US-20 Exit 333 to remain closed through Labor Day

US-20 Exit 333 into Rexburg with construction markers and road closed barricades in place.

U.S. Highway 20 Exit 333 for Rexburg will remain closed through Labor Day weekend and into next week. Contractors and crews have encountered multiple difficulties on site, including the breakage and repair of a main sewer line last week, causing unanticipated delays. The Idaho Transportation Department is now committed to Exit 333 being open ahead of the influx of university traffic on Friday, September 13.

While this primary exit into Rexburg has been closed during the month of August, ITD and contractor partners have repaired and rebuilt multiple city utilities, constructed and repaired drainage and irrigation systems, as well as removed and reconfigured the road itself. This work takes additional operational time now but will save city and community partners from having to close the roadway for infrastructure needs in the future.

“We know that Rexburg has endured a lot with construction this summer,” Project Manager Conner Huffaker said. “We hope people will continue to be patient for just a little longer and know that the end outcome will be a major improvement for the long-term future.”

Completion of all work on both Exit 332 for University Boulevard and Exit 333 for Main Street is still expected to be completed by late fall. Motorists should plan for continued construction near the interchanges until that time, with at least one lane of traffic open in both directions.

Exit 333 will reopen with the same diverging diamond interchange design as is now operating at exit 332. This traffic pattern is far more efficient than what was in place before and will greatly improve travel to and from Rexburg.

Further details about this project and how to drive the new design can be found at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us20rexburg.

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

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host two public meetings next week to share developments and seek public input for the preliminary environmental study of U.S. Highway 20 between Ashton and the State Highway 87 junction.

The purpose and need of the corridor study is to enhance highway safety and operations by decreasing crash severity, addressing traffic growth, improving access management and addressing regional freight movement.

Following a two-year process that included significant analysis and public involvement, including a stakeholder screening group, several improvement options are recommended to move forward and will be on display at the public meetings. The options included various four-lane highway alternatives being considered.

The option of adding more alternate passing lanes was determined by the stakeholder screening group to be least beneficial and will likely not be recommended to proceed because it does not meet the purpose and need requirements of improved safety and mobility. Future traffic data estimates indicate this option has excessive congestion and travel delays by 2050 and a concern by engineers that this inconsistent lanes design over 40 miles of mountain highway with more than 10,000 vehicles a day during peak season creates high risk crash zones at multiple traffic merge areas versus other options reviewed.

The study is a first step in efforts to reduce congestion, enhance safety, and improve mobility throughout the region. Public input is important to the process and ITD welcomes feedback on study alternatives. Recommendations from the study may be used or adopted into future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) studies, which will also include community outreach and public engagement opportunities. Funding beyond the PEL study has not been identified.

ITD experts will be available to answer questions and discuss the alternatives and timeline of the study. The format and content will be the same at both meetings. The locations are:

Ashton Community Center and Library

925 Main Street
Ashton, ID 83420

August 21, 2024
5 – 7 p.m.

Island Park EMS Building
4378 County Circle
August 22, 2024
5 – 7 p.m.

For those who can’t attend in person, an online meeting will be available from August 22 – September 5 at itdprojects.org/projects/us-20-ashton-to-sh-87-jct.

US-20 Main Street Exit in Rexburg to fully close Monday

Construction at Rexburg Exit 333, which will be fully closed on Monday, July 22 through August

The Main Street Exit for Rexburg on U.S. Highway 20 will fully close beginning next Monday. The closure at Exit 333 will allow the Idaho Transportation Department to efficiently construct a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) like the one now operating at University Boulevard (Exit 332). The closure is expected to last through the month of August.

All ramps at Exit 333, as well as Main Street between the ramps, will be closed to traffic and detoured to nearby interchanges. Through traffic on US-20 will be unaffected during construction.

Detours include Thornton (Exit 328), University Boulevard (Exit 332), and North Rexburg (Exit 337). A new permanent traffic signal will be in place and operating to aid the flow of traffic at the North Rexburg Exit prior to this closure. One-lane closures are in effect at the University Boulevard Exit while construction efforts continue there.

“We thank everyone for their patience and understanding in dealing with road construction in Rexburg this summer,” Project Manager Conner Huffaker said. “We really are trying to keep traffic flowing and minimize the impact on people as much as possible. There’s a lot to get done in a short amount of time and all of it will make travel in Rexburg better once it is.”

Businesses near the Main Street Exit remain open, with alternate access available and signed. Construction crews will also coordinate with emergency responders to ensure access through the closed work zone when needed.

The city of Rexburg and ITD completed a cooperative agreement during the planning phase of this project to have the contractor complete city requested work items, including a sewer repair during road construction. Crews will insert a manhole and repair a damaged sewer pipe so that additional closure for this needed infrastructure work won’t have to occur in the future.

Construction of all Rexburg US-20 interchanges is expected to be fully complete in late October. More details about this project can be found at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us20rexburg.

