Construction at Exit 211 on I-84 in Heyburn has begun

Drone shot of the Heyburn Interchange on I-84 before construction

Construction to upgrade the Heyburn Interchange (Exit 211) is scheduled to begin Monday (March 11), adding another work zone on Interstate 84 as work began at the nearby Burley Interchange (Exit 208) in late February. Both multi-year projects include replacing the interchanges, with funding coming from Governor Little’s Leading Idaho program.

The interchanges were built in the 1960s. Feedback from open houses held in 2022 and 2023 led to the selection of new designs that are safer and capable of handling more traffic.

On Monday, crews will mobilize into the area and begin setting up the work zone. Nighttime lane closure are not anticipated until early April when they place barrier and start removing vegetation in the median.

Upgrading the interchange will take until late 2026 and is expected to cost $90.1 million. Drivers can generally expect:

  • All lanes on I-84 will be open during the day. Drivers will be shifted many times to run on temporary pavement to keep traffic flowing.
  • Nighttime lane closures on I-84 as needed.
  • Nighttime ramp closures as needed.
  • Lane closures and traffic shifts on State Highway 24 where it crosses underneath the interstate.

The new interchange will be shifted to the east and feature longer ramps to access I-84 and two new signals to control ramp traffic. The existing loop ramps will be removed, and the I-84 bridges will be replaced. View the detailed design here. Download a drone shot of the interchange before construction.

This year, the contractor will work on building temporary lanes in the median to shift traffic onto, start reconstructing westbound lanes with concrete and form embankments for future ramps.

Nighttime lane closures initially anticipated at the Burley Interchange in late February have been delayed by weather. To be alerted when those lane closures begin, visit the project website to sign up for email updates. Live traffic impacts can always be checked at 511.idaho.gov.

The Leading Idaho program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build.

Construction resumes next week on the I-84 Kimberly Interchange

Image of I-84/ID-50 Kimberly Interchange

Next week work will resume at the Interstate 84 Kimberly Interchange as crews continue to rebuild it to handle more traffic.

Drivers should plan for daytime lane closures on I-84 as early as Monday (March 11), pending weather conditions.

Traffic will remain shifted to the newly constructed northbound lanes on the bridge going over the interstate. Over the next two weeks, crews will demolish the southbound lanes of the overpass.

Lane closures on both I-84 and SH-50 will remain in place for several months, even after bridge demolition is complete. Throughout construction drivers can expect reduced speed limits, traffic shifts and short-duration ramp closures.

Reconstruction of the interchange includes additional space for turning lanes, sidewalks and a pedestrian fence on the SH-50 bridge. It is also designed to provide extra room for potential future expansion of I-84 underneath the bridge, though nothing is planned at this time.

Work began in June 2023, and since then crews have rebuilt half of the SH-50 bridge and part of all the ramps as well as repaved SH-50 near the bridge. For more information visit I-84/SH-50: Kimberly Interchange | ITD Projects (idaho.gov).

Construction should wrap up in the fall of 2024. Travelers are urged to download the 511 app or visit 511.idaho.gov to stay up to date on traffic impacts.

 

I-90 Exit 15 off-ramp closure for tree removal set to begin Monday

 

Beginning Monday, crews with the Idaho Transportation Department will close the eastbound off-ramp at Exit 15 on Interstate 90 in Coeur d’Alene to remove hazard trees. The ramp will be closed daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Thursday.

Removing unhealthy trees in the area will reduce the risk for them to fall during windstorms onto traffic, adjacent structures, and utilities. Taking out the trees will also mean less pine needles and debris that could build up and clog the drainage system.

During the closure drivers can access downtown by exiting the freeway at Exit 14 and taking 15th Street south to Sherman Avenue. The next available off-ramp for drivers is Exit 17 at Mullan Trail Road two miles to the east.

Signs are in place throughout the I-90 corridor in Coeur d’Alene to alert travelers of the closure.

Crews will perform similar work in the coming weeks on the eastbound off-ramp at Exit 14, which will also require intermittent ramp closures for safety. Messaging boards will be used to alert motorists and provide alternate route information.

Information will also be available on Idaho 511.

Don’t rely on luck, plan a sober ride home on St. Patrick’s Day

Idaho street in Boise with Christmas lights.

With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, it’s important that everyone celebrate safely, and get a sober ride home. Expect more police on the roads looking to stop drunk driving. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is working with law enforcement to increase patrols during the holiday weekend to keep impaired drivers off the road.

“If you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a pint or two, don’t rely on luck to get home safely. Plan ahead for a ride home with a sober driver, and remember, always wear your seatbelt,” advised Impaired Driving Program Specialist Lisa Losness.

