Motorists can expect traffic changes next week on SH-16 near SH-44

STAR—The Idaho Transportation Department will shift traffic and reduce State Highway 16 to one lane in each direction between the Boise River Bridge and State Highway 44 on Sunday. These traffic changes will allow crews to prepare and place concrete for SH-16 and build the northbound off-ramp for the new interchange.

Motorists can expect:

Northbound SH-16 traffic will be shifted onto the southbound lanes.
All lanes of SH-16 will be open at the intersection with normal traffic operations
The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph.

Motorists are advised to use caution and plan extra time when traveling through the area.

“This is a challenging work zone, and we are actively looking at ways to improve traffic flow through the area,” said Styles Salek, ITD Design and Construction Engineer. “The new layout next week will allow us to complete the next two phases of construction. This helps our crews work more efficiently and reduces the number of traffic shifts during construction.”

The SH-16/SH-44 Interchange began construction in August 2025 and is part of the long-term vision for SH-16. When complete in 2027, SH-16 will be a limited-access freeway between I-84 and SH-44. Motorists will use interchanges to enter or exit the highway at I-84, Franklin Road, Ustick Road, US-20/26 and SH-44. The interchange project is $55 Million.

Motorists are encouraged to text HIGHWAY16 to 1-866-483-8422 for email or text alerts. For maps and details about the project, please visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor.

New tool helps drive truck-parking solutions

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)’s Carbon-Reduction Program encourages state DOTs to pursue projects and strategies that lower transportation-related emissions. With a significant shortage of safe and reliable truck parking statewide, ITD decided to use the funding to address this need.

Collaboration by ITD’s Planning team, GIS team and the Federal Highway Administration developed a tool to bring together data, maps, and analysis to help the department evaluate potential truck-parking projects across the state highway system.

“The Truck Parking Demand Tool provides information for stakeholders and ITD staff to evaluate existing and propose new projects to expand our truck-parking network,” explained Abby Peterson, ITD Senior Planner.

The tool helps staff and partners:

Identify areas of demand.
Look at options for adding spaces.
Show the economic and environmental benefits of potential projects.

The tool also provides an easy-to-use, data-driven resource to identify truck-parking needs, analyze options, and make informed decisions.

It was most recently used to identify needs and fund improvements at the Bliss Rest Area in southern Idaho, shown at left.

“For communities, more available parking cuts down on unnecessary idling and emissions from trucks circling in search of spaces, directly supporting cleaner air and healthier environments,” Peterson said. “For the freight industry, efficient access to safe parking reduces delays, keeps goods moving, and strengthens supply chain reliability.”

Key ITD personnel involved in the development of the tool include Abby Peterson (Planning), Will Thoman (GIS), Freight Manager Caleb Forrey, ITD’s Planning and GIS teams, and FHWA Division staff. Pictured at right are Forrey, Peterson and Thoman.

The issue of truck parking has been in the news several times recently:

Inside America’s $100 Billion Truck Parking Crisis

New FHWA Chief Under Pressure to Fix Truck Parking

Part of the new I-90/SH-41 Interchange in Post Falls to open Friday morning

Street view of the SH-41 and Mullan Street intersection showing traffic on the existing lanes, and also the newly constructed lanes where traffic will shift to.

Drivers can expect some big changes at the Interstate 90 and State Highway 41 Interchange early Friday morning as the Idaho Transportation Department plans to open portions of the new Single Point Urban Interchange, or SPUI, that has been under construction since 2022. This shift marks a major milestone in the project and will significantly change how drivers move through the area.

For the first time, SH-41 traffic will be shifted to the west to run underneath the new bridges and connect to the heart of the SPUI. Drivers will also be able to use the new westbound on-ramp and eastbound off-ramp.

Making this shift will require several large-scale closures throughout the interchange area overnight on Thursday to set up cones, barriers, and signs that will safely route vehicles through the new traffic pattern. By early Friday morning motorists will be using parts of the new SPUI.

Here’s what drivers can expect Thursday from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.:

SH-41 will be closed from 12^th Ave to Seltice Way.
The eastbound off-ramp from I-90 will be closed.
The westbound on-ramp to I-90 will be closed.
Mullan Ave will be closed from SH-41 east to October Glory Street. This closure may be in effect for several days, rather than just overnight.

In addition to the overnight closures, there will be temporary changes to side street and business access along SH-41 between 12th Street and Neufeld Lane. The old highway is several feet higher than the new lanes being opened, so crews will need to lower the ground and add gravel to build temporary road connections. Some of these access points will be closed only overnight, while others may be closed for a week or longer. Signs will be posted and detours in place to help drivers and customers get where they need to go.

