Replacement of Salmon Falls Creek Bridge on US-30 to begin June 10

Work is expected to begin Monday, June 10 on Salmon Falls Creek Bridge near Banbury Hot Springs in Twin Falls County. During construction, ITD will replace the US-30 bridge structure, rebuild approaches, and replace associated guardrail. Construction on the project is expected to be complete by next spring.

The current bridge has exceeded its life expectancy. The new structure will be both wider and longer – accommodating two 12-foot lanes in each direction. A left-turn lane will also be added as part of this project.

Traffic on this section of US-30 will be reduced to one lane through the work zone with a temporary traffic signal in place. Motorists may encounter minor delays and are cautioned to watch for crews during working hours – Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The general contractor is RSCI from Boise.

Reduced lanes over Veterans Memorial Bridge near CDA expected for the next month

Maintenance on Veterans Memorial Bridge over Bennett Bay is scheduled to begin today, June 3, with work requiring lanes to be reduced for the next month.

The driving surface of the bridge will be sealed to repair and protect the bridge deck. Over the next several weeks, the interstate will be reduced to one lane in each direction.

This bridge is one of several structures on or over Interstate 90 undergoing maintenance. To learn more about the project, visit itdprojects.org/i90bridgessv.

More information about other construction projects in the CDA area can be found at itdprojects.org with traffic impacts posted to 511.idaho.gov.

US-95 signal at Kathleen Avenue in CDA removed after crash on Sunday

Update as of June 3, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.:

A temporary signal will be in place by the end of the week at US-95 and Kathleen Avenue in Coeur d’Alene.

While the signal is being installed, drivers can expect intermittent lane closures on the highway and Kathleen Avenue. Once in place, the temporary signal will allow all normal movements.

At this time a permanent structure will be included with other scheduled highway improvements.

Original post:

The signal at US-95 and Kathleen Avenue was removed after a driver ran into it Sunday morning and will likely not be replaced for a few months.

Traffic on the highway is currently free flowing with stop signs on Kathleen Avenue. Right turns off and onto the highway are the only turns allowed.

Drivers are not able to make left turns or cross the highway at the intersection. Instead, drivers are advised to use Government Way and Ramsey Road to access the nearest signals on US-95 at Dalton and Neider avenues. View a map of the area.

Traffic will likely remain in this configuration for a few months. ITD is investigating the structural integrity of the signal’s bases and exploring intermediate options to replace the structure. Signal replacements of this kind typically take time to fix as these structures are often custom-built and expensive to keep on hand.

A permanent fix will likely be incorporated into construction already planned for the next two summers on US-95 in CDA. Learn more about that work by visiting itdprojects.org/us95intersections.

Public meeting planned June 6 for US-93, 300 South Rd. project in Jerome

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host a public open house for the US-93, 300 South Rd. project Thursday, June 6 at the Idaho Fish and Game, Magic Valley Regional Office, at 324 South 417 East in Jerome.

ITD plans to expand the existing two-lane highway to four lanes with a center median and turn bays. The public is invited to review the proposed improvements and discuss details with the project team. The meeting will be held in an open house format; meaning the public can drop by anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The US-93, 300 South Rd. is the fourth and final segment of overall corridor improvements developed as part of the US-93, I-84 to SH-25 Jerome County Environmental Assessment (EA). The Federal Highway Administration issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), approving the EA in 2007.

If you cannot attend the public meeting on June 6, but would like more information or to comment on the project, please send an email to the ITD Project Manager, Nathan Jerke, at nathan.jerke@itd.idaho.gov by June 20, 2019.

Road reconstruction to begin on US-20 at Ashton Hill on Monday

ASHTON – Road reconstruction will begin on US-20 from Ashton Hill to Dumpground Road on Monday, June 3.

Built in the 1950’s, the section of roadway from Ashton Hill to Dumpground Road has reached the end of its design life and will be rebuilt to meet current design standards.

Traffic will be merged to the northbound lane and northbound passing lane as the southbound lane will begin construction.

Construction will occur during daytime hours Monday thru Friday. Traffic will be narrowed down to a single lane and motorists will be guided through the work zone by flaggers and a pilot car. After hours, the roadway will be open to single lane two way traffic during nights and weekends.

Northbound traffic will have a 45mph speed limit and southbound traffic will have a 25mph speed limit coming down the Ashton hill that will be enforced for the duration of the project. The project is expected to be completed in October.

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.

ITD launches new online services website for many Division of Motor Vehicles transactions

Idahoans needing to renew their driver’s license, identification card or vehicle license plate can now “skip the line by going online” through a new website, Drive Idaho.

“Our new online services page, Drive Idaho, brings all of the new and existing DMV’s online services into one, easy-to-navigate page,” Division of Motor Vehicles Administrator Alberto Gonzalez said.

“Qualified Idahoans can now skip the line at the county sheriffs’ and assessors’ offices by going online for DMV services.”

Idahoans cannot apply for the Star Card, Idaho’s REAL ID online. To obtain a Star Card, go to itd.idaho.gov/starcard to learn what documents must be taken to the county sheriff’s office.

Here is a complete list of online services:

• Renew their driver’s license or ID
• Purchase a replacement driver’s license or ID
• Check the status of their driving privileges
• Pay reinstatement fees
• Update an address
• Renew a vehicle license plate
• Order personalized license plates
• Check the status of a vehicle license plate or title, and
• Other DMV services

Beginning July 1, two new online services will be added to the website for commercial truck registrations and oversize/overweight trip permits.

