$5 online license renewal discount, 8-year CDL, and more coming to the DMV on July 1

Several changes are coming to the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on July 1 as new legislation takes effect. These changes will improve customer service and offer more options to Idahoans.

Driver’s License and ID Cards

Customers who are eligible to renew their driver’s license online will get a $5 discount for completing the transaction online.
The requirements for getting a free identification card (ID) for voting have been reduced. Legislation has removed the rule that applicants must not have had a valid driver’s license for 6 months before applying for the free ID.

Commercial Drivers and Vehicles

Commercial drivers will now be able to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for eight years. The previous limit for CDLs was four years. CDLs will also be checked against the National Drug and Alcohol Clearing House.
DMV will now issue two-year weighted registrations for commercial and non-commercial vehicles up to 60,000 lbs. The previous limit was one year.

License Plates

Idaho will offer a Space Force Plate to eligible customers.
All Purple Heart recipients will be able to get a Purple Heart plate for free. Previously the fee exemption only applied to disabled Purple Heart recipients.
Legislation also created a Gadsden Flag “Don’t Tread on Me” plate. Plate sales will help fund educational grants for firearms safety training. While the legislation goes into effect on July 1, per the timeline included in the law, plates will be made available by January 1, 2025.

Driver’s Education

Parents in rural school districts or districts without driver’s education programs will be able to teach the on-the-road portion of driver’s ed. Parents must keep a log of drive time and skills learned. Students will complete the classroom driver’s ed course through the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA). More information is available from the Idaho Department of Education.

Other

The definition of “resident” to get a vehicle registration, title, license, or identification card has been changed from 90 days to 30 days. This does not change the definition of resident for voting purposes.
If an owner wants to sell a vehicle that has no active registration, they can get up to two 30-day temporary registrations for the purpose of selling the vehicle.

Idaho DMV issuing paper tests due to intermittent knowledge test outages

BOISE— The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is experiencing intermittent outages with driver’s knowledge testing stations. Idaho is one of several states impacted by an issue with the driver’s testing stations provided by a vendor.
In a statement provided to the DMV, the vendor’s representatives said, “We are taking immediate action to make architectural changes to alleviate the interruptions in service.”
Idaho uses touch-screen computer stations to give new drivers and new residents the written portion of the Idaho driver’s test, also called the knowledge test.
On May 29, 2024, the DMV created paper tests for when the testing stations go down so customers can keep their appointments and get their credentials. It is up to each driver’s license office to implement the paper tests.
“While paper tests may be old school, they are reliable. We’ll do whatever we can to provide continuity of service for our customers,” explained DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan.
In light of the intermittent outage, the DMV is also exploring options for online testing in the future.

Traffic changes expected for drivers on SH-200 in Kootenai after Fourth of July weekend

Starting after the Fourth of July weekend the signal on State Highway 200 at McGhee Road will be deactivated during working hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday) with flaggers directing traffic between McGhee and Main Street as work begins on the south side of the roadway.

Traffic will be reduced to a single, alternating lane allowing a safe space for work as crews expand the width of the highway to accommodate a continuous center turn lane.

The traffic signal will be re-activated and in use during non-working hours which will allow for the normal flow of traffic overnight and on the weekends.

In mid-August, as the expansion operation continues to the east, temporary signals will take over to safely control the flow of traffic as work continues along the curve between Main Street and 1^st Avenue.

While these temporary signals are in place the potential for traffic delays will increase as they will maintain the single, alternating lane configuration around the clock.

Until mid to late summer drivers should plan for delays up to 15 minutes and are urged to utilize the Idaho 511 system for traffic impact updates.

Patience and caution are appreciated as drivers navigate through the work zone for the safety of motorists and construction crews alike.

Traffic to shift on the US-12 Clearwater Memorial Bridge by end of the week

Picture of the new surface on the Clearwater Memorial Bridge.

Traffic on the U.S. Highway 12 Clearwater Memorial Bridge will switch from the west side to the newly constructed east side of the bridge by the end of this week. Drivers can expect at least two lanes of traffic, one in either direction.

Drivers will travel on the renovated concrete surface while crews shift their attention to the west side. The next stage of construction will mirror what was performed on the east side of the bridge.

With new facilities available on the east side for pedestrians and bicyclists, the shuttle will stop operating after the shift.

The bridge improvements enhance safety and mobility by offering wider travel lanes, shoulders, median and sidewalks. In addition, the new bridge will eliminate current weight restrictions for heavy loads and bring it up to current standards.

