Port of Entry technology keeps Idaho moving

Ports of entry help preserve the well-being and safety of Gem State drivers statewide by safeguarding citizens, fostering economic development, and ensuring the efficient movement of goods and individuals across our borders. POE staffers are committed to maintaining safety and compliance with federal and state regulations for commercial vehicles. Each day, dedicated supervisors, inspectors, and registration teams manage hundreds, often thousands, of vehicle inspections, registrations, and permit requests. Their collective efforts directly support ITD’s mission of promoting safety, mobility, and economic opportunity.

Given the high volume of commercial traffic on Idaho’s roads—totaling millions of vehicles annually—ports are integral to maintaining smooth and secure operations. In addition to visual inspections for damage or missing components, such as safety markers, tire lug nuts, mirrors, placards, exhaust systems, or mud flaps, we utilize advanced electronic screening and weigh-in-motion (WIM) technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Electronic WIM systems effectively identify vehicles that are potentially overweight, over-length, or over-height, streamlining the inspection process. Complementing this system is our tire anomaly detection system—recently recognized with an American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators award—which helps identify tire issues such as worn tread, punctures, insufficient pressure, or mismatched sizes by axle. This technology not only facilitates the identification of suspect vehicles for further inspection, but also allows compliant vehicles to bypass the port, improving traffic flow and reducing operational costs. Industry data indicates that allowing compliant vehicles to remain on the interstate results in approximately $8.68 in cost savings per vehicle, thereby supporting our goal of enhancing mobility.

A key component of our electronic screening process is the Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window (CVIEW). This interface enables inspectors to access comprehensive vehicle data—such as registration details, safety records, permits, and driver information—to determine whether a more thorough inspection is necessary. When CVIEW flags potential issues, inspectors have the option to initiate a full inspection.

Recently, new Port of Entry Program Manager Frank DeCarvalho (pictured right) visited the East Boise and Declo ports. He remarked, “I am highly impressed with our inspectors and their effective use of electronic-screening technology to manage vehicle flow through our busy ports. The training they receive and their dedication are essential to fulfilling our mission while providing excellent customer service.”

While these technological tools provide powerful data-driven insights, it’s important to recognize the continued value of traditional visual inspections. These in-person checks remain a critical component of the inspection process, offering opportunities not only to identify issues that may not be captured electronically but also to engage directly with drivers. These face-to-face interactions often serve as educational moments, helping drivers better understand compliance requirements and maintain safer vehicles on the road.

Construction begins Monday night on I-184 Flying Wye flyover and westbound I-84

Picture of significant concrete damage on a highway overpass.

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction Monday to repair significant barrier damage on the Interstate 184 Flying Wye flyover and westbound Interstate 84.

The damage was caused by a recent crash and presents a safety hazard to motorists. Contractors will restore the bridge barriers, which are designed to contain vehicles during collisions, protecting both traffic on the flyover and traffic below on I-84.

Drivers should expect:

Intermittent nighttime two-lane closures on westbound I-84
A single-lane closure on the flyover for approximately two weeks
Reduced speeds in the work zones

Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time, and drive with caution through the work zone. For real-time traffic updates and road conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

US-20 delays and slower speeds starting next week for INL paving operations

Graphic map of US-20 west of Idaho Falls indicating traffic movement changes near the junction of US-20, US-26 at the INL entrance.

The Idaho Transportation Department is partnering with the Idaho National Laboratory to alert motorists of changes to their commute beginning next week.

Starting Monday, paving operations within the INL site will limit usual turning movements at the Puzzle, the junction of US-20, US-26 and INL. During morning and overnight hours, traffic will be able to make right turns only off US-20 into the site.

From 4 to 6:30 p.m. traffic at the Puzzle will be restricted to outbound only movement, with no inbound turns allowed.

Speed will be reduced to 50 mph on US-20 near and through the Puzzle while this work is completed.

