Expect lane closures and delays during unique inlaid striping operations on Idaho Falls roads and others

Road of SH-33 in Idaho, showing a notch ground into the pavement where paint will be applied and a truck in the background.

 

Traffic will be affected as the Idaho Transportation Department and contractor partners conduct inlaid striping operations on State Highway 33, U.S. Highway 20, and Interstate 15 Business Loop over the next two weeks.

Beginning today, lane closures will be in effect where work is currently underway on SH-33 between Sage Junction and Rexburg. Four miles at one time will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers and pilot cars directing traffic through the work area. Motorists should watch for reduced speed, large equipment and signs indicating construction ahead.

Roadways will be worked on in this order, with all operations expected to be completed by August 15:

  • SH-33 between Sage Junction and Rexburg, milepost 59 to 78.

 

  • US-20 west of Idaho Falls, milepost 301 to 307, beginning next week.

 

  • I-15 Business Loop in Idaho Falls (Sunnyside Road from I-15 to Yellowstone Road).

 

  • I-15 Business Loop in Idaho Falls (Yellowstone Road from Sunnyside to Broadway).

 

Operations on SH-33 and US-20 are being conducted during daytime hours. Crews will work through the night on the I-15 Business Loop in Idaho Falls.

A pilot car and flaggers will only be present on SH-33 this week. Traffic will be directed into one lane and continue to move around the work area on US-20 and I-15 Business Loop.

Inlaid striping is relatively unique in Idaho. The operation involves grinding into the pavement very slightly, creating recessed notches that paint is then applied within. This method aims to extend the life and reflectivity of pavement markings.

Updates regarding these efforts and all roadwork in Idaho can always be found on the Idaho 511 app, or at 511.idaho.gov.

 

Bridge replacement project on SH-3 begins today

SH-3 over the existing Soldier Creek Bridge

 

Drivers on State Highway 3 should plan for lane restrictions and delays starting today as crews begin replacing a nearly century-old bridge just north of the State Highway 6 Junction.

During construction:

  • Traffic will be reduced to one lane.
  • A temporary signal will control alternating traffic flow.
  • A shoofly detour (a temporary bypass road) will guide vehicles around the work zone.

The bridge, originally built in 1934, is being replaced due to age and ongoing maintenance needs. The $2 million project will improve both safety and functionality along this stretch of SH-3:

  • The new bridge will support heavier loads and increased traffic volumes.
  • The road will be widened to include 5-foot shoulders for enhanced safety.
  • Updated guardrail will be installed along the improved section.

“These updates are vital for ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of the route, especially for the freight and logging industries that rely on it every day,” said Project Manager Jacob Edlund.

This project is expected to be complete by late fall of this year.

Delays and lane restrictions are expected to last throughout the summer. Drivers are encouraged to check Idaho 511 for the latest updates on road conditions and travel impacts.

ITD taps into military talent to address CDL shortfall, bolster operational needs

ITD is forging a new path to improve seasonal road operations by leveraging military experience to address a long-standing challenge: the shortage of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)-qualified holders. Idaho is currently short by roughly 5,000 qualified CDL drivers, and with 72% of goods in the state transported by truck, the deficit is affecting supply chains as well as public safety.

Through an innovative program that utilizes existing military training, ITD aims to address the shortfall by streamlining certification to build a greater pool of skilled CDL holders that could assist ITD during seasonal operations, such as operating snowplows during the winter.

Each year, snowstorms strain ITD’s qualified CDL resources, at times leading to delayed snow removal, dangerous driving conditions, and reduced service in rural areas. To combat this, the department looks to enable the National Guard, reservist, and prior-service military members with extensive experience operating commercial and heavy equipment to potentially convert their qualifications into civilian CDL licenses.

A New Opportunity

“There’s a perception that the CDL process is too complex or expensive,” said Will Miller, ETS Business Engagement Manager, pictured at right. “But for those with military driving and equipment experience, the path is far more accessible than they might think. The challenge has been getting the word out…to give them a clear path forward.”

Recent efforts focus on raising awareness among the military community. Many service members aren’t aware that their expertise with military commercial and heavy equipment can significantly reduce the time and cost of obtaining a CDL.

Building a Civilian Workforce from Military Strength

This effort is not just about seasonal readiness—it’s a career-building initiative. Using DMV representatives, military education offices, and agency communicators, ITD will promote CDL opportunities at career, education, and transition fairs and events.

Among the potential key benefits of the initiative:

  1. Increased operational relief during severe seasonal weather.
  2. Expanded coverage of secondary and rural roads.
  3. Reliable workforce of disciplined service members who align with ITD’s high standards for maintenance personnel.
  4. Improved public safety and emergency response.
  5. Economic and career advancement for participants – good paying jobs with career paths.