Pavement repairs begin across eastern Idaho this summer

Pavement improvements on east Idaho road

The Idaho Transportation Department is utilizing the summer window of opportunity to resurface and repair several roadways across eastern Idaho. Pavement overlays and repairs increase the strength and longevity of our roads, helping them to better withstand the weather conditions in this region. Beginning mid-July, motorists can expect to see traffic limited to one lane as needed in the following work zones:

Interstate 15, milepost 112 at Bingham County line to Exit 119 at U.S. Highway 20 Interchange. Work in this area through Idaho Falls will be conducted at night from 8 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Traffic will be limited to one lane intermittently in both directions where crews are actively working. Work is expected to last approximately three weeks.

I-15 Exit 119 to Exit 143 at Sage Junction. Traffic will also be limited to one lane intermittently in both directions where crews are actively working. Work on this section of the interstate will be conducted during daytime hours and last until mid-October.

US-20 from milepost 264 at Bonneville County line to milepost 301 at the Idaho National Laboratory junction. Beginning mid-July, patch and repair work will be underway, with flaggers and one-lane closures in the working area. This section of road will also undergo a seal coat later in August. Work is expected to be complete by mid-August.

State Highway 28 milepost 101 at Lemhi River Bridge to milepost 125 at Baker, and milepost 305 to 306 on SH-93 in Salmon. These pavement projects require that a mobile hot mix plant be set up closer to the area of work so asphalt temperatures can be kept where they need to be to correctly build the road. This operation entails equipment parts and pieces being hauled with large transport trucks and then constructed at the Leadore state gravel pit. Once the plant is set up and operational, work is anticipated to last approximately eight weeks. Expect one-lane closures along SH-28 with pilot cars and flaggers in place.

SH-93 milepost 108 at Mackay to milepost 115 at Mackay Reservoir, and milepost 139 at Willow Creek Summit to SH-75 junction. Traffic will be limited to one lane intermittently using pilot cars and flaggers in the current working area. Both lanes will be open again overnight. Work is expected to begin late July and last until mid-September.

US-26 northeast of Craters of the Moon visitor center from milepost 230- 240. This section of road will be dug out and replaced with new pavement. Pilot cars and flaggers will direct traffic through one lane. Work is expected to be complete in just six days, beginning in early August.

Remember to use caution and stay alert when traveling through work zones. Up-to-date information on these projects is available by visiting 511.idaho.gov, dialing 5-1-1, or downloading the 511 app.

US-20 Exit 332 to re-open in Rexburg, expect continued construction

Graphic of US-20 Exit 332 detailing how to drive through a diverging diamond interchange

University Boulevard Exit 332 in Rexburg will re-open by Wednesday morning. The exit has been closed since May 29 to allow the Idaho Transportation Department and contractor partners to efficiently construct a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) that will improve traffic flow and safety.

Motorists should be aware that work to finish construction at Exit 332 will be ongoing until mid-October. Paving, striping, infrastructure, and beautification efforts will create the need for occasional lane closures. One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open during these instances.

With Exit 332 re-opened, Rexburg Main Street Exit 333 will be fully closed beginning in late July so the same DDI traffic flow can be built there. More information about that closure will follow in the future.

Stay up to date on further status of this project and others by visiting 511.idaho.gov, calling 5-1-1 or downloading the app.

Idaho Transportation Department seeks feedback on draft seven-year transportation plan

Drone shot of I-90 weaving through the mountains in North Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is seeking feedback on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The ITIP outlines the state’s transportation priorities and guides investment decisions for the next seven years through 2031. ITD encourages everyone to review the draft and provide comments July 1-31.

Transportation projects included in the draft ITIP range from large-scale interstate improvements to smaller projects like the installation of new guardrail. Projects are located throughout Idaho’s 44 counties and involve all modes of transportation. Project selection is determined through technical data, as well as input from local officials and residents.

Visit itd.idaho.gov/funding to view an interactive map to learn about projects and submit a comment through the portal.

This draft ITIP shows plans for $6.9 billion in funding, including $200 million dedicated to pavements and $100 million dedicated to bridges each year.

Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney confirmed, “With the growth of traffic accelerating the need for improvements and the impacts of inflating costs since 2020, the added annual investment in highway pavement and bridge repairs proposed in this draft ITIP plan will provide the Idaho Transportation Board effective options to consider looking ahead for Idaho.”

Comments can be emailed to itipcomments@itd.idaho.gov, recorded at 208-334-8063 or mailed to:

ITIP – Comments
Attn: Abby Peterson
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID  83707

Paper copies of the ITIP will be available at regional offices and provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department at 208-334-4455.

All comments will be reviewed and incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate. Responses will be sent by September.

After approval by the Idaho Transportation Board in September, the ITIP will then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency in October.

Public input is crucial in ensuring that the ITIP includes the prioritized needs of Idaho’s communities.

Alternatives for US-20 east of Ashton to be evaluated in screening process next week

US-20 running through part of the Island Park area

The Idaho Transportation Department will host a meeting Tuesday, June 18, with community officials, federal and state agencies, and technical staff as planned to evaluate alternatives as a part of the ongoing Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study for U.S. Highway 20 between Ashton and the State Highway 87 junction.

