Construction on Idaho Highway 50 north of Kimberly to begin next week

Weather permitting, road rehabilitation work is expected to begin next week on Idaho Highway 50 from Red Cap Corner north of Kimberly to Tipperary Road near Exit 182. Work will encompass approximately five miles of roadway including the Hansen Bridge.

Traffic on this section of ID-50 will be reduced to one lane throughout the work zone. Pilot cars and flaggers will be present during working hours which is expected to occur seven days a week, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Motorists should anticipate minor delays and watch for reduced speeds and crew members.

Main construction on the project is expected to be completed in May. Additional sealcoat work is scheduled to occur later in the summer.

The general contractor is Knife River from Boise.

ITD reminds drivers of safety in work zones during construction season

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) reminds motorists to drive carefully through work zones — for their own safety and the safety of construction workers.

ITD has more than a dozen projects planned this year in District Four. Every project is different in terms of road pattern changes and reduced speed limits.

Each year, ITD draws special attention to safe driving in or near work zones during Work Zone Awareness Week, April 8-12.

Replacement of North Side Canal Bridge deck on I-84 to occur in Jerome County

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin work Monday (April 8) on replacement of an eastbound bridge deck spanning the North Side Canal on Interstate 84 south of Hazelton (MP 194).

Eastbound and westbound traffic on this portion of I-84 will be reduced to one lane throughout the work zone. The eastbound interstate on-ramp at Exit 194 will also be closed for the duration of this project.

Drivers should expect reduced speeds throughout the work zone and watch for crews during working hours – Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Work is expected to be completed in June.

The contractor on this project is Knife River of Boise.

ITD reminds drivers to be mindful in work zones

BOISE – Every spring, with road-construction season fast approaching, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) reminds motorists to drive carefully through work zones — for their own safety and the safety of construction workers. This year, ITD will hold events around the state during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 8-12.

Across the U.S., there were 799 workers and motorists killed in work zone crashes during 2017 — 82% were drivers and their passengers, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In Idaho, there were 15 work zone fatalities from 2013-2017, with 1,960 crashes in work zones during that same time period. Drivers are asked to put away distractions and pay extra attention to their surroundings.

“Work zones can be the most hazardous areas on our state highway system,” said ITD Safety Manager Randall Danner. “We urge drivers to use extreme caution when passing through these areas so they can arrive at their destination safely and construction workers can return home to their loved ones.” Safer driving means safer work zones for all.

ITD continually takes steps to improve employee safety. Last fall, the department shifted to high-visibility yellow vests to stand out from the orange barrels and equipment on the side of the road.

ITD also recommends a common-sense approach to driving in work zones:

– Slow down and drive at the posted speed limit or at speeds appropriate for conditions.
– Adhere to traffic signs and follow the directions of flaggers and pilot cars, when present. Prepare for heavy equipment operating in the area.
– Watch for altered traffic patterns or reduced lane widths. Devote your full attention to driving and avoid distractions such as cell-phone use.
– Check before leaving home to determine whether you might encounter highway construction. Call 5-1-1, check 511.idaho.gov or download the 511 app.
– Expect delays and exercise patience.
– Always wear a seat belt.

“Staying safe is an intentional act,” Danner added. “Following these simple precautions will help ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and construction workers.”

“As soon as we put our feet on the road, we are in our office,” ITD Emergency Management Planner Neal Murphy said. “The traveling public should give all workers a break by slowing down and/or moving over.”

“Whether it is a short-duration event or a long-term construction zone, we need to stay safe,” he added.

Here are a few work zone safety videos ITD will be using throughout the state to reinforce the safety message:

Highway Worker (60 sec.)
Family Vacation (60 sec.)
Business Commuter (60 sec.)
Combined Video (60 sec.)

Work ongoing to extend passing lane on US-95 near Winchester

US-95 climbs through a green Culdesac Canyon.

Update from April 4: Although most complete closures of US-95 will be scheduled at night, during the second week of April, traffic will be stopped in both directions to allow the construction of an equipment access trail above the rock slope. Rock and other debris will be pushed off the slope into a catchment area for cleanup. Drivers should expect delays of at least 15 minutes; if rock falls onto the road, delays could become longer as crews remove it.

Speeds are now reduced on US-95 near Winchester as contractors replace signage and guardrail in advance of construction to extend the passing lane by three miles in the canyon.

For the next month, drivers can expect continued work on the shoulders as well as the creation of a trail for equipment to access the rock slope west of the highway. One lane in each direction will typically be open during the day, with work over the weekends possible throughout the season.

Once that work is completed around late April or early May, crews will start rock removal.

Rock removal will require some evening blasting and periodic closures of US-95. Closures will be scheduled around 6 p.m. and are expected to last approximately one hour, after which one lane of the highway may remain closed for cleanup.

