ITD partners with Leighton Vander Esch on seat belt safety

Buckle Up, Idaho campaign kick off with Leighton Vander Esch

BOISE—The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is partnering with Idaho native and Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker Leighton Vander Esch to remind Idahoans to buckle up.

Brought to life in a new educational campaign, “Rules to LVE By,” today’s announcement kicks off a partnership between ITD and Vander Esch focusing on the importance of wearing a seat belt at all times while in a vehicle.

“We are thrilled to partner with Leighton on this project,” said ITD Highway Safety Manager John Tomlinson. “He believes in hard work and doing things the right way, these are his rules to live by. Wearing a seat belt is one of those rules and we hope other Idahoans follow that example.”

Statistics show that eighty-five percent of people in Idaho buckle up. At the same time, nearly two-thirds of people killed in motor vehicle crashes were not properly restrained. The majority of those people were killed on rural roads.

“Having Leighton onboard can really make a difference in those rural communities,” Tomlinson said. “That’s where he grew up and he really understands the values of a small town but he also has a broad appeal that will resonate with all Idahoans.”

“I’m very proud to be from Idaho and my wife and I love coming home every chance we get,” Vander Esch said. “Lately, I’ve been learning a lot about the importance of seatbelt safety in my work with ITD, I’m excited to partner with them to help educate Idahoans about the importance of buckling up.”

The statewide program “Rules to LVE By” will include a media campaign featuring Vander Esch and educational events being planned at schools throughout the state. The first commercials featuring Vander Esch and his personal rules, including a message to “always buckle up,” were released today, and can be seen at shift-idaho.org/buckleupidaho.

“I’m grateful that I can help save lives and give back to the place that will always be my home,” Vander Esch said.

ITD to install wildlife fence to improve safety along ID-28

LEADORE – To make the highway safer for the public and wildlife, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will be building wildlife fencing on both sides of Idaho Highway 28 in a three-mile stretch of road between Leadore and Lemhi through August. This action comes about as a result of wildlife-migration studies in the area that show a need for safer mitigation routes due to elevated wildlife-vehicle collision rates.

In addition to the fencing, crews will also be installing new wildlife warning signs, cattle guards, and gates along with building numerous wildlife jump-outs.

ITD worked closely with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game to identify sections of roadway along ID-28 that had these migration safety concerns.

Throughout project construction, ITD will close the highway shoulders in the construction zone and we will also conduct intermittent traffic control as needed.

ITD will close ID-31 for the day starting at 10 am today for snow removal operations

VICTOR – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will close ID-31 from Swan Valley to Victor temporarily starting today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In order to safely move the snow, ITD crews will be conducting multiple snow removal operations along the highway.

Due to recent storms, the area has accumulated a large amount of snow that is hazardous to the area. This planned operation is in efforts to prevent future avalanches and properly remove snow along the roadway the safest way possible for the public and for ITD crews.

ITD advises drivers to plan your trip accordingly during this planned road closure for maintenance.

Please check for road updates on Idaho’s traveler advisory service at 511.idaho.gov or call 5-1-1.

Additional information on winter safety can be found at: itd.idaho.gov/road-mtce/

Wet weather expected to create hazardous travel conditions in North Central Idaho through the weekend

Plow truck damaged by a tree on ID-162 MP 21

Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution as snowy, rainy and windy conditions are creating hazardous conditions by bringing trees and rocks down onto highways in North Central Idaho. Soils, saturated by moisture, are not able to anchor rocks and vegetation to hillsides.

Small rockslides closed Idaho Highway 14 at mileposts 22 and 38 earlier this morning, and US-12 at milepost 93 is currently blocked by fallen trees. Over the last several days, variable weather conditions have resulted in numerous callouts for downed trees, rock fall and plugged culverts.

“Heavy snow from previous storms has weighed down trees, and saturated soils are unable to keep trees in place, especially in windy conditions,” Operations Engineer Bob Schumacher said. “Just last night, one of our plow trucks—while responding to a downed tree in the road—was hit by another tree.”

The truck was not occupied at the time.

“So far, we have dealt mainly with rocks and trees,” Schumacher said. “Travelers should also be aware of the potential for avalanches in areas of steep slopes, particularly on US-12, with this variable weather.”

Drivers are advised to be cautious this time of year and to look for debris in the road. They should also check 511.idaho.gov for any road blockages or closures, and plan extra time for any travel.

Traffic to shift on US-93 in Jerome County starting late next week

As early as Feb. 15, traffic will shift on US-93 between 200 S Road and 300 S Road in Jerome County. This is part of the US-93 widening project, which will see the highway transition from two lanes to four to increase mobility and traffic flow in the area.

