Category: Work Zone

Construction season is kicking off on State Highway 55, a vital link in the north-south corridor connecting Boise and Lewiston. With Idaho’s short summer construction window and the need for warm temperatures before snowfall returns, the Idaho Transportation Department will soon begin several key projects along SH-55 to maintain and improve this critical route as shown on the attached map.

Motorists should expect significant delays and are encouraged to travel during off-peak hours—such as early mornings or late evenings. ITD recognizes the inconvenience construction may cause, but each project is part of the department’s continued commitment to enhance safety and mobility along this essential route. From bridge replacements to essential maintenance, these efforts are designed to keep Idahoans moving safely and efficiently throughout the region for many years ahead.

North on the map from Eagle to New Meadows, drivers can expect the following projects this construction season:

Horseshoe Bend to Boise National Forest Boundary Chip Seal (Construction: summer 2025) ITD will apply a chip seal to SH-55 between Horseshoe Bend and the Boise National Forest Boundary to extend the life of the pavement. The highway will be reduced to one lane with pilot cars where crews are working. Work hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday from mid-June to mid-August.

Fleming Creek Bridge Replacement (Construction: fall 2024 – late 2025) ITD is replacing the Fleming Creek Bridge on SH-55 approximately four miles south of Banks. The project includes a minor realignment of SH-55 to accommodate the bridge and meet current standards for roadway geometry. Work this year will have minor impacts to motorists.

Banks-Lowman Road Intersection Interim Traffic Signal (Construction: spring 2025) The new signal was activated May 5 and replaces flagging operations that had previously occurred during peak travel periods, providing a safer and more efficient solution for travelers. Travelers may expect delays around the signal.

Rainbow Bridge Maintenance (Construction: spring – fall 2025) ITD will repair concrete bridge elements, replace expansion joints and repair the deck surface. This maintenance is necessary to continue meeting safety and capacity standards until a new bridge is constructed in the future. During the week (Monday-Thursday) one lane of traffic will be open across the bridge. On weekends (Friday-Sunday), both lanes will be open. Prior to Memorial Day, one-lane closures may occur on weekends.

Dynamic Message Sign (Construction: summer 2025) ITD is installing a dynamic message sign on SH-55 this summer between Round Valley and Cascade. The new message board will notify motorists of detours or incidents.

Little Goose Creek Bridge (Construction: June 2024 – fall 2025) ITD is replacing the Little Goose Creek Bridge along SH-55 near New Meadows. This project has been extended due to weather, road conditions and unexpected contractor delays. SH-55 will continue to be reduced to one lane with a traffic signal during construction. Work will be completed this fall.

Motorists are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov before traveling throughout the state for the latest road conditions and construction updates. However, due to limited cell phone reception along parts of the SH-55 corridor, real-time delays may not always be accurately reflected. Drivers should plan for significant weekend delays and allow extra time for travel.

Construction will commence next week to build a new passing lane on U.S. Highway 95 near Ferdinand to smooth traffic flow and provide a safer opportunity to pass.

Drivers should expect to slow to 45 mph during working hours and 55 mph during off hours through the work zone. The contractor will be working primarily Monday – Friday during daylight hours. Motorists may encounter intermittent flagging with alternating traffic that could create 15-minute delays.

The 1.1-mile passing lane will be built on the northbound side of US-95 between Windy Loop Road and Lauer Crossing Road. Starting at the existing edge line, workers will construct the new 12-foot-wide concrete passing lane and widen the existing shoulder by 6 feet. All construction is expected to end in August.

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.

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin maintenance work on the Rainbow Bridge along State Highway 55 over the North Fork of the Payette River starting Monday. This project is intended to ensure the bridge meets current safety and capacity requirements until a new bridge is completed.

Crews will repair reinforced concrete bridge elements, replace expansion joints, and restore the deck surface. Work is expected to be completed in the fall. Motorists should expect delays in the area during construction.

• SH-55 will be reduced to one lane on weekdays in the project area (Mondays at 6 a.m. to Thursdays at 5 p.m.). Temporary traffic signals will direct traffic.
• Both lanes of SH-55 are expected to be open on weekends (Fridays – Sundays) and major holidays this summer. Prior to Memorial Day, one lane may be closed on weekends.
• Lanes will be reduced to 11 feet.

Rafters should be aware of work on the bridge, follow signage, and look for direction from the river ­flagger during overhead work.

Repairs this summer will help prevent future load restrictions that could impact service vehicles, delivery vehicles and cattle trucks using SH-55. For the latest updates and additional information, please visit the project website.

The aging State Highway 21 bridge over the South Fork of the Payette River in Lowman will soon be replaced with a modern structure that improves safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Traffic control for this multi-season project begins setting up next week.

In the initial phase, crews will begin reconstructing the roadway adjacent to the existing bridge. Starting July 2025, demolition of the bridge’s north half will begin. From July through November 2025, traffic will be reduced to a single alternating lane, controlled by a temporary traffic signal, as construction on the north portion of the new bridge gets underway.

To minimize environmental impact—especially on critical bull trout spawning habitat—and to keep traffic moving, construction will take place over two seasons. Full completion is anticipated in spring 2027. Once finished, the new Lowman Bridge will offer improved travel conditions and enhanced safety.

The site has a rich history of moving Idahoans safely across the river: the original late 1800s timber truss bridge was replaced in 1925 with a newer timber truss bridge, which featured a timber center pier and two concrete piers. That bridge was declared unsafe in 1946 and replaced shortly thereafter with the current steel girder bridge.

