Winter weather forces road closures across the state

View from behind the plow of it pushing snow

Blizzard conditions across much of the state has caused the Idaho Transportation Department to close several routes.

Current closures include:

Southwest Idaho:

State Highway 21 from Grandjean Junction to Banner Summit
State Highway 21 from Idaho City to Lowman

South-Central Idaho:

U.S. Highway 93 from Jerome to Shoshone
U.S. Highway 20 from Fairfield to Mountain Home
U.S. Highway 30 from Hansen to Murtaugh
State Highway 75 from Shoshone to Timmerman
State Highway 46 from Gooding to Fairfield

Southeast Idaho:

State Highway 34 from Conda to Wyoming
State Highway 36 from SH-34 to Ovid

East Idaho:

State Highway 47 from Ashton to Bear Gulch
State Highway 32 from Tetonia to Ashton
State Highway 33 from Newdale to Tetonia. Note that Teton Pass in Wyoming is also closed.
U.S. Highway 26 from Ririe to Swan Valley
State Highway 31 from Swan Valley to Victor

Plows will be out in full force today and until the winter weather subsides. The department asks that those who do not need to travel stay home or time their trips around weather conditions.

To share the road safely with plows, travelers are reminded to:

Never pass a plow on the right.
Give plows room to work by maintaining at least a three-second following distance.
If multiple plows are working in tandem, do not attempt to move between them.
Stay out of the blind spots.
Drive for conditions.
Allow extra time to travel.

More closures could be possible as the system moves through the state. Road conditions are updated 24/7 at 511.idaho.gov. Drivers are reminded to know before they go and visit the website or check the 511 app before traveling.

SH-21 in Boise County back open following avalanche

JAN. 16 AT 1:12 P.m.

State Highway 21 reopened on Jan. 15 after being closed for 90 hours. In total, three avalanches were triggered using explosives that the avalanche team set off, and it took eight hours to cleanup the snow. Drivers should check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app for updates before traveling through the state.

JAN. 12 AT 12:57 P.m.

State Highway 21 will remain closed between Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit through the weekend following an avalanche that occurred Thursday evening.

Depending on weather, the Idaho Transportation Department’s avalanche team plans to drop explosives on Sunday within the 11 miles of avalanche paths along SH-21. These explosives will test the snowpack behavior. Once the team determines it to be stable, the Lowman maintenance team will begin cleanup.

At approximately 9 p.m. on Jan. 11, an avalanche closed part of SH-21. Four vehicles including one from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office were traveling through the avalanche-prone section at the time. A truck was pushed by the snow, but there were no injuries and no vehicles were buried. All occupants were able to get into the deputy’s vehicle and drive out of the area safely. A separate car, traveling in the opposite direction, tried to drive over the debris field and got stuck. ITD used a loader to get their vehicle out and back on the road in the opposite direction.

“Last night’s avalanche cycle was driven by a perfect storm of weather. We had very high precipitation intensity, increasing temperature and extremely high winds from the southeast. These are very unusual conditions for this zone,” said Bill Nicholson, leader of the avalanche team.

ITD’s avalanche team and Lowman maintenance crew have gone through avalanche rescue training.

“The number one thing to do if stuck in an avalanche zone is to never get out of your car,” Nicholson said. “It will protect you from being crushed by any additional snow or debris and makes it easier for rescuers to find you.”

There are only three highways in the United States that fall under the ‘High’ category in the Avalanche Hazard Index: SH-21 in Lowman, State Highway 210 in Utah, and U.S. Highway 550 in Colorado.

SH-21 is also closed between Idaho City and Lowman due to extreme weather. Check 511.idaho.gov for updates on this and other road closures.

Jan. 11 at 10:43 p.m.

The occupants of the two vehicles that were stuck in the avalanche on SH-21 have been safely transported out of the canyon, as the road remains closed between Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit. As safety is a top priority, all crews are headed out of the canyon for the night but will return in the morning. Updates will be provided once more information is available tomorrow. Drivers should check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app for updates.

Jan. 11 at 9:37 p.m.

