The Idaho Transportation Department is monitoring ongoing impacts to construction projects in North Idaho as the labor strike involving heavy equipment operators in eastern Washington continues.
While laborers remain on-site for some tasks, many projects that depend on operators are experiencing delays or schedule adjustments. ITD is coordinating with contractors, local maintenance crews, and partners to address immediate needs and keep traffic moving safely.
Current project updates include:
- Interstate 90, State Highway 41 Interchange: Previously planned traffic shifts onto the new lanes of SH-41 and the new SPUI intersection will be delayed until the strike is resolved. In the meantime, traffic will remain in its current configuration and drivers will continue to use the existing alignment on SH-41. This delay will also affect the schedule to re-open the new westbound off ramp at SH-41 as it cannot be constructed until traffic is shifted over to use the new intersection. ITD maintenance crews are evaluating options to reinforce pavement on existing SH-41 for winter use if needed. At this time, expectations for overall completion of the project remain on track for 2026, though some milestones may shift further into the year.
- State Highway 53 Pleasant View Interchange: The temporary signal installed earlier this year remains in place and is working well to safely manage traffic through the intersection. While minor construction activities are occurring, the operator strike is preventing major work, which will delay overall progress. A key concern is coordinating with the railroad to set bridge girders over the tracks. Overhead work requires the railroad to adjust train schedules, which involves extensive planning and coordination. Missing the previously planned work window will affect when this task can be rescheduled after the strike ends.
- I-90 Coeur d’Alene River Bridge: Girders for the eastbound bridge have been fabricated, but the operator strike is delaying their delivery and installation. Because girders are a critical step, this setback may force traffic to remain in the current crossover configuration into the winter, creating challenges for plowing and snow removal. Reduced lane widths in this setup would also significantly affect commercial vehicles and oversized loads. Even once girders are in place, much of the remaining work, such as concrete pouring and paving, is weather-dependent, meaning current delays could impact ITD’s ability to complete the bridge before winter. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available to the project team and schedule decisions are made.
- I-90 Widening: Work on the project is limited at this time. Although the project officially began last week, the strike came into effect shortly afterward, preventing significant work from getting underway. ITD is evaluating which elements can move forward this year to reduce overall delays, but the delayed start is likely to affect the overall schedule and may impact the anticipated completion timeline.
- I-90 Fourth of July Pass: ITD is currently evaluating options for traffic control along this section. Barriers and the current traffic configuration could either remain in place or be adjusted, but a final decision will depend on how the strike unfolds over the next week. Leaving traffic as-is may be frustrating for drivers, but may allow for more efficient work later this year and into 2026 once the strike ends. ITD is also reviewing plans to address drainage issues along the corridor. Further updates will be provided as schedule and traffic decisions are finalized.
- SH-54 Reconstruction from State Highway 41 to Greystone Road: With major construction paused due to the ongoing operator strike, ITD maintenance crews have performed temporary paving at key approaches near Timberlake High School and 10th Street in Spirit Lake. This work is critical to maintain safe access and keep traffic moving while larger project elements are on hold. The speed limit in the work zone is currently reduced to 45 mph and is expected to remain in place into winter. Drivers may experience minor disruptions as temporary paving is completed, but ITD crews are working quickly, and temporary detour information will be posted locally. Additional striping adjustments may be made at the eastern end of the work zone to lengthen crossover areas for smoother transitions and improved safety if the strike continues beyond a week or two.
ITD will continue to monitor the situation closely. If the strike extends further into the fall, more projects may face more significant schedule changes. The department will update the public as new information becomes available.
For more details on each project, visit any of ITD’s project webpages at www.itdprojects.idaho.gov.