Work begins on I-15 bridges toward the Montana state line

Northbound lanes and signs on I-15 at Exit 184 Stoddard Creek.

Repairs and improvements are starting today on the first of 11 bridges along Interstate 15 north of Roberts toward the Montana state line. Crews will be replacing water damaged concrete and installing anti-skid surfacing to greatly extend the life of the bridges. Travelers should expect to see lane restrictions and lower speed limits where work is occurring through the summer and fall.

Crews are beginning today where the most significant repairs are needed, on the northbound lanes of Exit 184 at Stoddard Creek. Traffic will be routed off the bridge and on to the ramps, with travel affects much like those seen last year on the southbound lanes.

Stoddard Creek Road underneath I-15 is the access to popular camping areas and will be restricted to one lane or closed intermittently during construction. The closure will only be in place when passing under the bridge is not safe based on the work being done. When closed, motorists can proceed to Exit 190 at Humphrey, turn back around and head south to Stoddard Creek, then make a right turn toward camping areas.

From I-15 mileposts 136 to 189, repairs are also being done on ten other bridges and interchanges through the summer and fall. Work at Exit 180 at Spencer and Beaver Creek Overpass will continue for approximately six weeks. At the other locations, it will last just three to four days. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on I-15 where these efforts are being completed.

Updates on specific work zones and travel impacts will be available on the Idaho 511 app or at 511.idaho.gov.

SH-55 sealcoat will begin from Horseshoe Bend to Banks

Aerial view of SH-55 running alongside the river.

The Idaho Transportation Department will apply a sealcoat on State Highway 55 from Horseshoe Bend to north of Banks this summer. The sealcoat will preserve and extend the life of the pavement.

Starting Wednesday crews will begin work at the boundary of the Boise National Forest at milepost 91, about 12 miles north of Banks, and work their way 28 miles south towards Horseshoe Bend. This work is expected to be completed in early August.

During construction, motorists can expect:

SH-55 will be reduced to one lane with flaggers and pilot cars inside the active work zone.
The speed limit will be reduced and 12-foot width restrictions may be in place.
Work will take place Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
All lanes will be open on the weekends and outside working hours.

Due to the popularity of this highway with recreationists, drivers should plan for delays up to 30 minutes and consider using an alternative route.

There are several other work zones active on this highway. Workers will be close to traffic. Slow down and do not block driveways and entrances along SH-55.

Visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55sealcoat to learn more, sign up for email updates or contact the project team.

For real-time traffic impacts drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system to plan ahead for travel.

Work continues on SH-55 Little Goose Creek Bridge

Earlier this week the contractor for the Idaho Transportation Department resumed construction to replace the Little Goose Creek Bridge along State Highway 55 between New Meadows and McCall.

Drivers should plan for reduced speeds and intermittent flagging for most of construction. Later this summer during paving, SH-55 will be reduced to one lane with temporary traffic signals.

“This project has been extended due to weather, road conditions and unexpected contractor delays,” Associate Engineer B.J. Johnson said. “We are working with the contractor to ensure the work is completed as quickly and safely as possible, presumably this fall. We appreciate the community’s patience during this process.”

Work began in June 2024 to replace the bridge to enhance the overall safety, mobility and needs of the traveling public. The project also includes improving the nearby intersection at Last Chance Road and widening the shoulders of the highway. Last Chance Road and campground are closed until late 2025.

Learn more and sign up for construction updates on the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55-little-goose-creek.

Westbound I-84 on- and off- ramps closed at Burley Exit 208 starting next week

View of the Burley Interchange from the freeway

The westbound on- and off- ramps on Interstate 84 at State Highway 27 will close July 7 for repaving as part of the ongoing reconstruction of the Burley Interchange.

The closure will be in place from 6 p.m. July 7 through 9 p.m. July 24. If the schedule changes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, updated information will be provided through roadside signage.

