Roadwork to begin in Blackfoot area

BLACKFOOT – Beginning Monday the Idaho Transportation Department will begin work on pavement preservation projects in the Blackfoot area on Interstate 15 and US Highway 91. Motorists should plan for single lane closures and reduced speed limits in the work zones.

Interstate 15 will receive a micro-surfacing treatment north of the Blackfoot rest area. Micro-surfacing improves and protects the road surface.

On US-91 from Shelley to York Road, ITD will begin chip sealing. Chip sealing, also called seal coating, maximizes the taxpayers’ investment by extending the lifespan of the pavement. Hot temperatures are needed to ensure a successful application. Chip sealing protects pavement from sun, oxidation, weather, water, oil and gas, and improves traction for drivers.

As work progresses, the I-15 Business Loop through Blackfoot will also be improved. All work is scheduled to be completed by mid-July.

Please check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app for the most recent information on road work.

Secure your load, it could save a life

BOISE— Safe driving goes beyond the steering wheel; it extends to your whole vehicle and trailer when you hit the road. That’s why the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is recognizing National Secure Your Load Day on June 6, 2023. It is every driver’s responsibility to ensure all cargo is safely secured. Unsecured loads pose a safety risk on our roadways.

Objects or debris can fall from vehicles or trailers and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians, causing serious injuries or fatalities. Idaho code states, no vehicle shall be operated on any public highway unless such vehicle’s load is secured to prevent the load from becoming loose, detached or a hazard to other users of the highway.

“Many drivers think that only commercial vehicle drivers are responsible for securing their cargo,” said OHS Program Manager Josephine Middleton. “We want our community to know that it is every driver’s responsibility to ensure their load is properly secured. It’s the right thing to do and it could save the life of the person behind you.”

According to Idaho’s Crash Database, from 2018 to 2022, 82 people were injured as a result of an object that was not properly secured. During this same time period, 2 people lost their lives. Non-commercial passenger vehicles accounted for 61% of the crashes in which cargo was not properly secured.

Before transporting a load, check that your vehicle’s load is secured on the top, sides, and back, and make sure nothing can blow or fall out. Ensure your load is safe if you were to suddenly hit the brakes or a speed bump, or if you were hit by another vehicle. Ask yourself, “Would I feel safe driving behind my loaded vehicle?”

Follow these tips to ensure you properly secure your load:

Tie it down with rope, netting, or straps.
Tie large objects directly to your vehicle or trailer.
Consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting.
Don’t overload your vehicle or trailer.
Always double-check your load to make sure it’s secure.

Star Road closure planned as part of US-20/26 construction to start in June

BOISE — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will temporarily close Star Road in June as part of ongoing construction on U.S. Highway 20/26, (Chinden West), weather permitting. Work will include paving and intersection improvements and requires two separate closures.

In early June, Star Road between US-20/26 and State Highway 44 (SH-44) will be closed for approximately one week. The road will only be open to local traffic and emergency service responders (police, fire, and paramedics). Signage will direct motorists to use State Highway 16 (SH-16) between US-20/26 and SH-44 instead of Star Road.

In mid-June, a southbound detour will be in place between US-20/26 and McMillan Road with all work anticipated to be complete in early July. Again, the road will only be open to local traffic and emergency responders. Signage will direct motorists to use Can Ada Road and McMillan Road instead of Star Road.

Drivers should pay attention to all posted signs and message boards near this work zone.

For more information on ITD’s work to improve US-20/26 between I-84 in Caldwell and Eagle Road in Meridian please visit the project website at itdprojects.org/projects/chindenwest

I-84 westbound off-ramp at Franklin Road/US-20/26 (Exit 29) to close in early June

Beginning in early June, the westbound Interstate 84 off-ramp at Franklin Road (Exit 29) in Caldwell will temporarily close, weather permitting. Traffic will be detoured to the 10th Street exit and back onto US-20/26 by way of I-84.

This closure will allow construction crews to safely expedite reconstruction of the westbound off-ramp to reduce impacts to the traveling public and businesses later in the project.

A signed route will guide motorists through the detour and back onto US-20/26 by way of I-84 during the closure, which is anticipated to be in place until late July.

Please slow down, pay attention, and watch for posted signs and crews in the work zone.

