Two nights of I-84 closures will begin Monday between Garrity and Ten Mile exits

Future Interstate 84 and SH-16 Interchange.

The Idaho Transportation Department advises motorists to plan for nighttime Interstate 84 eastbound and westbound closures on Monday and Tuesday between the Garrity Boulevard and Ten Mile Road interchanges (Exits 38 and 42).

Crews are stripping framework and installing overhead sign foundations at the future interchange of State Highway 16 and I-84. One direction of I-84 will be closed each night during this work.

July 8:

  • Westbound I-84 will be closed between the Ten Mile (Exit 42) and Garrity (Exit 38) interchanges from 10 p.m. Monday night to 6 a.m. Tuesday morning. Click here for the detour map.

July 9:

 

The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph at night.

For more information, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor. You can also contact ITD at sh16corridor@itd.idaho.gov and (208) 334-8008.

US-20 Exit 332 to re-open in Rexburg, expect continued construction

Graphic of US-20 Exit 332 detailing how to drive through a diverging diamond interchange

University Boulevard Exit 332 in Rexburg will re-open by Wednesday morning. The exit has been closed since May 29 to allow the Idaho Transportation Department and contractor partners to efficiently construct a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) that will improve traffic flow and safety.

Motorists should be aware that work to finish construction at Exit 332 will be ongoing until mid-October. Paving, striping, infrastructure, and beautification efforts will create the need for occasional lane closures. One lane of traffic in each direction will remain open during these instances.

With Exit 332 re-opened, Rexburg Main Street Exit 333 will be fully closed beginning in late July so the same DDI traffic flow can be built there. More information about that closure will follow in the future.

Stay up to date on further status of this project and others by visiting 511.idaho.gov, calling 5-1-1 or downloading the app.

Construction on five bridges along the Connector (I-184) in Boise

ITD is performing maintenance work this summer on five Boise bridges along the Connector (Interstate 184).

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is performing maintenance work this summer on five Boise bridges along the Connector (Interstate 184). Crews will start work on the I-184 bridge over Chinden Boulevard on Monday.

The bridges included in this project are:

  1. Curtis Road Interchange
  2. Fairview Avenue eastbound on-ramp over I-184
  3. Orchard Street Bridge
  4. I-184 over Chinden Boulevard
  5. Boise River Bridge

Crews will apply epoxy overlays to seal the driving surface, patch and repair bridge decks, and perform joint work to enhance safety and extend the service life of each bridge. The specific work will vary depending on the bridge. The project is expected to be complete this fall.

Motorists should expect lanes and ramps along I-184 to be restricted or closed overnight and speed limits to be reduced. Check 511.idaho.gov to plan your route in advance.

To learn more about the project or sign up for construction updates, visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/boisebridges, call (208) 391-2979, or text BOISEBRIDGES to 1-866-483-8422.

Five bridges on I-184 will be under construction beginning on Monday 6/21/2024
Five bridges on I-184 will be under construction beginning on Monday 6/21/2024

Drivers urged to plan ahead as several projects set to kick off on SH-55

SH-55 between Horseshoe Bend and Avimor.

Idaho drivers are urged to plan ahead when traveling north of Eagle this summer as the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is advancing several projects along State Highway 55. These projects include lane closures and reduced speeds in various locations between Eagle and New Meadows.

“Each of these projects is intended to improve traffic flow and safety along this regional route. We look forward to a safer, smoother State Highway 55 after these projects are complete,” District 3 Engineer Jason Brinkman said.

The projects include:

  • Little Goose Creek Bridge (Construction: June 2024 – late 2024)

ITD will begin replacing the Little Goose Creek Bridge today along SH-55 near Last Chance Campground in New Meadows. SH-55 will be reduced to one lane in the area with flaggers and a traffic signal during construction. Drivers should expect delays. Learn more and sign up for construction updates on the project website.

  • SH-55 Smiths Ferry to New Meadows chip seal (Construction: July 2024 – fall 2024)

This July ITD will start applying a chip seal to several areas of SH-55 between Smiths Ferry and New Meadows. This project will extend the life of the pavement. The highway will be reduced to one lane with pilot cars where crews are working. Drivers should expect delays. In order to see where crews are working, travelers should sign up for updates on the project website.

  • Rainbow Bridge (Design: 2024-2026)

ITD is currently conducting soil and rock sampling in the area of the Rainbow Bridge for a project to build a new bridge over the North Fork of the Payette River in Valley County. Drivers can expect 15-minute delays on weekdays in June.  To learn more about the project visit https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rainbowbridge.

  • SH-55 DMS Sign (Construction: fall 2024)

ITD will install a dynamic message sign on SH-55 between Round Valley and Cascade. The new message board will notify motorists of detours or incidents along SH-55.  Minimal delays expected. Any traffic impacts during the installation will be posted at 511.idaho.gov.