An avalanche has shut down State Highway 21 between Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit. Emergency crews are on scene and report that two vehicles were involved in the avalanche, but there are no reported injuries. Updates will be provided as soon as more information is known, which may be sporadic due to lack of cell service in the area.

ITD helps get life-sustaining heating fuel across restricted bridge

What do you do when a propane truck weighing twice as much as an old timber bridge is rated for needs to get across the bridge to deliver to a handful of people living on the other side who are completely dependent on that delivery to sustain warmth in winter? Recently, ITD was faced with that exact scenario on a bridge in North Idaho’s Boundary County with limited but important use for local access and recreation.

A consultant inspected the old timber bridge from 1960 and after finding significant rot, a weight restriction of 5 tons was placed on the crossing. However, residents living behind the bridge needed a propane truck delivery to supply their homes with heat. The loaded truck would far exceed the bridge’s weight restriction – it was twice as heavy as the posted limit!

So, ITD worked together with a bridge-design consultant to figure out how to get the truck across the bridge and back again without overloading the rotten timbers. ITD provided the county with specific directions on how to safely get the truck across the bridge. On Tuesday morning, December 12, the Boundary County Road & Bridge department was on hand at the bridge to assist the propane truck and act as spotters as it delivered propane under a special permit.

Road & Bridge Road Foreman Bradley Barton and crew member Kris Lummus set the cones to mark the travelway, and after checking the actual propane capacity to verify it was 40% or less, directed the truck back across the bridge very slowly — less than the required 5 mph. The crossing went well, and they waited on site for the propane to make deliveries to three residences and then did the same procedure for the truck coming back across.

“This is a good example of ITD helping in a way that most people are unaware of,” said Bridge Asset Management Engineer Alan Buehrig, who spearheaded the department’s response. “This was a great example of ITD going the extra mile to provide customer service to the county and Idaho citizens.”

ITD aims to reduce plastics in erosion and sediment control

As the earth’s soils continue to get bombarded with plastics that saturate and pollute, impacting agricultural production and threatening both wildlife and human health, Departments of Transportation (DOTs) like Idaho’s are pivoting to environmentally friendly solutions that reduce plastics in our environment. The picture above shows a robin entangled in netting. The picture below and to the right shows a snake similarly entangled.

For instance, biodegradable erosion blankets (like the ones seen below) are being used in projects that do not harm or entangle wildlife. The natural fiber blankets have loose-weave without joints, allowing snakes and other wildlife to easily move over or through natural fibers. Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) practices are used to prevent soil loss and reduce sediment-laden stormwater runoff. These practices used in construction, maintenance and operations can be temporary or permanent. Biodegradable material will decompose under ambient soil conditions into carbon dioxide, water, and other naturally occurring materials within a time period relevant to the product’s expected service life.

Older “photodegradable” plastics can still be intact a decade after construction if vegetation prevents sunlight from breaking down the plastic. When these photodegradable plastics do break down, they continue to be a hazard to natural ecosystems as a micro-plastic. In contrast, biodegradable products typically degrade within 1 to 2 years into naturally occurring substances.

Plastics are commonly used for ESC due to their availability, durability, and cost, but they are rarely recycled, ending up in landfills or breaking down into micro-plastics, which are an emerging pollutant of concern. Pieces of plastic netting can contaminate waterways and interfere with aquatic resource. Plastic erosion control products can ensnare and kill fish and wildlife, interfere with highway mowing equipment, create garbage, and result in added costs for removal and disposal. Concerns about human health impacts are also major concern. Research has shown that plastics in soils can serve as vectors for chemicals and pathogens harmful to human health. They can also disrupt soil biology and crop establishment, which could negatively impact food security.

According to Stormwater magazine in May 2021, at least 21 DOTs have either phased out plastic ESC products or would like to, according to a national virtual peer exchange held in November 2020 on reducing plastics. As such, many DOTs have or are working toward innovative practices involving reducing plastic-based products used in ESC and other toxins from erosion control products. DOTs use various ESC products such as rolled erosion control (erosion blankets), fiber wattles and rolls, and hydraulically applied erosion control products. Factors such as availability, cost, performance, and sustainability are considered.