Work on US-20/26 between I-84 and Middleton Road will continue through 2024.

To learn more about the project and sign up for construction updates, please visit itdprojects.org/projects/chindenwest or call 208.608.6635.

Now entering the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho Roads

This upcoming holiday weekend marks the beginning of a dangerous time for Idaho drivers- the 100 Deadliest Days. The 100 Deadliest Days are the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) want to caution drivers to be extra vigilant and careful as they head out for summer travel and recreation.

“We want everyone to have an amazing summer making great memories with their family and friends,” said OHS Program Manager Josephine Middleton, “So we are asking everyone to put down the distractions, drive the speed limit, wear a seatbelt and plan a sober ride home if you are drinking, so we can all make it home safely.”

A variety of factors converge to make this a dangerous time on Idaho roads. During the summer more people are out of school or work, taking vacations, recreating, and celebrating. These social factors lead to higher instances of distracted driving, aggressive driving, and impaired driving, making the roads more dangerous for everyone, even safe drivers who are doing everything right. We drive safe vehicles that come with technology and safety equipment as standard, yet the data shows that fatal and serious injury crashes increase during this time of year.

During the 100 Deadliest Days last year, there were 72 fatal crashes, and 80 people died. So far in 2023, 75* people have died in traffic crashes on Idaho roads, and we are on track to meet the fatality numbers for 2021 which was our worst year since 2005. The year-to-date total from the same time last year was 52 fatalities.
*Preliminary data

Deadly crashes go up during summer months

WHAT: Wrecked vehicle on display to raise awareness about the 100 deadliest days
WHO: Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar, Boise Police Cpl. Kyle Wills, Caldwell Police officer Tom DeFur, ITD, AAA
WHEN: Friday, May 19th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Boise Towne Square Mall, 350 N Milwaukee St, Boise, ID 83704, Media please use the main entrance

BOISE– Every year during the months of June, July, and August there is an increase in the number of car crashes that unfortunately result in death or injury. These months are known as the “100 deadliest days” and Boise Police, Caldwell Police, the Idaho Transportation Department, AAA and the Boise Towne Square Mall are teaming up to remind drivers to stay safe this summer.

On Friday, May 19th, these agencies will use a wrecked vehicle from an aggressive driving crash on display at the Boise Towne Square Mall as a reminder to slow down, limit distractions and focus on driving.

“With so many options available to distract us when we’re driving, we hope that this display of a wrecked vehicle will give drivers the motivation to put down the distractions and just drive the speed limit,“ said Boise Police Cpl. Kyle Wills.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), there were 72 fatal crashes across Idaho last summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day. So far this year, 71* people have died on Idaho roads. Six* of those fatalities happened in the last week alone. The year-to-date total from the same time last year was 52 fatalities.

“That’s 71 tragedies for families, friends and communities across Idaho,” said Josephine Middleton, Highway Safety Program Manager with ITD. “As we head into the 100 Deadliest Days and the rest of the year let’s focus on protecting each other on the roads by stopping the behaviors that contribute to traffic crashes.”

ITD data shows that 15% of all fatal crashes are distracted-driving related. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system—anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.

Speed is also a significant factor in many crashes. Speeding, which includes exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions is considered aggressive driving. According to ITD, 35% of all fatal crashes are aggressive-driver related. Other aggressive driving behaviors include following too closely, weaving, and failure to yield or stop at a sign or signal.

“Safe driving is also sober driving, and you can’t drive anywhere safely if you’re impaired. With 37% of all fatal crashes involving an impaired driver, we urge you to get a designated driver or use ride-sharing services if you plan to drink” said Wills.

It’s illegal everywhere in America to drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, opioids, methamphetamines, or any potentially impairing drug–prescribed or over the counter.

At Friday’s media event, Caldwell Police officer Tom Defur will share his own personal story to remind drivers about the importance of safe driving.

Media interested in attending the event can contact:
Ellen Mattila
ITD Public Information Officer
(208) 832-8776
ellen.mattila@itd.idaho.gov

Idahoans value work zone safety

The Idaho Transportation Department is joining states across the country for National Work Zone Awareness Week. The national and state campaigns this week are designed to raise awareness and educate the public about the safety measures we can all take in work zones, and how we are all responsible for work zone safety.

