BOISE – As Idahoans enjoy summer barbecues, concerts, and road trips, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) encourages everyone to celebrate the real heroes of the season: designated drivers.
SHIFT Idaho’s latest campaign reminds us that safety begins before the first drink is poured. Whether it’s a friend who volunteers to be the designated driver or someone who books a ride-share, planning ahead is key to preventing tragedy on Idaho roads. And when someone steps up to be the sober driver, celebrate them. They just might be the reason everyone makes it home.
“Not every hero wears a cape – some just hold the keys,” said ITD Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “We are so grateful for all those unsung heroes who help people get home, whether it’s the designated driver, the bartender who helps order a rideshare, or the friend who answers that late night call to pick someone up from the party, these simple acts save lives.”
In the case someone doesn’t plan ahead, police across the state are doing their part as well. From July 1st to 13th, officers are conducting extra patrols looking for impaired drivers. While this year’s efforts are still under way, last summer’s enforcement effort over the July 4th holiday resulted in 30 DUI arrests, 486 speeding citations, and 94 uninsured driver citations.
“Thanks to the designated drivers and officers out there keeping our roads safe…so everyone can make it home this summer,” Middleton said.
The Office of Highway Safety is urging Idahoans to be proactive: plan a sober ride, look out for each other, and make good choices behind the wheel.
For more information, visit https://shift-idaho.org/
The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to view design plans for a new bridge over the North Fork Payette River at a public meeting on July 22 in Cascade. The new bridge will replace the existing Rainbow Bridge on State Highway 55.
Community members may stop by the meeting at their convenience between 4 and 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 60 (105 Mill St.) in Cascade. Project staff will be on hand to answer questions. Those who cannot attend in person are invited to participate online at sh55rainbowbridge.com anytime between July 22 and Aug. 5.
The open house will include an update on the project, design options for the new bridge and retaining walls, and an update about the existing Rainbow Bridge.
“Community input will play an important role in the selection of a new bridge design,” District Engineer Jason Brinkman said. “Since our last public meeting in summer 2024, we have completed extensive technical work for the new bridge design and have thoroughly evaluated the condition of the existing bridge. We look forward to sharing the outcomes and gathering input.”
The existing Rainbow Bridge was constructed in 1933 and no longer meets standards for state highway bridges. The new bridge will be located slightly northwest and upstream of the current location. It will include wider lanes and shoulders, and improved sight distance for traffic crossing the bridge.
In addition to the community open house, ITD will meet with a Bridge Involvement Group on July 9. The group includes community leaders, stakeholders and others who have agreed to invest additional time in the project. A recording of the meeting will be posted to the project website.
Construction of the new bridge is programmed to begin in 2028.
Motorists can expect lane restrictions on State Highway 55 between the Idaho Oregon Nevada (ION) Junction and Hoskins Road beginning Monday (July 14). The Idaho Transportation Department will apply a protective sealcoat to seven miles of the highway surface to preserve and extend the life of the roadway.
Construction will begin at the ION Junction near Marsing and move towards Hoskins Road in Caldwell. All work is expected to be completed by mid-August.
Motorists can expect:
- SH-55 will be reduced to one lane with flaggers when crews are on site. All lanes will be open outside of working hours.
- All work will take place during daytime hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Speed limits will be reduced to 35 mph in the work zone.
- 12-foot width restrictions will be in place.
Community members can request email updates about this project by visiting lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/pI5SwgY. Questions may be directed to (208) 402-8408 or info@itdsealcoats.org.
For real-time traffic impacts, drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system to plan ahead for travel.
Repairs and improvements are starting today on the first of 11 bridges along Interstate 15 north of Roberts toward the Montana state line. Crews will be replacing water damaged concrete and installing anti-skid surfacing to greatly extend the life of the bridges. Travelers should expect to see lane restrictions and lower speed limits where work is occurring through the summer and fall.
Crews are beginning today where the most significant repairs are needed, on the northbound lanes of Exit 184 at Stoddard Creek. Traffic will be routed off the bridge and on to the ramps, with travel affects much like those seen last year on the southbound lanes.
Stoddard Creek Road underneath I-15 is the access to popular camping areas and will be restricted to one lane or closed intermittently during construction. The closure will only be in place when passing under the bridge is not safe based on the work being done. When closed, motorists can proceed to Exit 190 at Humphrey, turn back around and head south to Stoddard Creek, then make a right turn toward camping areas.
From I-15 mileposts 136 to 189, repairs are also being done on ten other bridges and interchanges through the summer and fall. Work at Exit 180 at Spencer and Beaver Creek Overpass will continue for approximately six weeks. At the other locations, it will last just three to four days. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on I-15 where these efforts are being completed.
Updates on specific work zones and travel impacts will be available on the Idaho 511 app or at 511.idaho.gov.
The Idaho Transportation Department will apply a sealcoat on State Highway 55 from Horseshoe Bend to north of Banks this summer. The sealcoat will preserve and extend the life of the pavement.
