Repairs to Greer Bridge begin next Monday

Repairs to the Greer Bridge will start Monday, July 22, with temporary signals impacting both Idaho Highway 11 and US-12 traffic until construction is complete in late September.

One lane at a time will be open over the bridge, and drivers may experience up to 15-minute delays.

This summer the driving surface will be improved, and supporting beams will be painted to protect them from rusting and to keep the bridge in service longer.

The structure was built in 1954.

To learn more about construction projects in your area, visit itdprojects.org. To find traveler information, visit 511.idaho.gov.

ITD Director Ness presents to U.S. House Subcommittee July 11

ITD Director Brian Ness presented to the Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives on July 11 regarding the importance of research and innovation in maximizing transportation budgets.

It was likely the most significant national stage for an ITD Director since Darrell Manning was the national American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) president in the early ‘70s.

Ness, who also serves as the Chairman of the AASHTO Special Committee on Research and Innovation, spoke to the Subcommittee about the many benefits that come from investment in transportation research. Ness, along with a few other state DOT chiefs, advocated for more federal investment, saying it would serve to multiply those positive results.

“For example, the state of Indiana spent $3.9 million on research projects in 2017 and they report that five of those research projects saved the state just under $190 million,” explained Ness. “What a great return on investment, saving 46 dollars for every dollar spent on research!”

He added that ITD used federal research dollars to help develop a new concrete mix called ‘High Early Strength Concrete’ for use in accelerated bridge construction. “That study proved the new mix can replace Ultra-High Performance Concrete, which costs $10,000 to $15,000 per cubic yard, and reduce the cost to $800 per cubic yard –a cost reduction of more than 90%.”

Ness was joined by Minnesota DOT Assistant Commissioner Tim Henkel in presenting to the subcommittee. Henkel also spoke about beefing up funding for the Federal Highway Administration’s Exploratory Advanced Research program.

“FHWA has a good program, but its funding level – just $6 million annually – is rather low,” he explained. “Universities ought to be the best sources for carrying out fundamental research, but matching requirements and program directives seeking near-term solutions appear to be resulting in a preponderance of applied research that is crowding out fundamental research.”

Director Ness concluded his testimony with one last push for funding:

“By coordinating, collaborating, pooling and leveraging time and money, and utilizing the combined knowledge and expertise of our diverse research community, we are making significant contributions and improvements to the advancement of our nation’s transportation system,” he explained.

Ness explained that investment in research, development and subsequent innovation is not only a wise use of taxpayer money, but also helps these states find ways to build or repair roads and bridges faster and more efficiently.

Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., the subcommittee’s chairwoman, introduced the topic by saying “Investing in research and development is critical to developing smart, resilient, and cost-effective transportation infrastructure for the future.”

Quotes are courtesy of AASHTO.

Multi-year construction project underway to improve US-95 and ID-53

A truck crosses the railroad bridge on ID-53 just west of US-95.

Construction is underway on Idaho Highway 53, reducing the highway to one lane with flaggers on scene as crews widen the shoulders between US-95 and Ramsey Road.

Lane closures are expected during the day for approximately two weeks, and trees west of US-95 will also be removed to accommodate a new alignment for ID-53.

This is the beginning of construction to reconfigure several roadways near the current US-95 junctions with ID-53 and Garwood Road north of Hayden, with project completion planned for fall 2021.

Work in August includes the installation of a temporary signal at ID-53 and Ramsey Road to help with extra traffic during later detours. Signal installation is scheduled to take a week, with intermittent lane closures and flaggers expected in the area at that time. A permanent signal will be placed in 2022 under a different project.

Following the temporary signal installation, traffic will be detoured in late August as the bridge over the railroad and the new interchange for US-95 and ID-53 are built, with work expected to end fall 2020.

View a video of the design for the US-95, ID-53 interchange.

Traffic on US-95 will not be impacted for the majority of construction, but traffic on ID-53 will be detoured around the bridge and interchange construction to Garwood Road via Old US-95.

In 2020 and 2021, frontage roads and an overpass at Garwood Road will be constructed. Total improvements, though not all awarded to contractors, are funded primarily with an estimated $41 million from the GARVEE program and another $13.9 million in federal aid.

Email updates are available by subscribing at itdprojects.org/us95id53.

New turn lanes added to highways near Deary and Harvard starting July 22

Construction starts Monday, July 22 to add turn lanes to Idaho Highway 9 near Deary and Harvard this summer.

Both right- and left-turn lanes will be built on ID-6 to access ID-9 in Harvard, as well on ID-8 to access ID-9 in Deary.

Work will last until late September, with flaggers stationed at the intersections. One intersection at a time will be improved, and there will be no impacts at night when crews are not working.

To learn more about construction projects in your area, visit itdprojects.org. To find traveler information, visit 511.idaho.gov.

Interstate 15 traffic restrictions planned during July 14 girder placement at Rose Road Interchange (Exit 98)

POCATELLO – The Idaho Transportation Department will move interstate traffic to the southbound side of Interstate 15 on Sunday, July 14 while girders are placed at the Rose Interchange (Exit 98). Girders are the massive concrete structures that will support the new bridge.