From 2017 to 2021, Idaho saw 3,119 crashes in work zones resulting in 36 deaths, stressing the need for this year’s theme: “You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.”

This special week includes a schedule of activities; everyone is encouraged to go orange for safety on Wednesday and observe a moment of silence on Friday for those who have died in work zones.

“Work zone safety is drivers and highway workers cooperating together to slow down and improve safety,” said Dan McElhinney, Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer for ITD. “ITD employees and contractors design traffic control with signs, cones, beacons or reduced speed limits to help guide vehicles through these hazard zones, knowing we really appreciate drivers being engaged without distractions for success. Let’s all get home safely every day.”

Work zone crashes are preventable. The top three causes of crashes from 2017 to 2021 were following too closely, distracted or inattentive driving and failing to yield.

Drivers should:

Plan ahead – Check 511.idaho.gov before you go to plan your route. Expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible.
Slow down– drive the posted speed limits.
Pay attention– both to workers directing you and surrounding traffic.

Other safety tips and videos are available at itd.idaho.gov/travel.

ITD reminds drivers to put down the distractions and drive engaged

BOISE— April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is urging drivers to put down the distractions and drive engaged this month and every month. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is teaming up with local law enforcement across the state to stop distracted driving. Now through April 19, more officers will be on the roads looking to educate distracted drivers and remind them that Idaho is a hands-free state. It is illegal to operate a hand-held communication device while operating a vehicle, even while stopped in traffic.

“OHS’s mission is for everyone to drive engaged. Engaged driving is the opposite of distracted driving. It’s being present behind the wheel so you can react safely to whatever comes your way while driving,” said OHS Program Manager Josephine Middleton. “It’s the safety standard we all should commit to whenever we start our cars.”

Distractions are a significant danger to drivers in Idaho. In 2021, distracted driving played a role in 5,035 crashes, and 11% of all fatal crashes involved some form of distracted driving. Distractions are broken up into three broad categories: visual (taking eyes off the road), manual (taking hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off the road).

Examples of distractions while driving:

Using a phone
Setting a new course in a GPS
Frequent/extended fiddling with the radio or climate controls
Passengers, children, or pets distracting the driver
Eating while driving
Doing hair, makeup, or other personal care tasks

Tips to be an engaged driver:

Enable “do not disturb” mode on your phone while driving
Set up your music, GPS navigation, and climate control before you start driving
Stop to eat or save it until you reach your destination
Save the personal care tasks for when you arrive at your destination, or do them before you leave

Visit shift-idaho.org/engaged-driving for more information.

Weather delays planned lane closures at System Interchange

POCATELLO – The recent snowstorm has delayed delivery of girders for the new I-15 bridge at the System Interchange in Pocatello. ITD planned to install the girders this weekend, but they could not be safely delivered to Pocatello in time. This means the planned lane closures for this weekend will also be delayed until all of the girders can be safely delivered to Pocatello. When that occurs, ITD will update the public.

To protect Idaho’s workers and other motorists, ITD asks those travelling on Idaho’s highways to follow work zone speed limits, be patient, and plan for extra time to travel to their destinations.

To learn more about the final design of the System Interchange citizens can watch this video: https://youtu.be/KRdVBAyXweA

ITD System Interchange Construction Accelerates

POCATELLO – With the arrival of spring the Idaho Transportation Department is ramping-up construction at the System Interchange in Pocatello. As part of Governor Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative, the System Interchange is being redesigned to replace aging bridges built in the 1960s and improve traffic safety.

While work at the interchange continued throughout the winter, in the coming week ITD’s contractor will be placing girders for the new I-15 northbound bridge. This will necessitate rolling slowdowns, delays, and short detours around the I-86 to I-15 ramp leading from Chubbuck toward Blackfoot.

Additionally, as work progresses into the first week of April the Chubbuck Road bridge will be demolished. This will be done in stages with traffic detoured through Chubbuck at night. The first closure will be for northbound traffic and the second for southbound I-15 traffic.

Other projects will also see ramped-up operations including the Fort Hall Interchange and bridge work on I-86. With unprecedented funding made available for construction, Idaho motorists will continue to see increased activity on Idaho’s highways.

To learn more about the final design of the System Interchange citizens can watch this video https://youtu.be/KRdVBAyXweA