OHS data shows that in 2022, 51% of all fatalities on Idaho roads were the result of impaired driving. Only 23% of the people killed in those crashes were wearing seat belts. If you celebrate this weekend, keep your community and yourself safe by using a rideshare, cab or designated driver.

ITD kicks off third construction season at I-90/SH-41 interchange in Post Falls

Large girder being set for a bridge on Interstate 90 in Post Falls

The Idaho Transportation Department will reach the halfway point this spring in a four-year reconstruction of the I-90/SH-41 interchange in Post Falls. Motorists can expect several changes throughout the construction zone in 2024.

The 2024 construction season will include reconstructing multiple bridges on I-90 and constructing a temporary westbound bridge over SH-41. Crews will continue working on Seltice Way, I-90 and SH-41. Download an overview of 2024 construction activities.

“This is one of the most complex interchanges in the state, with multiple bridges and intersecting roadways,” said ITD Project Manager Shannon Stein. “Our crews have made outstanding progress while keeping the interchange open for daytime commuters.”

Traffic impacts in 2024 will include:

  • Ongoing nighttime closures on SH-41 for the next several weeks during pile-driving.
  • Lane closures on SH-41 and Mullan Avenue by late March or early April.
  • Speed limit reductions (55 mph on I-90 and 25 mph on SH-41, Mullan Avenue, and Seltice Way).
  • Intermittent lane restrictions on I-90 at night (8 p.m. to 5 a.m., and 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. during special events). Two lanes will remain open in both directions of I-90 during the day with reduced shoulder widths.
  • Additional delays, noise, and nighttime lighting when necessary. Live traffic impacts are posted at idaho.gov.

“The work zone will continue to change from day to day,” said Stein. “The best way to stay informed about construction is to sign up for email updates at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i90sh41ic or by calling 208-738-4190.”

To learn about the future interchange and how it will function, watch this video.

The Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds through Governor Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative has allowed this $78 million interchange reconstruction project to begin earlier than expected. This program has allowed ITD to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise have taken many years to fund and build.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2026 and will provide enhanced safety and mobility for motorists in North Idaho.

Early construction activities for US-20 interchanges in Rexburg

Rendering of the diverging diamond interchange planned for US-20 and SH-33 in Rexburg

UPDATE: Due to weather, the start date for this project has been shifted to later this month. Pay attention to signage near the work zone for the start of traffic impacts and visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us20rexburg to sign up for email updates.


The Idaho Transportation Department will begin early construction activities to replace two interchanges on U.S. Highway 20 in Rexburg. This summer the interchanges at University Boulevard (Exit 332) and State Highway 33 (Exit 333) will be rebuilt to be safer and more efficient.

Work this spring will include utility work and installing temporary traffic signals at Exit 333 to help with traffic flow during construction. Crews will also install permanent signals further north at the ramps for Salem Highway (Exit 337). Lane closures during these early activities will occur outside of peak traffic times as much as possible.

“Between March and June, we anticipate maintaining at least one lane of traffic in each direction on University Boulevard and SH-33,” Project Manager Conner Huffaker said.

Construction this summer will require each interchange to be fully closed, one at a time. Full closure of the interchange at University Boulevard is anticipated for the month of June. Full closure of the interchange at SH-33 is anticipated for the month of August. As one interchange is closed for construction, the other will remain open as a detour route. US-20 will remain open to through traffic throughout construction.

Crews anticipate that all work will be complete by late October.

When complete, both interchanges will be diverging diamond interchanges (DDIs). The DDI design was chosen after many years of analyzing technical data and working with the local community. Watch this video to learn how to drive through the new interchanges.

To sign up for construction updates, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us20rexburg.

ITD will host an open house on April 2 at Madison High School from 4 to 6 p.m. to share construction plans and impacts with the community. More information will also be made available online at that time.

HK Contractors is the contractor for this $22 million project.

Construction begins on US-12

Locsha Ranger Station to Holly Creek

Starting next week travelers on U.S. Highway 12 east of Lowell should expect to encounter construction as crews resurface and widen nine miles of the highway to include shoulders.

Work will take place between the Lochsa Ranger Station and Holly Creek and will conclude in mid-October. This is the final phase of the project.

Tree removal will start as early as Monday in preparation for widening.

Throughout construction the highway may be reduced to one lane with possible delays up to 30 minutes. Watch carefully for flaggers or pilot cars. Additional instructions for pedestrians and bicyclists to navigate through the work zone will be shared in a separate announcement closer to the summer.

Click here to view a map of the project.