Drivers will need to pay close attention to signs and lane markings as they get used to the new layout, especially those traveling south on SH-41. After the traffic shift, drivers in the right lane south of Mullan Avenue will be required to merge onto the westbound I-90 on-ramp, where previously they had the option to either merge or continue south to Seltice Way.

View a graphic of where traffic will be.

“As we implement these traffic changes, we are asking drivers to please plan extra time and follow the signs and traffic control devices,” Project Manager Randy Durland said. “As drivers adjust to these changes, we appreciate everyone’s patience and extra attention in the work zone for the safety of both drivers and workers.”

The I-90/SH-41 Interchange upgrade is part of ITD’s broader investment in regional mobility, safety and long-term infrastructure improvements and is funded by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho program. For the remainder of the year, crews will focus on opening the westbound off-ramp and building the path for bicyclists and pedestrians along SH-41. The full interchange is expected to open next year, though impacts from the month-long operator strike in Washington may extend the duration of construction.

To learn more about the I-90/SH-41 project, visit the project website or email info@i90corridor.com.

Years-long closure of westbound Huetter Rest Area for passenger vehicles for I-90 construction starts tomorrow

Drone shot of both exits for the Huetter Rest Area between Post Falls and CDA

Beginning tomorrow at 7 a.m., the westbound Huetter Rest Area along Interstate 90 between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene will close to non-commercial vehicles. Passenger cars and pickups will not be able to access the facility.

The eastbound Huetter Rest Area facility is unaffected by these closures and will remain open to both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks at this time. Closures to the eastbound facility aren’t expected until 2027.

This partial closure is a safety measure necessary to support construction for the I-90 expansion project as crews will be utilizing the area to stage equipment and materials.

The closure for passenger vehicles will remain in effect until the project is complete in 2029. Commercial truck parking and facility use will stay open for truck drivers until summer 2026, when the entire facility will close for construction.

During this time, drivers of passenger vehicles are encouraged to plan ahead and use available services in nearby communities such as Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls.

Idaho 511 is available as a free resource to drivers and is the best source of information for roadway and rest area closures state-wide.

Idaho’s 2025 100 Deadliest Days result in 88 fatalities

BOISE – During the 100 Deadliest Days, 88 people were killed in crashes on Idaho roads, according to preliminary data from the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS).

During this time, more people are on vacation, celebrating, or traveling, and risky driving behaviors tend to rise. Of the 60 people killed in motor vehicle crashes, 23 were not wearing seat belts. Nearly one-quarter of those killed this summer were motorcyclists.

“Every death is a tragedy,” said Jo Middleton, Highway Safety Manager. “We can save lives by always wearing a seat belt, driving engaged, driving sober, and slowing down so everyone can make it home safely.”

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and OHS are working hard to change this trend. In addition to gathering and sharing critical data, they are:

Increasing public awareness with statewide campaigns to educate drivers about high-risk behaviors during the 100 Deadliest Days.
Expanding enforcement efforts in partnership with local law enforcement to reduce impaired and aggressive driving and to boost seat belt use.
Engaging communities with outreach programs and safety resources that help drivers make smarter choices.
Enhancing and modernizing infrastructure to improve safety on Idaho’s roadways and reduce crash severity.

These efforts show ITD and OHS’s deep commitment to protecting Idahoans and saving lives, not just tracking statistics.

Top 10 Contributing Circumstances during the 100 Deadliest Days:

No seat belt use
Failure to maintain lane
Speeding
Alcohol impairment
Inattention
Driving left of center
Overcorrection
No helmet
Asleep, drowsy, or fatigued
Improper overtaking

Fatalities by ITD District and County (Preliminary):

District 1
Bonner – 1
Kootenai – 4

District 2
Benewah – 3
Idaho – 3
Nez Perce – 3

District 3
Adams – 1
Ada – 9
Boise – 3
Canyon – 8
Elmore – 5
Owyhee – 1
Payette – 1
Valley – 1

District 4
Cassia – 6
Gooding – 3
Jerome – 7
Lincoln – 1
Minidoka – 2
Twin Falls – 6

District 5
Bannock – 3
Bingham – 2
Oneida – 1
Power – 3

District 6
Bonneville – 4
Custer – 1
Fremont – 3
Madison – 3

*The 100 Deadliest Days are the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. All data is preliminary and subject to change.

2025 Aviation Art Contest winners announced

A child's drawing of a plane and a sunrise.

BOISE—The Idaho Division of Aeronautics is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Aviation Art Contest! The annual contest is an opportunity for Idaho students from Ages 5-18 to exhibit their Artist View of Aviation. The theme was “Flying Yesterday & Tomorrow.”