Delays are expected during construction. Motorists are encouraged to check their route at 511.idaho.gov before heading to the area.

 

The Idaho Transportation Department will be performing final patch repairs on a section of US-95 near McArthur Lake on Tuesday.

To minimize impacts on commuter traffic, work will take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., during which time traffic will be reduced to a single alternating lane through the work zone.

Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to plan ahead and adjust travel times or routes as needed. Flaggers will be present to guide vehicles safely through the area.

This patch is a final touch up following the major reconstruction efforts which were completed in 2024. The upcoming patch is intended to ensure the long-term integrity of the roadway and improve safety and surface conditions through the corridor. Drivers are reminded to slow down, be alert and follow posted signs while traveling through construction zones.

For the latest updates on road conditions and construction projects, visit Idaho 511.

 

Beginning April 28, routine maintenance will commence on several bridges across North Idaho as part of a scheduled infrastructure improvement effort. The Idaho Transportation Department will carry out essential maintenance work at seven locations over the next several months.

The first phase of work begins on Bunco Road over U.S. Highway 95, with additional work kicking off in early May at Northwest Boulevard and the Interstate 90 Veterans Memorial Bridge. Active construction will occur weekdays, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., with scheduled breaks surrounding major holidays and local events. Work is expected to span through spring and summer and will be completed by late fall.

The full list of locations includes:

• Bunco Road over US-95
• US-95 over Northwest Boulevard – (night work; expect traffic impacts on both US-95 and Northwest Blvd)
• Veterans Memorial Bridge on Interstate 90
• I-90 over Potlatch Hill Road
• Shiplett Road over I-90 (toward Silver Valley)
• I-90 eastbound on-ramp over South Fork Coeur d’Alene River
• I-90 westbound two-way ramp over South Fork Coeur d’Alene River

Traffic Impacts

Information about traffic impacts will be available to the public in advance through the 511 system and are expected to include:

• Lane reductions.
• Alternating one-lane travel in some areas.
• On- and off-ramps near project zones may experience temporary closures, especially the southbound US-95 off-ramp at Bunco Road.
• Efforts will be made to avoid construction over major holidays and peak travel periods.
• Flaggers for traffic control.
• Nighttime work at US-95 over Northwest Boulevard.

Attempts will be made to have no more than three of these locations under construction simultaneously to minimize overall impact for drivers, especially with several other unrelated projects underway across the region this year.

Bunco Road

One of the bridges included in this project—Bunco Road over US-95—was not originally scheduled for repair. However, following a bridge strike last year caused by a truck hauling an improperly secured load, the structure sustained damage that now requires attention.

This incident serves as a critical reminder to secure loads properly and observe over height signage. Bridge strikes not only pose safety risks but also lead to unnecessary repairs, traffic disruptions, and costs.

As part of the repair plan that begins in late April, the Bunco Road bridge will need to be “loaded”—a process that involves placing weight, likely in the form of heavy equipment, on the bridge to flex the girders and allow crews to make necessary adjustments. Community members may notice large vehicles or machinery parked on the bridge for extended periods. While it may seem unusual, this is a planned, essential step in the repair process, not an emergency, delay or lack of progress.

Veterans Memorial Bridge

Work on the Veterans Memorial Bridge will last the longest, extending into late fall. Work will include deck maintenance and pier crack repair, which may involve top-down methods that could require additional lane closures and impacts to traffic starting May 5.

US-95 over Northwest Boulevard

Night work at US-95 and Northwest Boulevard is planned to minimize daytime traffic disruptions. Coordination with the city of Coeur d’Alene will help mitigate impacts during local events. Specific nighttime work hours will be communicated via the Idaho 511 system once they are determined.

“These are routine but important upgrades to ensure our bridges stay safe and operational,” said Preston Sochovka, ITD’s project manager. “Coming right on the heels of National Work Zone Safety Week, it’s a timely reminder for drivers to secure their loads and use extra caution when traveling through active construction zones—for your safety and ours.”

Roadside milling and paving operations are underway on U.S. Highway 95 between Riggins and Race Creek Bridge. The paving is the final touch up work as part of the rockfall stabilization project last fall.

Travelers can expect flaggers and intermittent delays of up to 15 minutes between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. During working hours the highway will be reduced to a single lane with alternating directions of travel. Slower speeds are encouraged for safety. Extra vigilance is advised as space may be limited in this river corridor. Construction is anticipated to complete this Friday.

The cost for the project is about $1.6 million.

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.

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction next week to improve safety and capacity on State Highway 75 between Elkhorn Road and River Street. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026.

Crews will remove trees in select locations the week of April 28. Generally throughout construction, motorists can expect:

• The speed limit on SH-75 will be reduced to 25 mph in the construction zone.
• Work will occur Monday – Saturday between 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. with the occasional exception on nights and weekends.
• One lane will remain open in each direction on SH-75 between Elkhorn Road and River Street.
• Closures will occur on local roads, and detours will be in place.
• Traffic shifts will occur on SH-75 and local roads.

SH-75 is the primary north-south highway in the Wood River Valley serving the cities of Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley in Blaine County. Improvements include widening SH-75 to 4 lanes between Elkhorn Road and River Street, improving intersections and local roads and making pedestrian access more readily available in the project area. These changes have been developed to accommodate traffic projections for the next 20 years.

The project team will share information about upcoming traffic impacts through email and website updates. For more details and to sign up for construction updates, please visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/idaho75, email info@sh75project.com or call (208) 254-0421.