US-95 highway improvement work resumes, slated to finish 2025

Construction on the new U.S. Highway 95 four-lane segment between Moscow and Thorn Creek Road will resume this week. Drivers can expect to have one lane in each direction and slow down to 45 miles per hour in work zones mainly near Reisenhauer Hill until construction of five miles on the north end of the project is ready to accept traffic this summer.

Last year crews constructed nearly five of the six miles. They will now focus on paving the new alignment, building two bridges over Thorn Creek and connecting the new roadway to existing US-95. Construction on Thorn Creek bridges will continue in the fall.

The existing US-95 roadway will temporarily close at Reisenauer Hill in the summer as ITD switches traffic over to the new alignment. At that time, Latah County will assume ownership of the old route and plans to use funds from the Thorn Creek project to repave and reopen it.

“We have been running on all cylinders to deliver this vital safety project for our region,” District Engineer Doral Hoff said. “M.A. DeAtley Construction, Inc. and their teams are also eager to transform US-95 to four lanes so motorists can experience increased capacity for mobility and improved geometry for safety. We are appreciative of the public’s patience during this construction effort.”

Portions of this project are funded as part of Idaho Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho money 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 communities across the state for years to come.

Travelers are reminded to check for live traffic impacts across the region including this one by visiting 511.idaho.gov, dialing 5-1-1 or downloading the app.

Click here to see a map of the construction.

Work on the I-90 bridges near Cataldo will begin to impact traffic

Aerial view of the I-90 bridges over the Coeur d'Alene river near Cataldo

Starting next week drivers will be required to slow down and merge into a single lane in both directions as work resumes to reconstruct the Interstate 90 bridges over the Coeur d’Alene River near Cataldo. These bridges were first built in 1964 and are ready for replacement.

As early as mid-March all traffic will be shifted on to the westbound side of the interstate to allow crews to demolish and reconstruct the eastbound bridge. Next year, the westbound bridge is scheduled for replacement with traffic shifted to the new eastbound bridge. Work will end in late 2026.

River and trail users will also experience impacts during the 2025 construction season.

River Impacts

Beginning April 1 recreational access and use of the river, including boating, kayaking, tubing, swimming and fishing will be restricted for 500 feet on both sides of the bridges Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Boat launches outside of the work zone will remain available for use, though no one will be able to pass underneath the structure during working hours for safety reasons.

Construction will take scheduled breaks during the major summer holidays and access to the river will be available for recreation.

Signs will be posted locally at boat launches and access points that will update users of restrictions or changes throughout the construction process.

Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Impacts

During construction trail users should be aware that there may be intermittent closures of five or ten minutes as equipment and materials are transported across the trail during day to day operations. Flaggers will be present during these closures to ensure safe crossing for crew members, vehicles and trail users.

Trail users should exercise caution in areas adjacent to the work zone for the possibility of loose dirt or gravel on the trail surface.

In 2024 a temporary work bridge was constructed across the river to provide crews and equipment access. Crossover lanes were also constructed on both ends of the work zone to allow for vehicles to be shifted during construction to maintain the flow of traffic.

Map depicting the I-90 work zones from Post Falls to Cataldo for the 2025 construction season.

 

This project is one of several that will dot the I-90 corridor from the Washington state line to the Silver Valley in 2025, including expanding the freeway to four lanes between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, upgrading the I-90 State Highway 41 Interchange, and repaving from Wolf Lodge to Fourth of July Pass.

Drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system, either online, by phone or through the app, for updates on conditions and traffic impacts throughout the construction season.

Significant traffic changes ahead for construction on the I-90, SH-41 Interchange in Post Falls

Aerial view of the westbound I-90 SH-41 exit loop ramp

Starting Monday, March 3, the Idaho Transportation Department will be making several significant changes to traffic near the Interstate 90 and State Highway 41 Interchange. These changes are necessary to accommodate ongoing construction efforts as ITD nears a major milestone of the project with the completion of the new Single Point Urban Interchange.