“Closures will not be scheduled over the holidays and will generally be timed to avoid peak travel,” resident engineer Curtis Arnzen said. “Rock removal will be necessary for the duration of this project, and we strongly encourage drivers to plan around these closures if possible as there will be no detour in place.”

Closures will be advertised via digital message signs on the highway, 511 and updates on the project website.

Work this season is expected to end by November, with the entire project scheduled for completion in fall 2020. Construction in 2016 extended the passing lane in the area 1.5 miles, and future work will finish the passing lane between Winchester and Culdesac.

Temporary repairs for I-90 near Kellogg scheduled Friday

The sinking section on I-90 near Kellogg has caused the centerline to shift.

Work is planned Friday, March 29 to temporarily repair depressions on Interstate 90 near Kellogg for a second time.

Crews will add asphalt to the dips to form a smooth surface for drivers. The work will be done on one lane of each section (eastbound and westbound) at a time, with traffic shifted over to the other lane.

Repairs to all four dips are expected to take one day, though future temporary repairs may be needed.

The Idaho Transportation Department continues to coordinate with other agencies in the area to investigate the cause of the damage and to develop a long-term fix for the depressions.

Drilling next week will help develop permanent repairs by collecting road data. Scheduled for April 4, drivers can expect a single-lane closure on eastbound I-90 during drilling operations.

The speed limit will be reevaluated to increase it back to as near 75 mph as is safely possible.

For more information, visit the project website.

Star Card awareness and partnership with Department of Correction highlight recent DMV initiatives

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

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

Originally published 3/27/2019

It’s already been a busy few months of 2019 for the DMV and we’re highlighting a couple initiatives you may have been hearing about. The first is a partnership with the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC)—and the second is a renewed push to ensure all Idahoans know what the Star Card is–and how to get one so you don’t get left behind.

Inmates being released from three Idaho correctional facilities are now being issued state identification cards by IDOC employees.

“Identification cards are needed to transition the inmates into society,” IDOC Public Information Officer Jeff Ray said. “Without proper identification, they cannot open bank accounts, cash a check, or fly commercially.”

Previously, released inmates were transported by IDOC to county Sheriff’s offices to receive identification cards where lobbies are often full. The new program is a cooperative effort between IDOC and ITD. Idaho Rep. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, and Interfaith Sanctuary Director Jodi Peterson were proponents of the program.

Dominic Hinton is getting out of prison in July after about 18 months. While incarcerated, he says his ID expired. “I am very nervous to get out but having an ID is another step that’s going to be easier to get a job, easier to get everything else done when I get out there,” Hinton said. Hinton is shown in the photo getting his picture taken by an IDOC employee for a state identification card.

“Having an ID already is really going to help out. I can just go to an employer and say hey, I want to work, here’s an ID right away.”

Many inmate’s driver’s licenses or identification cards expire, are lost or destroyed while in prison. IDOC case managers work with the inmates months before their releases to obtain the proper documents to qualify for an identification card.

“It’s investing in the success of the people leaving prison,” Deputy Chief of Prisons Ross Castleton said. “If you can’t get a job, you fall back onto the things you did before. That is how people return to prison.”

“The amount of work Rep. Wintrow and Jodi Peterson did advocating for this to happen, and the willingness for IDOC to work with ITD, it just means a lot,” DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez said. “It shows you government can work together to make a difference.”

——-

Let’s switch gears to another huge DMV initiative—empowering Idahoans with the information they need about the Star Card.

A year after Idaho began issuing the Star Card, Idaho’s Real ID, five percent of Idahoans have applied for the card. Without it on a driver’s license, citizens won’t be able to board a plane or enter a federal facility.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security will require a Star Card, or other approved credential such as a passport, to get through security at airports, courthouses, and military bases.

“Unless you have a passport or another compliant identification, you will need to get a Star Card – Idaho’s Real ID to fly on an airplane or visit federal buildings,” Governor Brad Little said. “The last thing I want is for a family or business traveler to miss a vacation or an important work trip because they didn’t get their Star Cards.”

In addition, Governor Little said, “Getting your Star Card soon instead of waiting until the last minute will help minimize long lines at DMV offices.”

To date, 70,000 of 1.25 million licensed drivers in Idaho have a Star Card.

To raise awareness of the deadline, the DMV is launching a new multi-faceted campaign consisting of videos, advertising in Idaho airports, and on social media and travel sites. The campaign message focuses on the Star Card being your “license to fly” and getting it now so “you don’t get left behind.”