Bridge construction will conclude by the end this year. Live traffic impacts across the region can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov, dialing 5-1-1 or downloading the app.

Construction begins Monday on five bridges along the Connector (I-184) in Boise

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is performing maintenance work this summer on five Boise bridges along the Connector (Interstate 184). Crews will start work on the I-184 bridge over Chinden Boulevard on Monday.

The bridges included in this project are:

Curtis Road Interchange
Fairview Avenue eastbound on-ramp over I-184
Orchard Street Bridge
I-184 over Chinden Boulevard
Boise River Bridge

Crews will apply epoxy overlays to seal the driving surface, patch and repair bridge decks, and perform joint work to enhance safety and extend the service life of each bridge. The specific work will vary depending on the bridge. The project is expected to be complete this fall.

Motorists should expect lanes and ramps along I-184 to be restricted or closed overnight and speed limits to be reduced. Check 511.idaho.gov to plan your route in advance.

To learn more about the project or sign up for construction updates, visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/boisebridges, call (208) 391-2979, or text BOISEBRIDGES to 1-866-483-8422.

Five bridges on I-184 will be under construction beginning on Monday 6/21/2024

ITD invites the public to provide input on potential transportation improvements within the Rathdrum Prairie

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites the community to attend a public meeting to learn more about a study to evaluate the state highway and local roadway system within the Rathdrum Prairie. The public will have the opportunity to review a range of potential high-level options to reduce congestion, enhance connectivity and improve mobility in the region.

Join one of two public meetings held in Rathdrum and Hayden. The same information will be shared at both meetings which will be held in an open house format, allowing participants to attend at their convenience. No presentations will be given, but the study team will be available to discuss the information with participants and answer questions.

Public Meetings

Tuesday, June 25

5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Kootenai Technical Education Campus

6838 W. Lancaster Road

Rathdrum, ID 83858

Wednesday, June 26

6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Coeur d’Alene Shrine Club Event Center

1250 Lancaster Road

Hayden, ID 83835

The study is evaluating the state highway and local roadway system within the Rathdrum Prairie stretching from the Washington/Idaho state line to the west, State Highway 53 to the north, Government Way to the east, and Interstate 90 to the south. On the heels of last year’s initial public meeting, community input was collected and helped to shape a range of potential high-level options to optimize existing corridors and develop new routes that will be on display.

An online version of this meeting, including all the same content and information, will be available from June 27 through July 12 at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rathdrum-prairie-pel for those who are unable to attend in person.

This study will follow the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process to consider environmental, community, and economic goals early while planning future projects. ITD will share information about the PEL process and timeline of events at the event or by clicking here to watch a short video.

ITD set to begin replacement of I-90 bridges near Cataldo in late June

View of the bridges on I-90 over the Coeur d'Alene river near Cataldo

The Idaho Transportation Department is set to begin construction in late June to replace both the east and westbound bridges over the Coeur d’Alene River on Interstate 90 near milepost 40 in Cataldo. The current bridges were originally built in 1964 and have reached the end of their service lives.

This summer crews will build crossovers and a temporary bridge over the river to allow crews and equipment safe access to the work zone. Crossovers are sections of temporary pavement that will allow traffic to cross over from one side of the freeway to the other during different phases of construction.

This summer while traveling through the area drivers should expect lane reductions with I-90 being reduced to one lane in each direction. Traffic will remain separated by the median in 2024. In addition, drivers will encounter speed reductions and lane width restrictions through the work zone as well.

Floaters, anglers, and boaters will be affected throughout construction by intermittent access and use restrictions of the Coeur d’Alene river near the work area. More detailed information regarding river access will be available through locally posted signage, as well as on ITD’s project webpage. (https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i90cataldobridges)

“Getting these crossovers built by fall will allow us to hit the ground running next spring with demolition work and allow us to get one of the bridges fully reconstructed to have it open in time for winter,” Project Manager Steve Nettleton said.

This project will be completed in two phases over the course of three years, with one bridge being fully replaced in 2025 and in the other 2026.

Starting in spring of 2025 both lanes of traffic will be shifted onto the westbound bridge allowing for the demolition and reconstruction of the eastbound structure. All lanes on both bridges will be open for winter travel.

The following spring, in 2026, this process will be repeated. Traffic will shift onto the newly constructed eastbound bridge, allowing for the demolition and replacement of the westbound structure.