I-90 westbound off ramp to get to SH-41

  • Closed March 3 through Fall 2025
  • Traffic will be detoured to the Seltice Way Interchange at Exit 6. Click here for detour map.
  • A temporary signal has been installed at Seltice Way to handle detoured traffic exiting the interstate

On ramp from SH-41 to get onto eastbound I-90

  • Closed overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from March 3 through mid-March
  • Traffic will be detoured west on Seltice Way to the exit 6 eastbound on-ramp.

SH-41 under I-90                                                                                       

  • Closed March through mid-April
  • Traffic will be diverted to Greensferry Road while crews deconstruct the temporary bridge and work on utilities. Click here for detour map.

Central Avenue                                                                                          

  • Closed early March through Fall 2025
  • Click here for a map of available business accesses.

Overnight single lane closures on I-90 in both eastbound and westbound lanes throughout the work zone

  • 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. March 3 through mid-April

Westbound on ramp for SH-41 traffic

 

Additional changes to the westbound on-ramp are coming later this spring. Details will be shared as soon as they are available.

“Reconstructing the westbound off-ramp and improving SH-41 is a key part of the project’s success,” said project manager Randy Durland. “We thank the public again for their patience during these closures as crews continue to make significant progress towards the finish line.”

Construction on the new ramp and SPUI is expected to be complete in 2026.

Drivers can use the Idaho 511 system for updated traffic conditions, detours and delays by dialing 511, visiting the website, or downloading the app to your smart device.

To learn more, visit the project website at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i90sh41ic, call 208-738-4190, or email info@i90corridor.com.

I-15 Inkom corridor construction and detour begins Monday

The Idaho Transportation Department and its construction partner Wadsworth Brothers Construction is beginning reconstruction of Interstate 15 at Inkom.

Work will replace I-15 bridges in three locations:

  • Over the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks and Old Highway 91.
  • Over Rapid Creek Road (Main Street).
  • I-15 bridges and reconstructing the West Interchange.

ITD combined and streamlined the projects to reduce the construction timeline to approximately two years rather than doing one location at a time over three years. This approach minimizes disruption to the local community and the traveling public and efficiently uses construction funds.

Old Highway 91 will be closed under I-15 beginning Monday, weather and other factors permitting, to allow Idaho Power to relocate utilities. Local access will be allowed. Other drivers will be detoured along Rapid Creek Road (Main Street). The detour will remain in place until mid-June.

I-15 traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction from early March until late October.

For project progress and to sign up for construction updates, go to the project webpage at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i15-inkom-corridor. Motorists are encouraged to use 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to keep track of project detours.

 

Construction near Riggins to prevent rocks from falling onto US-95

Starting Monday, roadside construction will commence on U.S. Highway 95 between Riggins and the Time Zone Bridge to reduce the chance of rockfall. Workers will knock down insecure rocks and install rock anchors to stabilize the hillside above US-95.

Travelers can expect intermittent delays of up to 20 minutes while overhead debris is removed and anchors are installed. The travel lane width may be restricted in the work zone and slower speeds are encouraged for safety. Construction is slated to conclude through November.

Rockfall mitigation efforts remain a priority in this region because of the complex geology. This work will significantly increase safety by reducing the risk of future rock falls and prevent damage to the roadway.

The cost for the project is just over $1.6 million.

Live traffic impacts across the region from this project and others including construction near Whitebird can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

SH-21 reopens following Wapiti Fire

The Idaho Transportation Department will reopen State Highway 21 between Lowman and Stanley at 8 a.m. on Friday. Traffic will be managed with a pilot car or flagging operation to safely guide vehicles through areas where crews are working on repairs.

ITD crews continue to work alongside emergency contractors to address the significant damage caused by the Wapiti Fire. This work includes clearing ditches, hauling materials to rebuild eroded hillsides, removing hundreds of hazardous trees, and replacing damaged guardrails. Once completed, steel guardrails that meet new modern standards will replace the burnt wooden rails.

Drivers are advised to avoid unnecessary trips and reminded not to stop along the highway, especially in the burn areas. Those traveling through the affected area should expect:

  • Traffic guided by a pilot car or flaggers during active work.
  • A temporary reduced speed limit of 45 mph.
  • Significant delays when crews are working on the highway.
  • Repair work continuing until weather conditions make further progress impossible.