First Place:

A drawing of Air Force One. — Ages 13-15 1st Place – Artwork by Jimmy

A series of drawings of aviation craft through history. — Ages 10-12 1st Place – Artwork by Kangwoon

A child's drawing of a future flying craft. — Ages 5-6 1st Place – Artwork by Owen

Second Place:

A child's drawing of a plane and hot air balloon seen through binoculars. — 5-6 years 2nd Place – Artwork by Dixie

A child's drawing of a fighter plane. — 7-9 years 2nd Place – Artwork by Owen

A child's drawing of two pilots. — 10-12 years 2nd place – Artwork by S.P.

A drawing of the Boise Airport, Boise Depot, and many planes. — Ages 13-15 2nd Place – Artwork by Kanghyeon

Runners Up:

A child's drawing of a fighter plane and sunset. — Ages 7-9 Runner Up – Artwork by Barrett

A child's drawing of two planes. — Ages 7-9 Runner Up – Artwork by Jerry

A child's drawing of aviation in the past and future. — Ages 10-12 Runner Up – Artwork by Sri Avanthika

A series of drawings of planes from history. — Ages 13-15 Runner Up – Artwork by Annalyse

A child's drawing of a fighter plane. Half of the artwork is black and white, half is in color. — Ages 13-15 Runner Up – Artwork by Josie

The first-place winners got an airplane ride, a copy of their artwork signed by Governor Brad Little, and a congratulatory letter. Second-place winners got $25 in art supplies, a copy of their artwork signed by the Governor, and a congratulatory letter.

Congratulations to all the winners and runners up and thank you to all the students who participated this year. The 2026 Aviation Art Contest will be announced in January 2026.

Gathering input on Rathdrum Prairie transportation study

Traffic congestion on US-95 in Coeur d'Alene

The Idaho Transportation Department is inviting the public to provide feedback that will help shape the future of roads and highways across the Rathdrum Prairie.

The Rathdrum Prairie Area Transportation Study began with more than 50 ideas for improving travel across Kootenai County. Through earlier rounds of public input and technical review, those concepts have been narrowed to 13 alternatives. These options focus on improving safety, reducing congestion, and keeping traffic moving as the region grows.

Two upcoming public meetings will give community members a chance to see how the alternatives were compared and which ones are recommended to move forward. Feedback from this round will help the study team narrow the list of alternatives even further and shape the recommendations that will guide future projects across the Rathdrum Prairie.

MEETING DETAILS:

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025

4:30 – 7 p.m.

Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce

105 N. 1^st St.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Thursday, Sept 18, 2025

4:30 – 7 p.m.

Q’emiln Park Trailhead Event Center

12201 W. Parkway Dr.

Post Falls, Idaho

Both meetings will be held in an open-house style so people can drop in anytime. Displays will show updates, and staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback. The events are open to everyone, including families.

Those who cannot attend in person can review identical information online from Sept. 17 through Oct. 1 at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rathdrum-prairie-pel

Power of Partnership: SH-3 Rescue Paving

When a stretch of State Highway 3 near Clarkia started showing signs it might not last another winter, District 1 and District 2 crews teamed up to hold it together until a full rebuild can happen next year.

Instead of waiting for contractor availability — and paying the steep price that come along with it — our own forces jumped in to pave the section in late July. The move saved thousands, kept the work on schedule, and gave employees from both districts a chance to step up and deliver a high-quality fix before the weather turns.

The partnership was impressive, to say the least! D2 sent 11 trucks and 11 people to haul asphalt from a plant in Lewiston, while D1 fielded 8 trucks and 14 people to haul from Coeur d’Alene and run the paving operation on site.

Together, crews made dozens of trips a day, at times logging up to three round trips per driver. The remote location also gave new employees in training the chance to rack up valuable CDL hours while contributing directly to the project’s success.

Though traffic is light on this rural stretch, a significant number of vehicles are log trucks hauling to and from the mill. This rescue work to keep SH-3 safe wasn’t just about moving people; it’s also about keeping commerce moving in a region of Idaho where logging and trucking are at the heart of the local economy.

The paving crew also got to put their skills to work on a near-new, high-performance paver recently acquired from Ada County. With top-notch operators and a machine built to deliver contractor-level results, the team produced a surface that’s smooth, durable, and ready to carry traffic safely through winter.

“This was a big lift, on a short timeline, but exactly the kind of situation where our internal forces shine,” said District Engineer Damon Allen. “These guys and gals know the road, they know the challenges, and they know how to work together to get it done. I really appreciate District 2 stepping in to help. This kind of collaboration made the project possible and is exactly what makes ITD strong.”

Beyond the road itself, the project highlighted the value of collaboration across districts and how much can be accomplished when employees bring their skills, equipment, and determination together.