Starting Wednesday crews will begin work at the boundary of the Boise National Forest at milepost 91, about 12 miles north of Banks, and work their way 28 miles south towards Horseshoe Bend. This work is expected to be completed in early August.
During construction, motorists can expect:
- SH-55 will be reduced to one lane with flaggers and pilot cars inside the active work zone.
- The speed limit will be reduced and 12-foot width restrictions may be in place.
- Work will take place Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- All lanes will be open on the weekends and outside working hours.
Due to the popularity of this highway with recreationists, drivers should plan for delays up to 30 minutes and consider using an alternative route.
There are several other work zones active on this highway. Workers will be close to traffic. Slow down and do not block driveways and entrances along SH-55.
Visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55sealcoat to learn more, sign up for email updates or contact the project team.
For real-time traffic impacts drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system to plan ahead for travel.
One lane of U.S. Highway 95 north of Riggins near Fiddle Creek is open after a mudslide closed the road completely. A lane has been cleared, and drivers can expect a pilot car with alternating directions of traffic through the slide zone.
Drivers should be prepared to stop and use caution when approaching the area. ITD crews continue to perform cleanup work with heavy equipment in preparation to open the roadway completely.
“We are very pleased to announce that after many hours of hard work that there is a safe pathway through the mudslide,” Field Operations Manager Larry Tillinghast said. “Even on holidays, our operators heed the call and are ready to tackle any emergency thrown at them. Please give them a wave for they have more work to do before returning to their families.”
ITD remains committed to keeping our state network open and thanks everyone for their patience during this emergency clean up.
Additional updates will be posted to 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.
U.S. Highway 95 north of Riggins near Fiddle Creek is currently closed in both directions until further notice due to a mudslide. The highway is closed from milepost 200 to milepost 201.
Drivers should be prepared to stop when approaching the closure from either direction. It is unknown when the road will reopen, but ITD crews are bringing in heavy equipment to clear a lane through. Besides clearing significant debris, the road will then need to be evaluated for structural damage from the washout.
“Our crews are out and ready to clear a lane through as a priority,” Field Operations Manager Larry Tillinghast said. “Please use caution when approaching the barricades to help keep everyone safe including the operators who have important work to do. We ask at this time that all motorists be prepared to turn around or find an alternate route if possible.”
Updates on this closure will be posted to 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.
Resurfacing operations are slated to start next week on portions of U.S. Highway 95, Washington Street and State Highway 8 in Moscow.
US-95 will be repaired between SH-8 and Rodeo Drive. SH-8 will be repaired from W. 7th Street east to the concrete section at East Veatch Street.
At least one lane will remain open through the work zone at night. Lanes will mostly be open during the day. Most of the work will be performed at night between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Parking on Washington Street will not be allowed during these hours.
Some sidewalk sections near the northeast corner of Seventh Street may be temporarily closed, and pedestrians will be rerouted for minor curb and sidewalk work. A map of the impacted areas can be downloaded here for reference.
Construction costs $2.9 million. Work is expected to end in late 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.
Earlier this week the contractor for the Idaho Transportation Department resumed construction to replace the Little Goose Creek Bridge along State Highway 55 between New Meadows and McCall.
Drivers should plan for reduced speeds and intermittent flagging for most of construction. Later this summer during paving, SH-55 will be reduced to one lane with temporary traffic signals.
“This project has been extended due to weather, road conditions and unexpected contractor delays,” Associate Engineer B.J. Johnson said. “We are working with the contractor to ensure the work is completed as quickly and safely as possible, presumably this fall. We appreciate the community’s patience during this process.”
Work began in June 2024 to replace the bridge to enhance the overall safety, mobility and needs of the traveling public. The project also includes improving the nearby intersection at Last Chance Road and widening the shoulders of the highway. Last Chance Road and campground are closed until late 2025.
Learn more and sign up for construction updates on the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55-little-goose-creek.
Chubbuck Road is open for traffic under Interstate 15. As part of the redesign of the System Interchange project Chubbuck Road was rebuilt as an underpass with lanes for bicycles and sidewalks. Over the last month the new underpass was closed so crews could build the eastbound lane, construct sidewalks, paint permanent lines and add signs.
ITD expects no further closures of Chubbuck Road. However, crews will continue to work around the site adding vegetation and doing cleanup work. Drivers are encouraged to slow down for workers on and near the roadway.
No cleanup work will occur during the holiday.
Originally built in the 1960s, the I-86 and I-15 System Interchange is undergoing a rebuild to improve safety and replace aging infrastructure. This week crews are painting the final lane lines throughout the project area. Once the lines are completed the remainder of the project will consist of seeding vegetation and other cleanup work that will not affect traffic.
Motorists are encouraged to use 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to keep track of project detours. Project details are available on ITD’s projects website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/i-86i-15-system-interchange.