The recent rain in the area has helped suppress the fire but has also caused slides and boulders to fall onto the highway. Due to the evolving conditions created by the wildfire, ITD advises drivers to always check 511.idaho.gov  before heading out.

 

Delays expected on the Perrine Bridge next week for inspection

Perrine Bridge

Drivers can expect lane restrictions and possible delays near Twin Falls to begin Monday as crews from the Idaho Transportation Department perform routine biannual inspections on the Perrine Bridge.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction while crew members are utilizing the inspection truck. Work will occur at non-peak hours to help reduce congestion and is expected to follow the below schedule:

– Southbound outside lane closure: Monday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
– Northbound outside lane closure: Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pedestrian access may be subject to short restrictions during portions of the inspection. Motorists should consider using an alternate route between the hours listed above. The schedule is subject to change pending weather conditions, so travelers should remember to check 511.idaho.gov for updates or pay attention to signage in the area.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution near the work zone and watch for crew members and equipment. ITD appreciates the patience and cooperation of those driving through the area.

Lane closures on I-90 between Cataldo and Pinehurst begin Thursday for paving

Map of I-90 work zone between Cataldo and Pinehurst

Starting Thursday the Idaho Transportation Department will begin a nighttime project to resurface a 9-mile section of Interstate 90 from River Road near Cataldo to Pinehurst. This project will involve milling down the driving surface to remove fractures, ruts and flaws and replacing it with a fresh, smooth layer of asphalt.

Work will be conducted Monday through Friday, beginning at 6 p.m. each evening until 6 a.m. the following morning and is expected to be complete by early October.

Although work will be performed at night, drivers will experience single-lane closures during daytime hours as well where the roadway has been milled due to the difference in elevation between lanes.

Several on- and off-ramps within the work zone will have temporary, intermittent nighttime closures during active milling and paving but will be open during the day for access.

  • Exit 39 at Mission Road
  • Exit 40 at Latour Creek Road
  • Exit 43 at Kingston
  • Exit 45 at Pine Creek

Roadside digital signs will inform drivers of specific information regarding ramp closures.

Drivers, especially motorcyclists, should exercise caution when accessing these ramps as they travel over between milled and un-milled lanes.

This work zone will encompass ongoing work at the I-90 Coeur d’Alene River Bridges. Traffic control will be coordinated with the existing work zone to guide drivers through the area safely.

Up-to-the-minute information about lane and ramp closures, traffic impacts, and delays can be found by using the Idaho 511 system.

 

   

Ramp closure scheduled at the System Interchange

Map of system interchange in Pocatello showing detour through Northgate Interchange.

Beginning tomorrow night, the northbound to westbound ramp of the Interstate 86/Interstate 15 System Interchange will be closed to allow for demolition of the old eastbound to northbound bridge. Traffic intending to travel westbound on Interstate 86 from northbound Interstate 15 will be detoured through the Northgate Interchange. Work will continue until Thursday when the ramp reopens at 7:30 a.m.

Originally built in the 1960s, this is the last existing bridge of the System Interchange that will need demolition as part of the $112 million redesign. The project is scheduled to be completed next summer.

Motorists should carefully follow signs and posted speed limits while traveling through the construction area. With crews working day and night, it is especially important that drivers be alert and proceed safely through the work zone.

Motorists are encouraged to use 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to keep track of project detours. Project details are also available at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-86i-15-system-interchange

Closure of SH-38 railroad crossings near Malad starts Sept. 19

Three railroad crossings on State Highway 38 near Malad will close for repairs for up to three weeks starting Sept. 19, with some work beginning next week. Detours will be posted and message boards will be in place to alert the public to the coming road closure.

Preliminary work at the crossings will consist of delivery of materials and prebuilding new rail track panels outside the roadway and will not cause full closures.

Crews will replace the concrete pads and rails to make the crossings smoother. New drains will also be installed to address ponding issues.

Traffic impacts from this project and others are always available at 511.idaho.gov