  • SH-55 Banks-Lowman Road Intersection (summer 2024)

Flaggers will direct traffic at the Banks-Lowman intersection on all Sundays in July. The project team is planning to install an interim traffic signal at the busy intersection later this year.

  • SH-55 Fleming Creek Bridge Replacement (Construction: fall 2024 – late 2025)

This fall ITD will begin replacing the Fleming Creek Bridge on SH-55 approximately four miles south of Banks. SH-55 will be reduced to one lane in the work zone with speed limit reductions during the week. Details will be posted to itdprojects.idaho.gov later this summer.

  • SH-55 State Street to Horseshoe Bend Rehabilitation (Construction: fall 2023 – fall 2024)

ITD is milling and resurfacing SH-55 between State Street in Eagle and Horseshoe Bend. Work is expected to be complete this fall. Details are available on the project website. Drivers are encouraged to slow down in the work zone as there have been too many close calls with flaggers.

 

It’s important for motorists to plan ahead this summer by checking traffic impacts on their route at 511.idaho.gov.

The Idaho Transportation Department is advancing several projects this summer along State Highway 55 north of Boise.
The Idaho Transportation Department is advancing several projects this summer along State Highway 55 north of Boise.

Thanks to new innovation, ITD will chip seal 100 lane miles in the heart of Treasure Valley with minimal impact to drivers

New innovation allows ITD to do 100-lane-miles of hot chip seal in heart of Boise area. Crews are beginning work on Broadway Avenue tomorrow, followed by State Street between State Highway 16 and Linder Road, and Chinden Boulevard. Work is weather dependent and can change. The project is expected to finish late summer of this year.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is applying a hot chip seal to more than 100-lane-miles in the heart of Boise with minimal impact to drivers, as the work will all be done at night. This new innovative approach to chip sealing highlights ITD’s dedication to embracing new technologies that lessen impacts to users.

Unlike a regular chip seal, the hot chip seal on this project allows all work to be conducted at night. Traditional chip seal uses oil heated to around 150 degrees that can be applied during daytime high temperatures. Hot chip seal requires oil to be heated to 300 degrees so it can be applied during nighttime lows. Another key advantage is that drivers can use the roadway within 30 minutes of chip sealing, compared to the 24-hour wait required by regular chip seals. This high-temperature process not only extends the pavement’s service life but also minimizes disruptions to businesses and motorists.

Crews are beginning work on Broadway Avenue tomorrow, followed by State Street between State Highway 16 and Linder Road, and Chinden Boulevard. Work is weather dependent and can change. The project is expected to finish late summer of this year.

During construction motorists can expect:

  • Work on one section of road at a time
  • Nighttime work from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Access to residences and businesses will be maintained at all times
  • Lane closures, with at least one lane open in each direction
  • Shifting traffic patterns
  • Flaggers in the roadway
  • Speed limits reduced

In anticipation of this project, last summer ITD applied the first ever hot chip seal on two miles of State Highway 21 to ensure results could be replicated in a busier environment. These projects are the first in the state to use this process.

Those who are interested in learning more about the project are encouraged to sign up for email updates by visiting https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/adachipseal.

Drivers asked to slow down in work zone on SH-55 after too many “close calls”

ITD is asking drivers to slow down and watch for construction crews on State Highway 55 (SH-55) south of Horseshoe Bend due to recent dangerous driver behavior in the area.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is asking drivers to slow down and watch for construction crews on State Highway 55 south of Horseshoe Bend due to recent dangerous driver behavior in the area.

“There have been a couple of close calls in the work zone with drivers ignoring the flagging crews and the posted speed limit. Safety is our highest priority, so we really need people driving in the area to pay attention,” Project Manager JD Lewelling said.

Ongoing work includes milling and resurfacing the roadway for a smoother driving experience. Safety improvements include replacing guardrail, as needed, throughout the project area.

Construction activity is currently focused on the highway approximately four miles north of Avimor to just south of the Payette River Bridge in Horseshoe Bend. The project also includes constructing a bridge to convey both vehicle and pedestrian traffic under SH-55 at the north end of Avimor. This work is being funded by Avimor.

ADA improvements at SH-55 intersections with Hill Road, Floating Feather Road, and Beacon Light Road will be completed later this summer.

Construction is expected to be complete by this fall.

To stay updated on the project or sign up for construction updates, please visit the project website at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/SH-55-StateStreetToHorseshoeBend.

I-84 major traffic shift between Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges

A major Interstate 84 traffic shift will begin on Saturday June 8 as ITD prepares to widen westbound I-84 between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges.

A major traffic shift will begin Saturday as the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) prepares to widen westbound Interstate 84 between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges.

All traffic will shift to the eastbound lanes between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges. The traffic shift will be completed over two weekends in June. Motorists should anticipate I-84 ramp closures, detours and lane restrictions. These new traffic patterns will remain in place until summer 2025.