Minnesota DOT estimates that over 30 tons of plastic annually are placed on their roadsides from erosion and sediment control products alone. These plastics come from woven plastic netting or fabrics commonly deployed as part of transportation projects on open ground and near water to protect soils from erosion and retain sediment. in 2017, Washington State’s DOT began requiring “natural plant fiber unaltered by synthetic material” in its erosion and sediment control best management practices

“As more DOTs require the use of natural, biodegradable products, the upfront costs of purchasing the product are expected to decrease based on efficiency of scale,” Cathy Ford explained. Ford is ITD’s Roadside Program Administrator.

Construction at System Interchange halfway complete

The historic rebuild of the System Interchange in Pocatello is nearing the halfway point, and motorists will continue to see progress in the coming year.

Major milestones for the upcoming season include building five new bridges and demolishing one bridge. Bridges will be constructed to carry southbound traffic on Interstate 15, traffic over Chubbuck Road and traffic heading east on Interstate 86 to access northbound I-15.

As crews come back from the holidays, next up for the project will be drilling concrete shafts for the foundations of the new southbound bridges on I-15. Each shaft will be 8 feet in diameter and drilled up to 60 feet deep to support the weight of I-15 passing overhead. Motorists will also notice construction of retaining walls for the new ramp from I-86 eastbound to I-15 northbound.

This winter crews will be in multiple locations throughout the worksite. Motorists are reminded to follow posted speed limits and watch for work vehicles entering and leaving the interstate at any time day or night.

Originally built in the 1960s, the interchange is undergoing a $112 million redesign to improve safety and replace aging infrastructure. These safety improvements include:

Redesigning ramps to have drivers trying to head northbound on I-15 from I-86 merge from the right, rather than the left.
Traffic from Pocatello Creek Road will no longer have to cross three lanes to head to Chubbuck. Instead drivers will travel under the northbound and southbound lanes of I-15.
Chubbuck Road will be transformed from an overpass into underpass. This means oversized vehicles will no longer have to detour off the interstate. Those who walk and bike will also be better able to travel from Chubbuck to the Portneuf Wellness Complex on the east side of the interstate.

Construction is slated for completion in 2025. Those wishing to learn more about the project can visit the website at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-86i-15-system-interchange.

Repairs on the Perrine Bridge advance to south end

Maintenance continues to advance along the Perrine Bridge with crews expected to transition to the south end of the bridge starting Monday.

Crews will begin building an enclosure underneath the bridge in advance of sandblasting scheduled to start Jan. 16. During this time, the pathway underneath the bridge will remain open, but the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) reminds residents to be patient and cautious around the construction zone. The enclosure is estimated to take around a week to build.

Sandblasting will prepare surfaces for painting and will require the closure of the walkway underneath the bridge during the evening hours when crews are working and foot traffic is light. The walkway will reopen each day. Bridge users should expect loud noises and check 511.idaho.gov for updates.

The scheduled work includes sandblasting, bolt replacement, and painting with no anticipated impacts to traffic on the bridge.

The Perrine Bridge was constructed in 1976, and these repairs play a vital role in extending the life and maintaining the bridge’s safety for years to come. Repairs to the bridge are expected to continue into the spring of 2024.

Safe celebrations: Plan sober rides on New Year’s Eve and all of 2024

Idaho street in Boise with Christmas lights.

As Idahoans gear up for New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is reminding everyone to start 2024 right with a sober ride home. 2023 is on track to be one of the deadliest years on Idaho roads in the last 20 years.

So far this year 275* people have been killed on Idaho roads, surpassing last year’s total by 60 deaths. Of the total people killed in traffic crashes in Idaho last year, 51% involved impaired driving.

This weekend, ITD’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and over 50 law enforcement agencies across Idaho will collaborate to keep roads safe from impaired drivers.

While law enforcement will be on the lookout for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol, everyone can play a part in preventing impaired driving crashes by:

Designating a sober driver or using a ride service.
If you’re the designated driver, stay alcohol-free.
Intervene if someone plans to drink and drive; take away their keys and arrange a safe ride.
Seat belts save lives — A seat belt increases your odds of surviving a crash by 50% and is your best defense against drunk drivers.