Both inbound and outbound site traffic will be able to access US-20 from an alternative route at West Portland Avenue, Gate Three, one mile west of the Puzzle. No dedicated turning lane exists on US-20 at this intersection, so motorists are urged to be alert and slow down.

Flaggers will be present as needed when INL paving work is near the intersections of US-20 or US-26. Traffic control signs and lower speed limits will not be in effect when work is not actively ongoing along these roadways.

INL paving operations are expected to be complete and traffic running as usual by late September.

INL employees should refer to internal communication regarding effects to their commute on roads within the site. Effects to US-20 and US-26 will be noted on the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.

Massacre Rocks rest stop to close next week

Beginning Monday, the Interstate 86 westbound rest stop west of American Falls will be closed for maintenance. Crews will be repainting and landscaping. Work will continue until Monday, August 18.

ITD closing SH-46 at railroad crossing in Buhl for repairs next week

The Idaho Transportation Department is shutting down State Highway 46 (Clear Lakes Road) at the railroad crossing in Buhl from Monday through Aug. 16. ITD will repair the asphalt and replace the tracks near the SH-46/US 30 intersection.

North and southbound traffic on SH-46 can detour using Elm Street.
Westbound truck traffic is advised to take Broadway Avenue.
Eastbound truck traffic is advised to take N 1600 E to Sawtooth.

Please watch for detour signs as you navigate through the area.

This project was not initially planned to happen this year, but additional funding and recognition of the public need allowed ITD to quickly get these repairs planned and underway.

With average daily crossing of more than 3,000 vehicles, it is important to give yourself extra time to get through the detours and drive safely.

For up-to-date traffic information check 511.idaho.gov.

Construction begins Monday to widen I-90 between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene

Traffic congestion on Interstate 90 between Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene.

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction Monday on a major project to widen Interstate 90 between State Highway 41 in Post Falls and U.S. Highway 95 in Coeur d’Alene. This four-year effort, expected to be complete in 2029, will add capacity to one of North Idaho’s busiest stretches of freeway. As one of the largest infrastructure investments in the region, the project is designed to ease congestion, enhance safety, and position the corridor to accommodate continued growth for years to come.

Initial construction tasks will include tree removal from the center median and shoulders, placing temporary barriers, installing work zone signs, minor traffic shifts, and starting construction on the Prairie Trail Bridge. As work begins and continues through fall and winter, drivers can expect:

Work will typically occur Monday through Friday with both daytime and nighttime activity, though some weekend work may occur as well
Two lanes of travel being maintained in both directions during daylight hours
- Lanes may be reduced during nighttime hours as needed
Variable speed limits, with digital signs adjusting speeds based on nearby work activity.
- Drivers should pay extra close attention to the posted speed limits and drive accordingly

The widening effort is the first project from the I-90 Corridor Study to move into construction, prioritized for its significant impact in reducing congestion between SH-41 and US-95.

Major improvements the project will deliver include:

Adding two lanes in both eastbound and westbound directions of I-90 for a total of four lanes in each direction
Replacing and widening bridges over Huetter Road, Atlas Road, and Prairie Trail
Realigning and improving adjacent sections of both the Prairie and Centennial Trails
Lengthening existing on- and off-ramps to allow for a safer merging with I-90 traffic. Ramp locations include:
- All ramps at the Northwest Blvd. Interchange
- Eastbound off-ramp at US-95
- Westbound off-ramp at US-95

“Relieving congestion on this stretch of I-90 is one of the most common requests that ITD hears from the public and we are excited to begin work to improve the traveling experience on the corridor,” said Zach Feist, ITD Project Manager.

This corridor expansion project will ultimately be bookended by two new interchanges. On the west end, the SH-41 interchange began construction in 2022 and is expected to be fully complete in 2026. At the east end the next major I-90 interchange project to be built will be at US-95 and is currently in the design phase, with construction possible as early as 2027.

