho to benefit from Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho initiative is the Rigby Airport. The $373,000 improvements included a new taxiway. Leading Idaho enables the Division of Aeronautics to make these worthwhile projects possible financially.

The Rigby Airport’s economic impact includes 66 jobs, $5.4M in GDP, and $11.5M in total output, according to the 2020 Idaho Economic Impact Analysis Update Report.

“It was imperative that we installed the parallel taxiway in the name of safety and constantly increasing traffic every year as the airport became appealing for a growing and vibrant aviation population,” said Rigby Airport Manager Mike Byers.

Byers added that the new taxiway was a long time coming.

“The taxiway was originally planned to be installed in 1977, but due to budget constraints, we had to shelf the project year after year. Thanks to the Idaho Division of Aeronautics, Rigby airport is now safer and able to bring sustainable growth to the city.”

The new taxiway had been identified again in the airport’s 2010 Master Plan.

As part of Governor 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.

Airplanes pictured at the Rigby Airport, above.

Public invited to view latest information on study to improve US-20 from Ashton to SH-87

RIGBY — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host two public meetings in late June to share project developments for the U.S. Highway 20 (US-20) corridor between Ashton and the State Highway 87 (SH-87) junction.

These meetings will provide an update on the study and gather feedback from the public.

Welcome messages will be given at 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. and the remainder of each meeting will be an open house, including visualizations and computer mapping stations. The format and content will be the same at both meetings. Please plan to attend at one of the following locations:

Ashton Community Center and Library
925 Main Street | Ashton, ID 83420

June 26, 2023 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Island Park EMS Building
4378 County Circle | Island Park, ID 83429

June 27, 2023 | 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

For those who can’t attend in person, an online meeting will be available from June 27 – July 13, 2023 at itdprojects.org/projects/us-20-ashton-to-sh-87-jct/.

Bridge repairs underway on US-20 in Idaho Falls

Bridge repairs are underway on U.S. Highway 20 in Idaho Falls at the bridge over Riverside Drive.

Eastbound traffic will be reduced to one lane for approximately one week while crews repair the expansion joints.

The speed limit will be reduced to 35 mph.

The lane closure will remain in effect even when crews are not on site to allow the new concrete to cure.

More extensive repairs to the bridge are needed and planned for later this summer.

For updates on traffic impacts on state highways and interstates, drivers should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling.

Idahoans value work zone safety

The Idaho Transportation Department is joining states across the country for National Work Zone Awareness Week. The national and state campaigns this week are designed to raise awareness and educate the public about the safety measures we can all take in work zones, and how we are all responsible for work zone safety.

From 2017 to 2021, Idaho saw 3,119 crashes in work zones resulting in 36 deaths, stressing the need for this year’s theme: “You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.”

This special week includes a schedule of activities; everyone is encouraged to go orange for safety on Wednesday and observe a moment of silence on Friday for those who have died in work zones.

“Work zone safety is drivers and highway workers cooperating together to slow down and improve safety,” said Dan McElhinney, Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer for ITD. “ITD employees and contractors design traffic control with signs, cones, beacons or reduced speed limits to help guide vehicles through these hazard zones, knowing we really appreciate drivers being engaged without distractions for success. Let’s all get home safely every day.”

Work zone crashes are preventable. The top three causes of crashes from 2017 to 2021 were following too closely, distracted or inattentive driving and failing to yield.

Drivers should:

Plan ahead – Check 511.idaho.gov before you go to plan your route. Expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible.
Slow down– drive the posted speed limits.
Pay attention– both to workers directing you and surrounding traffic.

Other safety tips and videos are available at itd.idaho.gov/travel.

New signal at US-20 and SH-47 in Ashton to be activated Thursday

Photo taken by Taeli Elordi

The Idaho Transportation Department will activate the new signal at US Highway 20 and State Highway 47 this Thursday to make the intersection safer.

“Last year we were able to add new turn lanes at this intersection to make it more efficient,” ITD Engineering Manager Bryan Young said. “Turning on the signal will be the last change we make to the intersection and make it easier for drivers on SH-47 to turn on to US-20 without making any risky maneuvers.”

Testing will be done beforehand to make sure everything is in working order to have the signal running properly on Thursday. Crews will close lanes on both highways for several hours a time to test the signal, as well as to apply pavement markings to help drivers understand the new layout of the intersection.

Safety is the main concern. Please be aware of crews on the road and drive with caution.

For updates on traffic impacts on state highways and interstates, drivers should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling.

ITD Snowplow Strikes ISP Patrol Car

SWAN VALLEY – An Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) snowplow struck an Idaho State Police (ISP) patrol car at approximately 8:30 this morning during white-out conditions. The incident occurred in the westbound lane on U.S. Highway 26 near Swan Valley.

The patrol car was occupied by two ISP troopers who were at the scene of an earlier crash when the snowplow rear-ended the patrol car. Both troopers were transported by car to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center to be checked out as a precautionary measure.

US-26 was closed in both directions between Ririe and Swan Valley from milepost 355 to milepost 377 due to wind, drifting snow and reduced visibility. There were multiple collisions reported in the region.

“We are grateful that everyone was able to walk away from this crash,” ITD District 6 Engineer Jason Minzghor said. “We appreciate our partners at ISP and our ITD crews out there risking their lives to try and keep the roads as safe as possible during these harsh conditions.”

Several highways were closed in the region due to inclement weather.

Extreme Cold May Result in Additional Road Closures

RIGBY – As extreme cold continues in East Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department is asking motorists to plan ahead and check the 511.idaho.gov website before hitting the roads. “It’s vitally important that drivers are paying close attention to current conditions,” said ITD Public Information Officer Justin Smith. “We always try to keep roads open, but when conditions become unsafe for our plow drivers we have to close the roads to protect everyone.”

Smith also noted that drivers checking the 511 website or using the newly updated version of the 511 app might see a webcam of one portion of the road that looks fine, but other sections may not be safe. “With the changes in altitude at places like the Ashton Hill conditions can be vastly different from Idaho Falls or Henry’s Lake.”

Those changing conditions can also be dangerous. The National Weather Service announced over the weekend that wind chills are dropping to -15°F to -40°F. At -30°F exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 minutes. That means motorists must be sure to have their vehicle serviced. A poorly maintained vehicle can leave someone stranded.

AAA notes (https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/winter-driving-tips/) several other precautions motorists should take:

Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing (including additional clothing for every passenger), a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more.
Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.
Stay home and only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.

It is especially important to consider children, the disabled, and elderly who may be passengers. “Sometimes we forget that children and vulnerable adults do not have the ability to maintain body temperature. Kids like to go out without enough cold weather protection, but parents should ensure there are coats, hats, gloves, and other necessities are available if needed,” Smith said.

This winter has become more challenging as District 6 has lost a number of plow drivers leaving 17 vacant positions open. “We do have a few relief plow drivers to help with the vacancies, but it’s not enough to take the pressure off,” said Bryan Young. “This number includes employees who are retiring or are out for extended health reasons. We do have a few new hires, but they will not be 100% this winter.”

The vacant positions may make it necessary to close roads sooner than motorists may be used to. When fully staffed multiple plow drivers can work the same highway from both directions. However, with fewer plows on the road it may not be possible to keep a road open. This is especially the case where snowfall is heavy and strong winds are blowing.

ITD has also been dealing with numerous plow strikes and drivers making dangerous maneuvers around plows. So far 13 plows have been hit this season. Most of those incidents were related to drivers going too fast for conditions and passing plows on the right.