And because soldiers come from communities throughout Idaho, their familiarity with local terrain will be invaluable.

Looking Ahead

The CDL partnership could have several applications, including temporary winter support, year-round assistance, and an on-call reserve list for emergencies. Training access, credential support, and scheduling flexibility could all be part of implementation. Seasonal performance metrics could guide future program refinement.

With strong backing from the military and DMV communities such as Scott Conrad and Albert Asker, early signs point toward growing awareness and increased participation. DMV staff are now actively looking for opportunities to attend military career fairs and help service members navigate the certification process.

“As more members of the military community learn about their options, we can anticipate a meaningful uptick in CDL holders statewide, and this initiative will allow them to become qualified much faster,” Miller said. “This is more than a staffing solution—it’s a public service accelerator that addresses the three core priorities at the heart of ITD’s culture: safety, economic opportunity, and mobility”.

This is a win for ITD, the state of Idaho, and its citizens.

Nighttime paving work to begin on US-95 north of Athol next week

Map of the upcoming work zone on US-95 north of Athol

 

Starting Monday the Idaho Transportation Department will begin a 2-week, nighttime project to grind and repave the center of U.S. Highway 95 from Granite Loop Road to Blacktail Road north of Athol.

Work will begin at 7 p.m. every weeknight and wrap up by 5 a.m. the following morning, returning traffic to its normal pattern. Overnight flaggers will assist drivers through the work zone using a single, alternating lane of traffic to allow space for crews to work.

Drivers should expect the potential for delays, use Idaho 511 to plan ahead and drive with caution for the safety of drivers and crew members alike.

Traffic patterns shift in Burley with reopening of I-84 Exit 208 tomorrow

Paving along the Buelry Interchange

The new westbound off-ramp on Interstate 84 at Exit 208 will open to traffic tomorrow. Drivers will be able to utilize the off-ramp to access State Highway 27.

Changes to traffic patterns include:

  • Traffic on SH-27 will be reduced to one lane in each direction through October 2025. Drivers will be routed onto the newly constructed northbound lanes so crews can begin construction of the new southbound lanes and southbound structure over I-84.
  • I-84 westbound traffic will be shifted onto the new concrete pavement section at SH-27.

Signage is in place to guide motorists through the project area. Please watch for work crews and exercise caution while travelling through work zones.

Construction has been underway since 2024 to update the Heyburn and Burley Interchanges to meet growing traffic demands, and will be complete in 2026. The project is funded as part of Idaho Governor Little’s Leading Idaho transportation initiative. The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to advance large projects that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy, and positively impact the Magic Valley and communities across the state for years to come.

To learn more about the project, please visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/projects/i-84-burley-and-heyburninterchanges. This closure and others will be posted to 511.idaho.gov.

Repaving starts Monday on SH-14 near Elk City

Picture of the roadway on SH-14.

Work on State Highway 14 near Elk City will begin Monday to repair potholes and resurface 10 miles of the highway. Shoulders in poor condition will also be repaved to further enhance safety.

When approaching the work zone, motorists can expect flaggers and delays between 15 to 30 minutes. The highway will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic guided by pilot cars. Crews will start at milepost 23 and work east towards milepost 33 and Elk City.

All work will temporarily shut down by 6 p.m. on August 7 in preparation for Elk City Days held August 8-10. Highway crews will start back up again on August 11.

Paving will significantly improve rideability and make it a safer road for the traveling public.

This $2.5 million project is anticipated to wrap up mid-September.

Up-to-date traffic information may be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

Weekend traffic relief coming to I-90 Veterans Memorial Bridge project

A crane lowers equipment over the side of the Veterans Memorial Bridge on I-90.

 

Drivers using Interstate 90 over the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Coeur d’Alene will start to see some weekend relief from lane closures as construction continues on one of Idaho’s most iconic and highly traveled bridges.

Earlier this summer, crews began working on the bridge as part of a larger project to repair and preserve several bridges across the Panhandle. Because I-90 is such a busy route, lane closures were needed to give workers and equipment a safe space to operate. The Veterans Memorial Bridge is a large structure, and repairs require specialized tools and setup. Up to now, full-time traffic control has been essential to keep crews safe.

Now that the project has reached a key milestone, crews are able to adjust how they manage traffic. Starting this weekend, ITD will begin reopening all four lanes—two in each direction—on weekends. Traffic control devices will be removed Friday through Sunday evenings, and the interstate will return to its regular configuration. Lane closures will go back into place during the week so crews can continue working.