“We determined it would be best to build two temporary roadway diversions for this project,” said ITD South-central Idaho Project Manager Sam Purser. “This will allow traffic to continue moving through the area while construction is underway.”

Both northbound and southbound traffic will utilize these temporary roadways. Construction signage, candlesticks, and barrels will be in place to safely direct those traveling through the area.

Drivers can expect reduced speeds of 25 mph in the work zone. Motorists are advised to use caution and watch for workers and heavy equipment entering and exiting the highway.

“This project will improve safety at the US-93/200 South intersection for both passenger and commercial vehicles,” explained Purser. “The end result will be a divided highway similar to what drivers encounter two miles south of this area.”

Idaho Materials and Construction is the prime contractor for this project.

ITD and IDFG invite the community to a working group session Feb.11 to address wildlife on U.S. 30 at Rocky Point

MONTPELIER – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and the Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) has invited members of the community to a working group session on February 11, 2020. ITD will ask the members of the public to identify issues and concerns with wildlife crossing U.S. Highway 30 at Rocky Point.

The working group session will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Allred Education and Event Center, 21620 U.S. Highway 30, Montpelier, Idaho 83254.

In response to concerns about high rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions, ITD and the IDFG are working together to design wildlife crossing options at Rocky Point (between U.S. Highway 30 mileposts 443 and 448).

This corridor is also bordered by recently secured easements held by the IDFG. These easements ensure that the migratory routes for mule deer, between their summer range in the Caribou Mountains and winter range on the Bear Lake Plateau, are not obstructed by future development.

Members of the community are invited to the working group session where they will be introduced to the project, help ITD and the IDFG identify issues and concerns within the project area, and learn about the next steps in the project.

“The community will have the opportunity to learn more about this project and provide input on potential improvements that will help wildlife cross the highway, while at the same time keeping motorists safe,” said ITD project manager Tara Capson.

In addressing wildlife crossing the highway, this project will support migration and minimize the risk to drivers and wildlife alike by protecting vehicles from wildlife-vehicle collisions.

Construction is expected to begin in 2025. For more project information please visit https://itdprojects.org/projects/rocky-point-wildlife-crossing/ .

With federal deadline approaching, DMV encourages residents to get their Star Card

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice for REAL ID

Originally published 2/6/2020

Eight months ahead of the federally mandated deadline, the DMV continues to raise awareness about the importance of getting a Star Card—Idaho’s Real ID. Without a Star Card, passport, or other compliant identification, citizens won’t be able board a plane or enter a federal facility after Oct. 1, 2020.

Currently, 268,241 of 1.25 million licensed drivers have a Star Card. That figure is significantly higher than it was in Feb. 2019, when just 70,000 residents had the Star Card.

“Now more than ever, Idahoans need to plan ahead, and not wait to get their Star Card,” said DMV Division Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “Preparing now will save you headaches later when you may have an important planned or unplanned trip, and you get turned away from boarding a plane because you don’t have a compliant ID.

The increased awareness of the Star Card is attributed to a collaborative statewide campaign that began one year ago. During the campaign, ITD representatives traveled across Idaho promoting the Star Card through media appearances and press events with sheriff-office partners.

Additionally, multi-faceted campaign tools include continuous advertising, social media messaging, presentations, partnerships with Idaho State Liquor Division, PERSI (state retirement system), Idaho’s three major universities, and other entities.

You must obtain a Star Card in person by visiting your county driver’s license office with documents that prove your identity, social security and residency. To personalize the list of documents, visit itd.idaho.gov/starcard and click on the “Add the Star” tool. The public is also encouraged to call the DMV at 208.334.8736 if they have questions about the process.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 was enacted by Congress as a result of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

Slow Your Roll – A candid Q&A with Corporal Bolen

When it comes to winter driving, safety is always the message we try to stress. Of course, it’s easy to tell people to slow down, stay engaged, and drive safely. Unless you’ve been personally affected by the consequences of speeding and winter weather, the seriousness of the message may not resonate.

With this in mind, I decided to sit down with our south-central Idaho Law Enforcement Liaison, Scott Bolen. Corporal Bolen has served with Idaho State Police for five years. He’s seen a lot of incidents on Idaho roads during his tenure with ISP. Corporal Bolen offered some insight and advice to benefit all motorists navigating Idaho roads this season.

Q: How do you feel about driving in the snow?

When there is snow on the roadway, it becomes more challenging to drive. Often, snow is just one aspect of multiple challenges a driver faces in winter weather. For example, when we look outside today, not only do we find snowy conditions, but that snow combines with dense fog, which further decreases visibility for a motorist. It’s not impossible to drive in these conditions. However, if you decide to get behind the wheel, you need to decide to drive safely – slow down, increase your stopping distance, and drive for the conditions.