Various projects identified in the I-90 Corridor Study are advancing separately but on a similar timeline through the design and construction phase, including I-90 interchange projects at both ends of this project corridor. Construction of the SH-41 interchange is scheduled to be complete next year and the US-95 Interchange is in the design phase with construction expected to begin in 2027 after recent funding was awarded through the TECM bonding program.

The project is primarily funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation funds as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative. The TECM program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build.

ITD is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information for drivers to plan extra time to safely pass through the work zone. To stay up to date on this and other projects within the I-90 corridor, visit our website and sign up for email and text updates.

For the most up-to-date statewide traffic information, visit 511.idaho.gov or download the app.

Star Card available without appointment at select DMV locations

BOISE – The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles reminds residents that Star Card issuance (also known as REAL ID) is available without an appointment at the following motor vehicles offices:

Motor Vehicles Ada County – 9115 Suite 103 W. Chinden Blvd., Boise, ID
Motor Vehicles Canyon County – 6107 Graye Ln., Caldwell, ID
Motor Vehicles Clearwater County – 2200 Michigan Ave., Orofino, ID

Customers are encouraged to review the required documents before visiting. More information is available at dmv.idaho.gov

I-84 westbound on-ramp at Heyburn Exit 211 will close tomorrow night

The I-84 westbound on-ramp at the Heyburn Interchange (Exit 211) will temporarily close tomorrow night for construction.

Crews will begin the closure at approximately 6 p.m. The ramp is anticipated to be open again by 7 a.m. Saturday. Westbound traffic will be detoured east on I-84 and reconnected at Exit 216 near Declo. Detour signs will guide motorists through the project area. Motorists should watch for crews and use caution while travelling through the construction zone.

Construction has been underway since 2024 to update the Heyburn and Burley Interchanges to meet growing traffic demands and is anticipated to be complete in 2026. The project is funded as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to advance large projects that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy, and positively impact the Magic Valley and communities across the state for years to come.

To learn more about the project, please visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/projects/i-84-burley-and-heyburninterchanges. This closure and others will be posted to 511.idaho.gov.

Porterville Road Bridge over I-15 closed

The Porterville Road Bridge over Interstate 15 north of Blackfoot remains closed after a backhoe being hauled by a semi struck the bridge from underneath Tuesday evening, causing severe damage to a girder. The bridge will remain closed until the Idaho Transportation Department can install a temporary traffic light to allow one lane of traffic over the undamaged portion of the overpass.

ITD is still assessing the damage to determine what work will be required to repair the bridge. Motorists are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov for the latest information on this closure and other traffic events.

New digital message sign to improve communication on SH-55 corridor

Graphic representation of a State Highway 55 sign.

The Idaho Transportation Department will install a new Dynamic Message Sign tomorrow in Round Valley to enhance safety and improve communication for drivers traveling along State Highway 55 between Boise and McCall.

The new sign will be located on the southbound side of SH-55 at milepost 102, just before drivers descend toward Rainbow Bridge and enter the narrow canyon stretch of highway.

The sign will display real-time alerts about wildfires, traffic delays, and other emergencies that may impact travel through the corridor. SH-55 is one of Idaho’s most heavily traveled mountainous highways, especially during summer and holiday weekends. Limited cell service in the area makes timely roadside messaging essential.

“Reliable communication in this area is critical, especially during wildfire season or major traffic incidents,” said ITD Project Manager Javier Hernandez. “This new DMS will allow us to give travelers accurate, up-to-date information when they need it most.”

Installation is scheduled to begin tomorrow and will take several days to complete. A single-lane closure will be in place during work, with flaggers directing traffic. Minimal delays are expected.

As part of the project, crews will also install a 50-foot camera pole aimed at the new DMS. This camera will allow ITD to remotely monitor, test, and verify the sign’s performance, helping ensure it’s working properly without needing to send maintenance crews to the site.

Before heading out, motorists are encouraged to visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app for the latest travel conditions.