Some drivers have asked why the bridge has been reduced to one lane in each direction even when it looks like no one is working. The reason is that much of the work is happening underneath the bridge. Workers are using scaffolding and equipment that hangs over the side of the bridge deck to access the areas that need repairs. So while you might not see people on top of the bridge, important work is still being done out of sight to improve the structure and keep it safe for years to come.

ITD expects the project to wrap up by the end of August. In the meantime, drivers are asked to watch for changing traffic patterns, be alert in work zones, and remain patient as crews complete this important work.

Traffic impact information is available using 511.idaho.gov.

Road striping to impact US-95 this Sunday through Coeur d’Alene

Striping truck at work on US-95.

Drivers traveling U.S. Highway 95 through Coeur d’Alene on Sunday should expect slower traffic and possible delays as crews with the Idaho Transportation Department paint the highway lines between Lancaster Road and the Spokane River Bridge.

Crews will begin work early around 6:30 a.m. and expect to finish by 4 p.m. This is a high-traffic area with many intersections and signals, so extra caution is needed.

To help keep everyone safe our partners at the Idaho State Police will assist with additional patrols in the area. Drivers should be patient, give the paint crew plenty of space, follow posted signs, and avoid crossing over wet paint lines.

 

Upcoming striping schedule (weather & conditions permitting):

July 21–28: Boundary County

  • US-95
  • SH-1
  • US-2

July 29–31: SH-53 from the Washington state line to US-95

August 4–6: SH-41 from Mullan Ave to Rathdrum

August 6–18: US-95 from the Spokane River Bridge south to Sanders Road

Additional routes like SH-58 and SH-60 may be added to the schedule as time allows.

 

Why striping happens during the day

Many drivers ask why this work isn’t done at night to avoid traffic. The answer is simple: paint needs light and warmth to be applied safely and effectively. Striping requires clear visibility and vehicle lights aren’t enough for crews to paint accurate lines. Cooler nighttime temperatures in North Idaho can also prevent paint from drying properly, leading to poor adhesion and safety issues.

Some larger cities can stripe at night because of extensive street lighting, but those conditions don’t exist along most of our routes in North Idaho.

 

Sharing the road with striping crews

  • Don’t pass striping crews or drive over fresh paint. This not only damages the lines but can also damage your vehicle.
  • Watch for “wet paint” signs and pace cars. These guide the flow of traffic and help protect workers.

Be patient. Crews work as quickly and safely as possible to minimize disruptions while ensuring proper application of the paint and reflective beads.

ITD paints hundreds of miles of highway each year. The lines help guide drivers safely down the roadway and improve visibility, especially at night. Your cooperation helps us do this work safely—for you and our crews.

For updated information, visit 511.idaho.gov.

Work at Macks Inn Bridge along US-20 beginning Monday

Macks Inn Bridge on US-20 through Island Park, Idaho.

 

Work to improve and repair the Macks Inn Bridge on US-20 through Island Park will begin on Monday. Crews are customizing handrails, repairing guardrails and installing concrete railings to improve safety for multiple uses in this popular location. These efforts are expected to be completed by Thursday of next week. If needed, finishing work will resume the week following but will not be in effect through the weekend.

One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction throughout this project, with the lane nearest the bridge closed one side at a time. Turning movements to and from businesses and river access will be monitored and allowed to be made as normal.

Drivers can expect to see large equipment on site to correctly locate a sewer line near the bridge. Travelers and recreationists are urged to observe lower speed limits and stay engaged while driving. Be aware of workers and equipment very near open travel lanes.

Updates for this project and others across Idaho can always be seen on the Idaho 511 app, or at 511.idaho.gov.

 

Public invited to give input on corridor improvements along Chinden Boulevard

Map of the corridor being studied.

The Idaho Transportation Department, in partnership with Garden City, invites the community to attend an online meeting to learn more about a study to develop a stormwater drainage plan and identify corridor improvement projects. Future projects may include multi-use pathways that serve pedestrians and cyclists and other active modes along Chinden Boulevard.

The online self-guided meeting will be available from July 18 through August 1 at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/chinden-drainage-and-design.

The online meeting provides the public with an opportunity to review and provide feedback on study concepts for improved water management systems and future projects to enhance connectivity and mobility along the corridor.

The study aims to develop an integrated corridor plan to guide development and identify specific projects for future planning, design, and construction. This unified plan will ensure that consistent drainage and multi-modal facilities, such as sidewalks and bike lanes, are included with each new construction project along the corridor.

Currently, funding has not been allocated for future Chinden Boulevard improvement projects. Final recommendations and cost estimates are scheduled to be completed early in 2026.