“Not only will the online services at the Drive Idaho website be convenient, but it will reduce lines at the county offices for those who choose or are required to go there for DMV services,” Gonzalez said.

Idahoans can access the DMV Drive Idaho online services 24 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays at: itd.idaho.gov/DriveIdaho

“ITD in partnership with Access Idaho was able to extend online services to the public. Our new system for driver’s licenses has been stable for nine months, transactions statewide continue to exceed last year’s totals and wait times for the public at county sheriff’s offices have stabilized.”

Testing scheduled in May and June at Clearwater Memorial Bridge

The Idaho Transportation Department has scheduled a series of tests in May and June near the Clearwater Memorial Bridge on US-12 in Lewiston. The tests will help develop plans to widen and repair the bridge, with work currently scheduled in 2023.

This weekend a hole will be drilled into the southeast corner of the bridge to examine soil quality, requiring the closure of the sidewalk.

Shortly after, river users will see a barge next to the bridge. From the barge crews will analyze the riverbed to help determine the best way to increase the bridge’s weight capacity. This testing will not affect recreational activities on the Clearwater River.

The existing structure was constructed in 1951, and some of its components are nearing the end of their service life.

“ITD is making major plans to improve the bridge to ensure that it will serve the region for many years into the future,” ITD project manager Curtis Arnzen said. “This project will improve the area’s safety, functionality and economic opportunity.”

An open house will be held in June to introduce the project and gather comments.

For more information, visit itdprojects.org/us12memorialbridge.

Additional overnight detour planned for I-84/86 Salt Lake Interchange project east of Burley

Traffic will be detoured Thursday, May 30 for motorists heading eastbound on Interstate 84 from Burley toward Pocatello as crews work to complete girder placement on the newly constructed bridge.

This is part of the Salt Lake Interchange replacement project, underway since May of last year. Construction is scheduled to finish by late 2020.

This temporary traffic pattern is expected to be in effect between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. while the girders are placed.

Drivers should still anticipate reduced speeds through the work zone and pay close attention to signage which will be in place to safely direct motorists through the area.

Wadsworth Brothers Construction, of Draper, Utah is the prime contractor on this project.

Highway sealcoat project to occur near Buhl

Weather permitting, sealcoat work is expected to begin Wednesday, May 29 on Idaho Highway 46 near Buhl (MP 85 – 91). This is the final stage of the US-30 to Ken Curtis Bridge paving project which occurred last year.

Sealcoating is a roadway surface treatment that takes place during the summer months and helps preserve and extend the lifetime of Idaho’s roadways. It also provides a skid-resistant surface for better vehicle traction. The process requires hot temperatures and dry weather for chips to properly adhere to oil that is deposited on the highway.

When the sealcoat is applied, the roadway will be reduced to one lane. Motorists should anticipate short delays and watch for the presence of flaggers or pilot cars.

Chips placed during the sealcoating process have potential to cause windshield damage so drivers are cautioned to slow down and pay attention to reduced speeds and no passing zones throughout the work area. Work is anticipated to be complete within two days.

Memorial Day Travel Advisory for Treasure Valley residents

Memorial Day weekend is nearly upon us, and ITD is issuing the follow travel advisory to inform those planning to drive from the Boise area of conditions on and along the area highways.

Construction Impacts

Interstate 84

There are two projects active on I-84 to the east and west of the Boise area.

Bridge rehabilitation on the bridge over Purple Sage Road west of Caldwell has reduced the Interstate to a single lane in each direction. Speed limits are reduced and motorists should anticipate delays.

Pavement rehabilitation and construction of a third westbound lane are active east of Mountain Home. Motorists will be channeled into a single lane and speed limits are reduced.

U.S. 95

There are two construction projects that will have active impacts over the weekend. Both are bridge replacements that currently have only one travel lane. The first project is located approx. 10 miles north of Council. The second is the Little Rainbow Bridge, approx. 13 miles north of New Meadows. Both construction zones are controlled by temporary signals. Motorists should anticipate delays on this route.

Idaho Highway 55

One active project on ID-55 is the repavement of the highway south of Smiths Ferry. Work will be suspended starting Friday, May 24 and not resume until Tuesday, May 28. Motorists should use caution in the area and obey traffic signs. There will be uneven surfaces as the project remains partially constructed.

Another project on ID-55 in Canyon County is the bridge and road reconstruction in Marsing. Construction impacts will remain active over the weekend. Travel will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Motorists should expect delays in the area.

Travel Conditions

Prolonged rainfall and cooler temperatures mean the mountains are saturated. This increases the risk of rockfall and mudslides. Motorists should be aware of the possibility of hazards on the road and drive with caution. Remember to remove distractions and Drive Well, focusing on the important task of engaged driving.

Congestion is common on these mountain highways during summer holidays. In particular, the intersection of ID-55 and Banks-Lowman Road sees heavy traffic. To mitigate this increase, ITD will flag this intersection on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

ITD is encouraging vehicles traveling from the Sun Valley region to the Boise area consider alternate routes or travel outside the busiest times (noon to early evening) to avoid delays at the intersection of ID-55 and Banks-Lowman Rd.

Be sure to check 511 before leaving to see the latest road conditions and impacts. You can call, visit the website, or download the app for Apple or Android devices.