The DMV has developed a helpful “Add the Star” online tool the public can use to determine the documents they need to bring to obtain a Star Card. It is also mailing renewal postcards to Idahoans whose driver’s licenses or IDs are going to expire, urging them to consider getting a Star Card. “The need for a Real ID is here. We are asking Idaho citizens to please go to your local county DMV office as soon as possible to help avoid long lines as we get close to Oct. 1, 2020.” said Idaho Transportation Department Director Brian Ness. “Wait times are back to normal at all offices across the state. To make the renewal process for getting a Star Card easy, visit the ITD website first to ensure you come to your DMV office with the right documents to avoid multiple trips.”

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.”

For a full list of compliant credentials, visit itd.idaho.gov/starcard or call 208.334.8736.

Governor Little also teamed up with ITD to share a message about the Star Card through a new public service announcement. You can view it here. Additionally, there will be much more information about Star Card shared throughout 2019 and 2020–to ensure all Idaho citizens are empowered with the information they need before the October 2020 deadline.

Bridge replacements on US-20 in Camas and Blaine counties to begin next week

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin work April 1, 2019 on two bridge construction projects along US-20. The new crossings will be located over Willow Creek in Camas County (MP 164) and Rock Creek in Blaine County (MP 173).

During construction, ITD will remove aging culverts and surrounding earthwork at both locations, and construct new crossings over the waterways.

“Due to age and corrosion of the pipelines, both culverts are in need of replacement,” said ITD Project Manager Brock Dillé. “We analyzed multiple options regarding these crossings before determining that bridge designs would have the best long term value for both Willow Creek and Rock Creek.”

The structure spanning Willow Creek will be a 170-foot steel girder bridge while the structure spanning Rock Creek will be a 159-foot concrete girder bridge. As an added result of the forthcoming bridge structures, ITD will also be able to restore the streams to a more natural condition, which in turn should have a positive effect on the surrounding ecosystem.

Construction on the crossings will occur simultaneously. Each work zone is anticipated to encompass one mile with approximately seven miles between each site.

Click here for a map of the region.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in the construction zone with width restrictions anticipated. Temporary traffic lights will be in place throughout the duration of the project and reduced speed limits will also be in effect.

ITD and the Idaho State Police advise motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov fo r information on the state highway or interstate system.

Work is expected to last through December.

Knife River is the contractor for both projects.

ITD’s new annual report video showcases department’s efforts to benefit citizens

BOISE – Utilizing another communication channel to expand outreach of the department’s accomplishments and mission, ITD added a video component to its usual hardcopy version of the annual report.

In less than eight minutes, the annual report video summarizes the highly successful 2018 fiscal year and how the department worked to meet the safety, mobility, and economic opportunity needs of Idaho citizens.

“Normally, we print the report on paper and also provide an electronic version on the ITD website,” explained ITD Director Brian Ness. “This year, we wanted to bring our success story to life in a way we never have before.”

Clicking this link will take you to the video result of that effort, highlighting ITD’s achievements in 2018. The traditional hardcopy document is also available here.

The Annual Report video is the story of innovation, excellence, and dedication, and shows the excellent results of Idaho’s transportation investments in 2018.

Nighttime closures on Interstate 90 near Huetter begin next week

Vehicles travel near crossovers constructed in 2018 on I-90.

Interstate 90 will be reduced to two lanes at night next week while crews prepare for continued construction this year to repair bridges over Huetter and Atlas roads.

Construction in the area last year built crossovers that will allow all four lanes to remain open during daytime work, which is scheduled to begin the last weekend in March.

Eastbound lanes will be divided before the rest area near Huetter, with one lane remaining in place for access to the rest area and Northwest Boulevard, and the other lane crossing the median to join westbound traffic over the bridges. Although those needing access to the rest area and Northwest Boulevard exit will need to remain in the right lane, both lanes will have access to the US-95 exit. View a graphic showing traffic impacts.

Later this year, crews will work on the other halves of the bridges, requiring westbound lanes to be divided and all drivers heading to the rest area will need to take the right lane. Both lanes will have access to the Idaho Highway 41 exit during that configuration.

As part of this project, more overpasses in Post Falls will receive a sealing treatment. This work will be done at night and requires single-lane closures for a few nights per bridge.

At this time the only planned daytime closures on the interstate are scheduled for work later this spring to gain more accurate measurements from the weigh-in-motion concrete slab west of the ID-41 interchange by creating a smoother transition. During this time, one eastbound lane will be closed for two weekends with some nighttime lane closures in between.

All work is expected to be completed by early July and will be followed by another project to reduce rutting from the Washington-Idaho border to the Northwest Boulevard exit. Resurfacing will last until September.

Information on the bridge maintenance project can be found at itdprojects.org/i90bridgespf, and information on the resurfacing project can be found at itdprojects.org/i90statelineresurfacing.