Q: What are some winter driving incidents you have encountered that have left a lasting impression?

Unfortunately, I encounter many incidents that leave lasting impressions. A few years ago, it was a particularly bad winter. There were a lot of slide-offs that season, and I remember responding to an incident on the interstate where a passenger vehicle had slid off into the median. Visibility was very low that day, and that, combined with the high speed of traveling motorists, made the side of the roadway a frightening place to be. Multiple vehicles, including a semi-truck, came within a breath of hitting my patrol car while I worked to assist the vehicle in distress.

Another incident occurred where a semi-trailer came over a hill and hit a patch of ice, causing it to jackknife on the highway. I arrived on the scene to find the driver standing outside in the freezing weather. He was terrified that another vehicle was going to come upon him too quickly, not be able to stop and collide with his trailer. Both of these situations could have improved if motorists slowed down, paid attention to their surroundings, and drove for the conditions.

Q: How many incidents do you feel could have been avoided?

A lot. I cannot even begin to count how many slide-offs and rollovers to which I’ve responded. Many crashes were avoidable if drivers would have taken their cruise control off in slick weather and slowed down. It’s sad to say, but a vast majority of people are impatient. They don’t realize that taking a few extra minutes to get somewhere could make a difference in not getting there at all.

Q: We remind people to plan ahead when they travel and encourage them to pack emergency winter kits in their cars. What other tips would you recommend for motorists this season?

I think it’s important to remind people to check the weather before they get on the roadway so that they can plan their commute accordingly. The live camera feeds and road updates on 511.idaho.gov are an excellent resource for people to utilize. If individuals are traveling, they need to tell people what route they are taking and what time they expect to arrive at their destination. This planning will help out greatly in the unfortunate event that you get lost or stranded during travel.

Q: If you could get all drivers to make one change in their behavior, what would it be and why?

The things I’ve seen in my career have made me think and drive differently. Telling people to slow down and be patient is something I cannot stress enough. So many of our winter crashes occur because motorists want to keep going as fast as the posted speed limit allows. Those speeds are set for ideal driving conditions. While you may be able to drive 65 or 80 mph on slick roads, that doesn’t mean you will be able to maintain control of your vehicle or stop. Slowing down and increasing your stopping distance gives you more time to react if something goes wrong.

Q: Anything else you want to add?

Just that we are here to serve the people and help keep our roadways safe. In emergencies, you should always call 9-1-1. If there is a non-emergency, for example, you slide off the road or even suspect a DUI vehicle, call our dispatch center at *ISP (*- 4-7-7), and we will head out to help.

Work between ID-78 and the C-Line Canal will begin Monday, Feb.3

On Monday, Feb. 3, both lanes of traffic on Idaho 55 in Marsing between Highway 78 and the C-Line Canal will shift to the south. The traffic shift will accommodate curb, gutter and sidewalk work to be done on the north.

Both lanes of traffic will remain open. Flaggers will assist traffic.

Work is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete.

Northside Boulevard detours scheduled Friday and Saturday nights during interchange girder placement

NAMPA – Northside Boulevard will be closed overnight under I-84 Friday and Saturday (Jan. 31 and Feb 1) while crews place six steel girders for the I-84, Northside Interchange in Nampa.

Detour route for Northside Closure — *Detour route for Northside closure*

The girders will support the center half of the reconstructed interchange of I-84 and Northside Boulevard. Road closures will begin at 10 p.m. and will end at 7 a.m. each morning. One lane of I-84 will remain open in each direction. Flaggers will direct Northside Blvd. traffic through a detour route.

Southbound traffic on Northside Boulevard will be directed to enter westbound I-84, exit at the Karcher Road Interchange (Exit 33A), and travel eastbound on I-84 to access Northside Boulevard (Exit 35).
Northbound traffic on Northside Boulevard will be directed to enter eastbound I-84, exit at the Franklin Road Interchange (Exit 36) and travel westbound on I-84 to access Northside Boulevard (Exit 35).

“When completed in 2021, the new Northside Interchange bridge will be the longest single-span bridge in Idaho,” said Mark Campbell, ITD’s GARVEE project manager. “This is no small effort and we appreciate the patience of the traveling public.”

The girders will be delivered to the construction site in pieces and assembled in a closed lane of I-84. When assembled, each girder will be 5 feet, 10 inches tall and 220 feet long. The process will require close to 4,000 bolts and multiple large cranes.

ITD is replacing the Northside Interchange with a Single Point Urban Interchange for safer, more efficient travel. Work on the second half of the interchange bridge will begin later this year.

For more information about I-84 improvements in Canyon County, visit itdprojects.org/84corridor or listen to the Drive Idaho podcast.