ITD initiated a preliminary environmental study and public engagement process in 2021 to examine ways to make US-20 a safer roadway and reliable connection to adjacent communities, Yellowstone National Park, and the region. During development of a PEL study, alternatives undergo three levels of screening based on a range of criteria, including safety, traffic, capacity, and multiple environmental factors. Screening is done in concert with local communities before seeking federal approval to begin an environmental impact study on a smaller number of recommended alternatives. This screening meeting is the third in the three-year process.

An open house will be held this fall to present the findings of the screening and to gather public comments. The Idaho Transportation Board will consider options to move forward to the environmental impacts study phase at a meeting later this year. For more information about the project and the PEL process, please visit the project websites at us20ashtonto87.com and itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us-20-ashton-to-sh-87-jct.

ITD making changes to ensure detour routes for the Teton Pass stay open

Cars traveling along Idaho State Highway 31, part of the detour route while Wyoming Highway 22 over Teton Pass is closed.

Idaho Transportation Department maintenance workers from St. Anthony, Driggs, and Ashton have switched schedules to provide around-the-clock coverage for detours established after the closure of Wyoming State Highway 22 over Teton Pass on June 8.

Drivers are being routed to Idaho State Highway 31 over Pine Creek Pass to Swan Valley, U.S. Highway 26 to Alpine, and US-89 toward Hoback Junction. Crews start the day at 3 a.m. ahead of most commuter traffic. Already these efforts have taken care of roadkill, found and moved an overturned car, and alerted farmers of escaped livestock on the road.

“We’re trying to keep the road and the public safe as best we can with increased traffic,” Operations Foreman Lucas Richins said. “We need people to be on their toes, watching for all the signs, driving patiently and planning extra time to travel due to the congestion.”

Digital message boards are in place at all intersections and areas needed in advance of the detour route. All drivers should be on the lookout for these digital signs that will be updated frequently.

In addition, ITD is staying in coordination with Idaho State Police to help minimize response times to accidents. Drivers should be aware that speed trailers and increased ISP patrols will be in effect.

Guardrail repair and fiber installation efforts along SH-31 have been completed or paused to eliminate any traffic delays.

“We’re doing everything we can to try and make this situation as good as it can be,” said Bryan Young, the acting District Engineer.

Stay up to date on status of the Teton Pass detour routes by visiting 511.idaho.gov, calling 5-1-1 or downloading the app. Travelers can also refer to the Wyoming Department of Transportation Media Kit for daily updates.

ITD assists WYDOT as travelers must detour with closure of Teton Pass

ITD crews and equipment assist WYDOT during initial stages of the landslide that caused the catastrophic failure and closure of the Teton Pass.

With the catastrophic failure of Wyoming State Highway 22 over Teton Pass, the Idaho Transportation Department is cautioning Idaho drivers and tourists they must detour in order to access Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Teton Pass closure will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. ITD crews and equipment were on scene helping the Wyoming Department of Transportation when the road failed and will continue to assist as needed.

“They called immediately, we started on our side and they started on theirs,” ITD Operations Foreman Lucas Richins said. “It was a good team effort. We’re here to support on our side however we can to make it less strenuous.”

Richins said that seven ITD dump trucks hauled 80-90 loads of material from the massive landslide on Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8. The loads were taken to a turnout a few miles away until it’s determined what will happen with reconstruction and cleanup efforts.

Travelers should use State Highway 31 to U.S. Highway 26 and then turn left in Alpine onto U.S. Highway 89 toward Hoback Junction. This route means drivers should plan an additional 30-75 minutes of travel time.

ITD has placed and will continually update digital message boards along east Idaho roads warning travelers of this closure well in advance so alternate routes can be taken. SH-31 will also be monitored daily to assess effects and needs with added road usage.

Stay up to date on this closure and other road information by dialing 5-1-1, visiting 511.idaho.gov, or accessing the 511 app.

Two projects starting Monday will cause delays on SH-33 in Teton valley

State Highway 33 between mileposts 151 and 152 where a new passing lane will be constructed.

Two projects are set to begin Monday to create a center mumble strip and add a passing lane on State Highway 33. Motorists will experience lane closures and delays at various times through the summer.

A mumble strip along the center line of SH-33 will be added to increase safety and avoid collisions from the intersection of State Highway 32 to the Wyoming state line. The mumble strip will not be added within the city limits of Tetonia, Driggs and Victor. All striping will also be redone. This project will close one lane in the current work area and be complete within two weeks. Mumble strips are similar to rumble strips but are rounded so noise is heard by the driver and less by surrounding homes and businesses.

Work on the addition of a passing lane, center and right turn lanes and the realignment of Baseline Road along SH-33 between Victor and Teton Pass also begins Monday. Drivers should plan for delays between 15 and 30 minutes as temporary signals will alternate traffic through the work zone from mileposts 151 to 153. Crews will remove outdated concrete cattle underpasses and widen the road to ultimately give motorists a chance to pass slow-moving vehicles before entering Teton Pass. This work will be complete mid to late-September.

Motorists should remember to use caution and be patient through construction zones as the Idaho Transportation Department and contractors work to make the road better for the future. Stay up to date on status of these projects and others by visiting 511.idaho.gov, calling 5-1-1 or downloading the app.