Drivers heading to the I-84 westbound on-ramp will be detoured north to State Highway 25, and then west to access I-84 at Exit 201. Westbound I-84 off-ramp drivers may exit early at SH-24 (Exit 211) or further west at SH-25 (Exit 201). See map attached. Detour signage is in place and will guide motorists through the project area. Please watch for crews, use caution, and drive safely.

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

To learn more about the project that is expected to be complete in 2026, please visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/projects/i-84-burley-and-heyburninterchanges. Information about this closure, detour routes, and travel impacts for projects statewide is on 511.idaho.gov.

Chip sealing to begin Wednesday at I-86 and I-15 System Interchange

Aerial photo of the system interchange at Pocatello.

Beginning tomorrow the Idaho Transportation Department will chip seal the System Interchange in Pocatello. Once this work is complete, the roadway will be restriped to indicate the final lane configurations.

Chip sealing covers temporary lane markings used throughout various phases of construction and maximizes the taxpayers’ investment by extending the lifespan of the pavement. A sticky slurry is sprayed on the pavement then rock chips are applied on top for a long-lasting seal. This treatment protects pavement from sun, oxidation, weather, water, oil and gas, and increases traction for safety.

Tabs will be placed on the new chip seal to indicate lanes for the short time before striping work can occur.

The previous connection between I-86 and I-15 was originally built in the 1960s. Now nearing completion, the System Interchange is a $112 million redesign to improve safety and replace aging infrastructure that began construction in 2022.

Motorists should carefully follow signs and slow down to posted speed limits while traveling through the construction area. With crews working day and night at the System Interchange, it is especially important that drivers be alert and travel safely.

Motorists are encouraged to use 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to keep track of related detours. Project details are available on ITD’s website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/i-86i-15-system-interchange.

Sealcoats for US-12 east of Kooskia begin tomorrow

Construction will start tomorrow to apply sealcoats to two sections of U.S. Highway 12 east of Kooskia. Sealcoats are necessary applications that will prolong the life of pavement. They improve the driving surface by waterproofing the roadway and increasing skid resistance for safety.

Work will start near the Lochsa Ranger Station at milepost 121 and move toward White Pine River Access. Then crews will shift to Powell at milepost 151 and work toward Lolo Pass at milepost 167. US-12 will be down to one lane with flaggers alternating traffic. Each section is anticipated to take between one to two weeks to complete before crews move on to the next.

Drivers are encouraged to follow all posted work zone speeds and be ready to stop for flaggers. Delays may range from 15 to 30 minutes, and a pilot car will escort motorists safely through the work zone. Crews appreciate the patience of the public during this important preservation work.

Construction will conclude by the end of July. Live traffic impacts across the region can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

Repairs on five US-95 bridges north of New Meadows start Wednesday

The Idaho Transportation Department is repairing five bridges along U.S. Highway 95 from New Meadows to Pollock in Adams and Idaho Counties starting Wednesday. Construction on each bridge will last approximately one week, and crews may work on more than one bridge at a time.

The bridges included in this project are the Goose Creek West Bridge, Goose Creek East Bridge, Little Salmon River Bridge, Boulder Creek Bridge and Fall Creek Bridge. View the map to see the exact locations of these bridges. Work will start this week at the Goose Creek West Bridge.

Impacts to traffic will vary by bridge, but overall motorists can expect daytime work with reduced speed limits. US-95 will be reduced to one lane in work zones with flaggers or temporary signals to control traffic.

This work is part of a larger effort to repair bridges throughout southwestern Idaho to extend their service life and reduce maintenance costs. ITD is also preforming repairs on bridges in Canyon County

and has completed work on bridges in Elmore and Ada counties.

Repairs will include:

– Patching and sealing concrete

– Working on expansion joints

– Removing asphalt overlays

– Improving deck drains

– Milling and paving bridge approaches

– Painting steel structures

The Idaho Transportation Department is committed to minimizing disruption during construction while prioritizing the safety of both crews and motorists. Drivers are urged to use extra caution when traveling through active work zones.

To plan your route in advance, visit 511.idaho.gov.