Traffic will be shifted starting at 6:30 a.m. The off-ramp and all lanes of I-15 will reopen by 8 p.m.

The contractor will be placing five girders that are 117 ft. long and weigh 140,000 lbs. each.

I-15 will be reduced to one lane in each direction. The northbound I-15 off-ramp at Rose Road will be closed. Traffic will be detoured to Exit 93 and will be notified with digital messaging boards prior to the off-ramp closure.

This work is part of a year-long project to reconstruct the interchange at Rose Road (Exit 98) on I-15. Construction includes widening the Rose Road overpass and increasing its vertical clearance, reconfiguring and lengthening the interchange ramps, and replacing two canal structures to support current traffic loads. The project is expected to be completed in late 2019.

More information about the I-15, Rose Road Interchange project is available at itdprojects.org/rose. Community members may sign up for email updates by texting INTERSTATE 15 to 22828 or emailing I-15construction@itd.idaho.gov.

Repairs begin next week to US-95 slide near Naples

Traffic on US-95 will be reduced to one lane as repairs to a slide near Naples start Monday, July 15.

Temporary signals and flaggers will control traffic over the next two months as crews excavate the existing slope and place rocks to improve drainage and stabilize the hill.

Work this week will improve Starlight Road for use during construction but will not affect US-95 traffic.

The hill slid onto the road in March 2017 and was captured on video by an ITD employee.

Watch the video.

Earlier improvements to the slide area included removing material, installing a barrier to catch debris and investigating subsurface conditions. Permanent repairs were designed and bid last fall, with construction timed this year to avoid springtime moisture and high water tables.

Read more about emergency repairs online at itdprojects.org/us95naplesslide.

Work on I-90 and US-95 begins this week

Two projects will begin this week in the Coeur d’Alene area.

Nighttime resurfacing of Interstate 90 between the state line and the Northwest Boulevard exit will eliminate rutting. Starting Wednesday night (July 10), drivers can expect single-lane closures on I-90, with the first lane closed in the eastbound direction. Ramps will be closed as they are repaved. Conditions will revert to normal during the day, with resurfacing lasting until September. More information is available atorg/statelineresurfacing.
A two-year project to maximize mobility on US-95 in CDA and Hayden will start today (July 8) with surveying of the adjacent path. Traffic impacts are not expected until the following week when ADA upgrades begin. Changes are funded by a $5.1 million federal grant with match money from ITD, the city of Coeur d’Alene and the city of Hayden to create uniform signal spacing and add capacity on side streets. Lane closures will be possible during turn lane construction, and turning/through movements will not be allowed at non-signalized intersections during and after curbed median installation. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be affected for most of the season with detours and closed crosswalks. Work this year is planned to end in November. More information, specifically on scheduling and pedestrian impacts, is available at org/us95intersections.

Travelers may subscribe for email updates on the US-95 intersections project online. Traffic impacts across the state are available at 511.idaho.gov.

ID-41 resurfacing between Oldtown and Blanchard begins July 15

Starting Monday, July 15 work will start to resurface approximately seven miles of ID-41 between Roberts Lane near Blanchard to Old Priest River Road near Oldtown. Nearly all permitted approaches will be paved during construction, which is planned to start in mid-July and end in August.

Crews will be on site during the day, with a pilot car leading alternating, one-way traffic. Flaggers will be stationed at each approach as work progresses. Both lanes of ID-41 will open at night when crews are not on site.

To learn more, visit itdprojects.org/id41blanchardoldtown.

Road improvements to begin Monday on US-93 from Gibbonsville to the Montana state line

GIBBONSVILLE – Road improvements are set to begin Monday, July 8, on US-93 from Gibbonsville to the Montana state line. Improvements will consist of guardrail replacement, asphalt paving and curbing, and shoulder repairs.

The project on this stretch of highway is expected to be completed by the middle of August.

Expect minor delays as traffic will be narrowed to one lane during construction, with appropriate traffic control, including a pilot car when needed.

ITD encourages drivers to slow down, pay attention, follow posted speed limit signs and watch for crews working in the area.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and check 511.idaho.gov for roadway information.

Construction of ID-55 improvements in Marsing to impact July 3rd celebrations

Construction in Marsing will impact the July 3 Fireworks Extravaganza

The Idaho Transportation Department is issuing a travel advisory on Idaho Highway 55 near Marsing for July 3, 2019.

Construction to rebuild ID-55 through downtown Marsing and the bridge over the Snake River will impact travel around the City of Marsing’s annual July 3^rd Fireworks Extravaganza at Marsing Island Park. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane on the highway north of the bridge and in town. No left-turns will be allowed in town during the event.

The Snake River Bridge is closed to pedestrians and bicyclists. The City of Marsing has arranged for a free shuttle service to and from the event. Please see the event map below for details.

ITD encourages those planning to attend the event consider using U.S. 95 to reach Marsing. Consider carpooling to alleviate congestion as over 5,000 visitors are expected to arrive for the celebration. Plan extra time for the return trip. Please exercise patience and kindness as you leave.

ITD reminds those who will be drinking during the event to make a plan in advance to get home safe. The Department is partnering with law enforcement to increase DUI patrols during the Fourth of July week.