Category: Inside ITD

When traffic starts backing up at the Banks-Lowman and SH-55 intersection in SW Idaho, especially during the busy summer months, locals feel it and so do ITD crews. For years, temporary flagging operations helped keep things moving, but concerns continued to build around congestion, public safety, and the risks faced by flaggers working in live traffic.

So, District 3 Operations took action. Without dedicated funding but with a deep understanding of the need, the department made a bold decision: build and install a traffic signal in-house.

It was the first time ITD crews had taken on a signal project from start to finish, including design, construction, and installation, and they pulled it off in just 15 months. A similar project delivered through the traditional method would have taken 3-5 years and cost around $1.5 million. By handling it internally, ITD completed the work for under $500,000.

“The crews’ efforts, communication, and coordination were exceptional,” Nestor Fernandez, District 3 Operations Engineer, said. “Each team, whether from our own district or assisting districts, was fully committed and invested in completing their tasks. The seamless collaboration across groups ensured work was completed efficiently and to a high standard.”

That creativity was especially important when it came to phasing the new signal. The intersection didn’t have existing turn lanes, and a single-lane bridge had to be managed without introducing excessive delay. Because the design was handled in-house, the team could think outside the box and the result was a tailored solution that worked.

While some highly specialized elements, like foundation drilling and pole installation, were contracted out, the majority of the project was delivered using state forces. ITD teams from across the agency contributed, and that statewide collaboration proved to be a game-changer.

From navigating environmental requirements to expediting material procurement, every step of the process came with a learning curve. But the result wasn’t just a safer intersection, it was a powerful example of what’s possible when teams work together and think creatively.

“Constructing this project with state forces was a unique and valuable experience for the district,” Nestor added. “The positive, seamless collaboration and communication across all sections, and with the contractors, was a key factor in its success, as was the strong ownership each team took in their role.”

The Banks-Lowman signal project has already made a difference for local residents and travelers alike.

The hits keep on comin’ for District 5 Public Information Officer Justin Smith, who just last month won an Esto Perpetua award from the State Historical Society for his outstanding work promoting and preserving Idaho history. Last week, Smith won an Award of Excellence from the communications group APEX for the series of Transporter articles detailing the early transportation history in the state.

“Idaho has a rich transportation history stretching from the old Indian footpaths and the Oregon Trail to today’s highways and freeways,” said Smith. “In many ways, transportation history is the history of Idaho. I love our state and am passionate about its past and its people. I’m especially grateful for my job at ITD where I have the opportunity to share in telling ITD’s past as well as work with the many people who are continuing the proud transportation tradition!”

Smith has published a dozen “Early Transportation in Idaho” articles so far.

“I love the stories that Justin shares with us about Idaho transportation history,” said Office of Communication Manager John Tomlinson. “This is just one of the awards he has won for his historical writing this year. His passion for preserving Idaho history benefits us all.”

The newly remodeled Blackfoot shed sports a new floor, drains, windows, paint, electrical, and fire suppression, but what really gets foreman Troy Despain excited is the wide-open shop space.

Before the remodel the shed was a tight proposition. Plows backed into their slots with barely inches to spare in front of and behind the vehicles. In addition, there were ceiling support posts that drivers had to gingerly navigate around. One wrong move backing into the shed and thousands of dollars could be lost

Today the shed looks brand new. The depth of the building has been expanded to allow more room in front of and behind the plows. In addition, Despain pushed hard for an open floorplan without the original design’s support posts. “We build spans across gorges, there’s no reason why we couldn’t put in a large beam that removed the necessity of those support pillars.”

While there are a few support posts at the ends and joints between beams, a massive steel beam carries the roof’s weight over the majority of the shop resulting in an open shop floor and improved safety. Despain says the new main beam design will be the standard moving forward for other sheds. “It just makes sense,” he said.

Ports of entry help preserve the well-being and safety of Gem State drivers statewide by safeguarding citizens, fostering economic development, and ensuring the efficient movement of goods and individuals across our borders. POE staffers are committed to maintaining safety and compliance with federal and state regulations for commercial vehicles. Each day, dedicated supervisors, inspectors, and registration teams manage hundreds, often thousands, of vehicle inspections, registrations, and permit requests. Their collective efforts directly support ITD’s mission of promoting safety, mobility, and economic opportunity.

Given the high volume of commercial traffic on Idaho’s roads—totaling millions of vehicles annually—ports are integral to maintaining smooth and secure operations. In addition to visual inspections for damage or missing components, such as safety markers, tire lug nuts, mirrors, placards, exhaust systems, or mud flaps, we utilize advanced electronic screening and weigh-in-motion (WIM) technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Electronic WIM systems effectively identify vehicles that are potentially overweight, over-length, or over-height, streamlining the inspection process. Complementing this system is our tire anomaly detection system—recently recognized with an American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators award—which helps identify tire issues such as worn tread, punctures, insufficient pressure, or mismatched sizes by axle. This technology not only facilitates the identification of suspect vehicles for further inspection, but also allows compliant vehicles to bypass the port, improving traffic flow and reducing operational costs. Industry data indicates that allowing compliant vehicles to remain on the interstate results in approximately $8.68 in cost savings per vehicle, thereby supporting our goal of enhancing mobility.

A key component of our electronic screening process is the Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window (CVIEW). This interface enables inspectors to access comprehensive vehicle data—such as registration details, safety records, permits, and driver information—to determine whether a more thorough inspection is necessary. When CVIEW flags potential issues, inspectors have the option to initiate a full inspection.

Recently, new Port of Entry Program Manager Frank DeCarvalho (pictured right) visited the East Boise and Declo ports. He remarked, “I am highly impressed with our inspectors and their effective use of electronic-screening technology to manage vehicle flow through our busy ports. The training they receive and their dedication are essential to fulfilling our mission while providing excellent customer service.”

While these technological tools provide powerful data-driven insights, it’s important to recognize the continued value of traditional visual inspections. These in-person checks remain a critical component of the inspection process, offering opportunities not only to identify issues that may not be captured electronically but also to engage directly with drivers. These face-to-face interactions often serve as educational moments, helping drivers better understand compliance requirements and maintain safer vehicles on the road.

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.