Ongoing information will be available on the ITD project website. Real-time traffic impacts and updates for this work zone will be available at Idaho 511, either online or through the app on any smart device.

Users are also encouraged to sign up for email updates to stay in the know about key information, project milestones and significant upcoming impacts.

Click here to watch a short video about this project.

Drivers urged to plan ahead as several projects set to kick off on SH-55

SH-55 between Horseshoe Bend and Avimor.

Idaho drivers are urged to plan ahead when traveling north of Eagle this summer as the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is advancing several projects along State Highway 55. These projects include lane closures and reduced speeds in various locations between Eagle and New Meadows.

“Each of these projects is intended to improve traffic flow and safety along this regional route. We look forward to a safer, smoother State Highway 55 after these projects are complete,” District 3 Engineer Jason Brinkman said.

The projects include:

Little Goose Creek Bridge (Construction: June 2024 – late 2024)

ITD will begin replacing the Little Goose Creek Bridge today along SH-55 near Last Chance Campground in New Meadows. SH-55 will be reduced to one lane in the area with flaggers and a traffic signal during construction. Drivers should expect delays. Learn more and sign up for construction updates on the project website.

SH-55 Smiths Ferry to New Meadows chip seal (Construction: July 2024 – fall 2024)

This July ITD will start applying a chip seal to several areas of SH-55 between Smiths Ferry and New Meadows. This project will extend the life of the pavement. The highway will be reduced to one lane with pilot cars where crews are working. Drivers should expect delays. In order to see where crews are working, travelers should sign up for updates on the project website.

Rainbow Bridge (Design: 2024-2026)

ITD is currently conducting soil and rock sampling in the area of the Rainbow Bridge for a project to build a new bridge over the North Fork of the Payette River in Valley County. Drivers can expect 15-minute delays on weekdays in June. To learn more about the project visit https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rainbowbridge.

SH-55 DMS Sign (Construction: fall 2024)

ITD will install a dynamic message sign on SH-55 between Round Valley and Cascade. The new message board will notify motorists of detours or incidents along SH-55. Minimal delays expected. Any traffic impacts during the installation will be posted at 511.idaho.gov.

SH-55 Banks-Lowman Road Intersection (summer 2024)

Flaggers will direct traffic at the Banks-Lowman intersection on all Sundays in July. The project team is planning to install an interim traffic signal at the busy intersection later this year.

SH-55 Fleming Creek Bridge Replacement (Construction: fall 2024 – late 2025)

This fall ITD will begin replacing the Fleming Creek Bridge on SH-55 approximately four miles south of Banks. SH-55 will be reduced to one lane in the work zone with speed limit reductions during the week. Details will be posted to itdprojects.idaho.gov later this summer.

SH-55 State Street to Horseshoe Bend Rehabilitation (Construction: fall 2023 – fall 2024)

ITD is milling and resurfacing SH-55 between State Street in Eagle and Horseshoe Bend. Work is expected to be complete this fall. Details are available on the project website. Drivers are encouraged to slow down in the work zone as there have been too many close calls with flaggers.

It’s important for motorists to plan ahead this summer by checking traffic impacts on their route at 511.idaho.gov.

The Idaho Transportation Department is advancing several projects this summer along State Highway 55 north of Boise.

ITD working towards solutions for summer traffic at SH-55, Banks-Lowman Intersection

This is the intersection of SH-55 and Banks Lowman Road.

As Idaho’s population continues to grow, the strain on its mountainous highways becomes increasingly apparent during the summer months, particularly at the intersection of State Highway 55 and Banks Lowman Road. To tackle this, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is implementing short-term measures while working on a long-term solution.

ITD is advancing a plan to install an interim traffic signal this year at the SH-55, Banks Lowman Road intersection. Currently, the project team is engaged in material testing, environmental work, site design and stakeholder collaboration.

In tandem with the temporary signal, ITD will begin designing a comprehensive intersection plan during the next few years. The design process will include bridge widening and road expansion to accommodate a final signal for increasing traffic demands. There is currently no funding for construction.

Until the interim signal is operational later this year, flagging at the intersection will occur during peak travel periods this summer beginning on Father’s Day. The 2024 flagging season is as follows:

Father’s Day
All Sundays in July
First Sunday in August
Second Sunday in August
Labor Day

ITD encourages those who travel on the weekends along this corridor to always plan ahead. Consider leaving earlier or later to avoid the heaviest travel times and make sure to check 511.idaho.gov before you go.