To learn more about the project and see a breakdown of impacts and repairs by bridge, visit the project website at ITDProjects.Idaho.Gov/pages/Bridges2025, call 208-377-9688 or email John@RBCI.net.

Repairs to two bridges in Canyon County start Sunday night

Bridge over freeway with a couple of cars going across.

CANYON COUNTY – The Idaho Transportation Department will begin maintenance work on two bridges in Canyon County starting Sunday night. Crews will work on both bridges simultaneously with construction lasting approximately one week.

The structures being repaired include the bridge for the eastbound on-ramp that crosses Indian Creek at the Karcher Interchange in Nampa and the Centennial Way Railroad bridge in Caldwell. Work will take place between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. with speed limits reduced to 35 mph.

At the Karcher Interchange, the on-ramp will be closed. Motorists will still be able to access I-84 by following the signed detour.

At the Centennial Way Railroad Bridge, one lane will be open in each direction.

This work is part of a larger effort to repair bridges throughout southwestern Idaho to extend their service life and reduce maintenance costs. ITD has completed work on bridges in Elmore and Ada counties and will be working on bridges along US-95 in Adams/Idaho counties later this summer.

Repairs will include:

Patching and sealing concrete
Working on expansion joints
Removing asphalt overlays
Improving deck drains
Milling and paving bridge approaches
Painting steel structures

ITD is committed to minimizing disruption during construction while prioritizing the safety of both crews and motorists. Drivers are urged to use extra caution when traveling through active work zones.

To learn more about the project or sign up for construction updates visit the project website at ITDProjects.Idaho.Gov/pages/Bridges2025

Hazard Tree Removal on Idaho Highways

Logs from a hazard tree removal project decked up on the side of the road awaiting removal.

The Idaho Transportation Department would like to share information regarding tree removal along highways in Idaho.

The current tree clearing you may see in various locations along state routes is part of an ongoing hazard tree removal effort as part of our maintenance program to improve safety.

We prioritize removal based on the below safety benefits:

Visibility: Clearer sightlines mean drivers can spot wildlife or obstacles sooner.
Clear zone: Removing obstacles like trees from the clear zone around highways makes it more likely that any drivers who leave the roadway have a better chance of safely recovering and making it back to the road.
Winter driving safety: More sunlight reaches the road surface, reducing icy conditions and the risk of black ice.
Roadway safety: Reduces the risk of falling trees on the roadway.
Wildfire preparedness: Removing trees near the road creates natural firebreaks that can serve to help slow or stop wildfires.

ITD is not just focusing on tree removal within our own right of way but also proactively engaging other public agency partners, such as the U.S. Forrest Service and Idaho Parks and Recreation, to bring these safety benefits along more of our highways.

In instances where there is a need to address trees on private property we work collaboratively with property owners and get express permission before proceeding with tree removal. We do not remove trees on private land without permission.

It’s also important to understand that not all tree removal you may see along highways is being performed by ITD. Private property owners and timber operations often conduct logging or thinning near roadways, and while we require permits for any work within our right of way that we are not initiating, many of these operations happen entirely on private land.

We understand that Idahoans value our outdoor spaces and the area’s natural beauty. Every decision we make on hazard trees is made with the intent of saving lives.

We’re committed to being transparent about our work and welcome any questions from the public. The public can always reach out directly to ITD for accurate information from district representatives.

Repairs to last year’s chipseal on Chinden start tonight

Aerial view of Chinden Boulevard, US-20/26, in Boise.

Starting tonight the contractor will return to Chinden Boulevard to address the limited sections from last year’s chipseal project that did not meet ITD standards. Repairs will protect the driving surface and extend the life of the roadway.

Between Glenwood Street and Eagle Road, the highway will receive a thin asphalt overlay resurfacing. From Eagle Road to Linder Road, pavement sealer will be sprayed on to the road to protect it, and lines will be freshly painted.

Work will be done at night from 7:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. to minimize impacts to travelers. One lane will be closed in each direction at night for up to six weeks. All lanes will be open during the day when crews are not on site.

Travelers should check 511.idaho.gov to know before they go.