Live traffic impacts can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. You can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app. For information on this ITD project, check https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us12rangerstationtoholly.

Michael Johnson named new ITD Division Administrator of Engineering Services

Michael Johnson has been appointed as the new Division Administrator of Engineering Services by Director Scott Stokes. Mike has been part of the ITD management team as an engineering manager for the bridge delivery program since 2018. As Division Administrator, Mike will serve as the ITD State Bridge Engineer leading ITD Bridge, Environmental, Right of Way, and Asset Management sections for Highways.

Mike joined ITD in 1992 after graduating with a degree in Engineering from Idaho State University, and received his Professional Engineer’s license in 1996. He starting his career at ITD as part of the EIT program, where he had rotations in construction, traffic, and materials before taking a position in Bridge. Mike has 32 years of engineering experience leading teams and programs with customer service and quality as his priorities.

From 2003 until the end of 2018, Mike branched out from ITD to lead a bridge project delivery section for a consulting firm working across multiple states.  He returned to ITD to get more opportunities and to have a better work/life balance. Since returning to ITD, Mike has served as the State Load Rating Engineer, Bridge Design Group Leader, and State Bridge Engineer.  Mike has worked closely with the District Engineers and Chief Engineer to solve difficult project delivery and streamline emergency response processes.  Mike has also led the way on new initiatives teaming with the EIT Council supporting employees statewide.

Mike has been fortunate to have designed or reviewed over 100 bridge replacements or rehabilitations. His favorite projects included designing US-20 over Henry’s Fork in Island Park, reviewing the design of the Cloverdale Road Bridge over I-84 emergency replacement, and designing the I-86W over UPRR Chubbuck Bridge (which he worked on with his son Zak, an engineer with ITD in Pocatello).

“With more than 30 years of experience, Mike Johnson is a guiding leader with expertise to support teams on complex delivery issues that will serve ITD employees and local partners well as Division Administrator,” said ITD Chief Deputy/Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney. “We appreciate his commitment to safety, innovation, quality, and helping make ITD a great place to work.” 

Innovation is an essential focus for Johnson, who stated, “I look forward to partnering with stakeholders as we maintain and improve our highways and bridges across Idaho.  We have exceptional, dedicated employees, contractors, and consultants, and it will be an honor to team with them to provide a safe and efficient transportation system for all Idahoans.”  

Mike and his wife, Kim, have two grown sons, Zak and Parker. In addition to working as an engineer, Mike served 12 years as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves and has coached high school football for the last 14 years. Mike’s hobbies include mountain biking, running, coaching, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his family. Mike was born in Colorado, and spent his childhood moving around the United States following in Dad’s military assignments.  Prior to settling in Meridian after college, Mike moved to a different state on average every year and a half.

ITD’s Tabitha Smith energizes teens and parents about safe driving

Two teen girls holding microphones.
The cover of the Backseat Drivers Manual.
Backseat Drivers Manual

Teen drivers are 2.6 times more likely to be involved in a crash than any other age group. For the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) reaching teens is more important than ever. They are a hard group to connect with. Tabitha Smith (pictured below on podcast), OHS’s occupant protection and teen driver safety program manager has been making those connections and getting them excited about traffic safety.

Tabitha worked with, Sam Walker and Ella Cornett (pictured above, right to left), two students at One Stone who created the “Backseat Driver’s Manual.” It’s an activity book designed to teach kids about safe driving and spark conversations among families. The students recognized Tabitha for her mentorship and guidance at One Stone’s annual fundraising dinner.

During the dinner presentation, Cornett said, “Tabitha empowered us to step outside of our comfort zones. Her steadfast support and positive energy gave us the confidence we needed to positively impact our state.”

A woman at a banquet table.
Tabitha at the One Stone annual dinner.

Kuna School District is also getting energized about safe driving. Kuna Superintendent Wendy Johnson invited Tabitha to the “Together We Can” podcast to talk about teen driver safety. They talked about unsafe driving behaviors common to teens, advice for parents, Parent-Student Driving Contracts, Alive at 25, and more. You can listen to the podcast on YouTube.

Tabitha’s dedication to promoting safe driving among young drivers is truly admirable. Through her partnerships with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Alliance Highway Safety, and the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA), as well as her leadership in managing the Alive at 25 defensive driving program, she’s making a real impact.

If you know an Idaho teenager who could benefit from getting involved or learning more about these programs, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tabitha. You can contact her via email at tabitha.smith@itd.idaho.gov. It’s heartening to see individuals like Tabitha leading the charge for safer roads and empowered young drivers.

 

 

Two women with podcast microphones.
Kuna School District Podcast