Once the traffic shift is complete motorists can expect:

  • All lanes of I-84 will be on the eastbound side. Two lanes will be open in each direction, but lanes will be narrower.
  • Traffic will use temporary off-ramps at Centennial Way and 10th Avenue (Exits 27 and 28). Temporary ramps will be shorter and may have fewer lanes than current ramps.
  • Frontage Road and Hannibal Street will be reduced to one-way traffic with flaggers.
  • Intermittent closures on 10th Avenue will begin in July.
  • The pedestrian overpass over I-84 will be closed and detoured to 10th Avenue in late summer.

This project will increase capacity and improve traffic flow for years to come.

To sign up for project updates:

 

Test drilling on SH-55 near Rainbow Bridge in Valley County

The Rainbow Bridge on SH-55 north of Smiths Ferry.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will begin soil and rock sampling this June for a project to build a new bridge over the North Fork of the Payette River in Valley County. The project will address plans for the nearby Rainbow Bridge that has served Idaho travelers for nearly 100 years.

The sampling will require test drilling in 18 locations around the existing bridge. Preparations are expected to begin next week. Drivers can expect up to 15-minute delays on weekdays in June for the drilling and associated preparations. Work will stop for the weekend each Friday at noon.

Prior to the drilling, ITD will remove trees and vegetation near each drilling location to allow a helicopter to safely lower equipment. The ground will be re-seeded after drilling. Results will be used for designing the bridge foundation, supports and retaining walls along State Highway 55.

The current Rainbow Bridge was constructed in 1933 and no longer meets standards for state highway bridges. ITD began environmental and design work this spring for a new bridge adjacent to the current bridge. The project will include a decision about the future of the existing bridge.

“We intend to approach this project with a high level of transparency, sensitivity and community involvement,” ITD Resident Engineer Dan Gorley said. “Public input will be a key consideration in the final recommendation for the new bridge and the existing bridge.”

ITD will host community open houses and a stakeholder working group this July. Additional community involvement opportunities will be scheduled later this year. To request an invitation to future meetings, please email info@sh55rainbowbridge.com or visit https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rainbowbridge.

The project is planned for construction in 2027 or 2028.

Two projects starting Monday will cause delays on SH-33 in Teton valley

State Highway 33 between mileposts 151 and 152 where a new passing lane will be constructed.

Two projects are set to begin Monday to create a center mumble strip and add a passing lane on State Highway 33. Motorists will experience lane closures and delays at various times through the summer.

A mumble strip along the center line of SH-33 will be added to increase safety and avoid collisions from the intersection of State Highway 32 to the Wyoming state line. The mumble strip will not be added within the city limits of Tetonia, Driggs and Victor. All striping will also be redone. This project will close one lane in the current work area and be complete within two weeks. Mumble strips are similar to rumble strips but are rounded so noise is heard by the driver and less by surrounding homes and businesses.

Work on the addition of a passing lane, center and right turn lanes and the realignment of Baseline Road along SH-33 between Victor and Teton Pass also begins Monday. Drivers should plan for delays between 15 and 30 minutes as temporary signals will alternate traffic through the work zone from mileposts 151 to 153. Crews will remove outdated concrete cattle underpasses and widen the road to ultimately give motorists a chance to pass slow-moving vehicles before entering Teton Pass. This work will be complete mid to late-September.

Motorists should remember to use caution and be patient through construction zones as the Idaho Transportation Department and contractors work to make the road better for the future. Stay up to date on status of these projects and others by visiting 511.idaho.gov, calling 5-1-1 or downloading the app.

Construction to resume this weekend at SH-26 and Anderson/Lincoln Road intersection

Sidewalk, street and traffic at the intersection of US-26 and Anderson

Construction work at the intersection of U.S. Highway 26 (Yellowstone) and Anderson/Lincoln Road in Idaho Falls begins this weekend and will continue June 8-9. Anderson/Lincoln will be closed to through traffic and no left turns will be allowed off Yellowstone.  Roads will re-open and traffic resume as normal on Sunday night both weekends. The intersection was also a work zone last year and was unable to be successfully completed with the onset of winter weather.

The City of Idaho Falls requested that the Idaho Transportation Department arrange to have work done over weekend time frames to affect the fewest commuting drivers. ITD is working with the contractor to ensure the most minimal impact while fully completing improvements at the intersection. It is the project goal to complete one half of the work this weekend on June 1-2, and the other half over June 8-9 to ensure the least amount of closure and detours possible. Any changes to that schedule will be communicated if necessary.

Motorists will see the current road surface being milled up and removed to put stronger asphalt in place. Stone matrix asphalt (SMA), a newer construction alternative than the concrete previously used at this intersection, will be laid in solid segments to avoid weak joints and give the new section of road as much as a 20-year life cycle.

Remember to use caution and be patient through construction zones as the Idaho Transportation Department and our contractor partners work to make the road better for the future. Stay up to date on status of this project and others by visiting 511.idaho.gov, calling 5-1-1 or downloading the app.