“Have an epic last night of 2023, and then get a sober ride home so you can have an amazing 2024 as well,” urged Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton.

*Preliminary data subject to change

Idaho DMV offering title and registration for concession trailers

Beginning January 1, 2024, the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will offer titles and registrations for concession trailers. After careful consideration and consultation with lenders and industry partners, the DMV has determined that concession trailers more closely align with utility trailers and should be titled and registered.

For all existing concession trailer owners, a title and registration will be optional yet encouraged. For concession trailers purchased after January 1, 2024, title and registration will be mandatory.

“Concession trailers existed in a gray area that created challenges for their owners. Because they were not treated as vehicles, it was difficult to secure interest,” explained Vehicle Services Manager CJ Kendrick. “We consulted with industry stakeholders and determined offering title and registration was the best path forward.”

There are several benefits to obtaining a title and registration. It provides a commonly recognized proof of ownership and a legal right to tow on highways.

Owners who want to title their concession trailer should bring all ownership and/or purchase documentation to a local DMV office so they can assist with the titling process. Owners must also bring the concession trailer, as a VIN inspection is required. Title and registration costs will vary by county and length of registration term.

Please note concession trailers are food service trailers pulled by another vehicle and are distinct from food trucks. Food trucks are powered vehicles and were already subject to title and registration requirements.

ITD looks to give ‘green light’ to better visibility on snow plows

A small number of snowplows in North Idaho are taking part in a preliminary testing program being used to assess the efficacy of increasing visibility on plows and reducing the number of strikes each winter.

These ultra-bright, LED lights are being put to the test not only to measure how effective they are, but also how well they stand up to the abuse of being attached to one of the hardest working members of a snow fighting team – the wing plow.

Science has proven that green and yellow are some of the most highly visible, detectable and recognizable colors on the spectrum to the human eye, both day and night, which is why green and amber have been selected as the colors for testing.

Often, even when it’s not actively snowing, the plows on these trucks kick up tremendous clouds of snow and slush making it extremely difficult for drivers to see the low-profile wing plow while crews work. No matter how often drivers are warned to never pass a plow on the right, inevitably there are those who either miss the memo, or are too impatient to heed the warning and that is typically when those plow strikes occur.

The hope is that these bright lights will produce enough illumination to shine through the sprays of snow, slush and ice and be a visual warning to motorists that there is dangerous equipment on the road ahead.

Compared to the heavy financial hit suffered each time a plow is struck these lights are an incredibly inexpensive and effective way to improve safety, each ringing in at around $300 in total for the parts and labor required to install them.

On the flip side, while the circumstances of each plow strike are unique, it is estimated that it costs the Idaho Transportation Department roughly $10,000 per incident in parts and labor to repair equipment damaged in an incident. In addition to the financial hit, the larger impact is often having a truck out of service for extended periods of time meaning additional strain on mechanics to get them fixed, and on plow crews to work harder with fewer resources to keep the roads safe.

If these lights prove successful over the 2023-2024 winter, ITD will likely do a more comprehensive pilot program next year including more trucks across broader areas throughout the state.

Green lights have been successfully adopted several state transportation departments including Utah and Montana, and in several cities and counties in eastern Washington. They are also currently being considered by Washington, Wyoming, and Oregon state transportation departments. “Having uniformity between neighboring agencies is another big reason we are trying this out,” said Fleet Operations Manager Ryan Crabtree This uniformity enhances safety by ensuring driver experiences and expectations remain the same from place to place as they travel throughout the Pacific Northwest.

A magical Christmas includes a sober ride home

An officer practices a field sobriety test

It’s almost Christmas! This weekend will be filled with festive parties and family get-togethers! As Idahoans celebrate the season, the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) urges everyone to include a sober ride home in their Christmas plans.

“All anyone wants for Christmas is to have everyone in their family there to enjoy it. Sadly, many families have lost loved ones to drunk driving related crashes. Give yourself or a friend the gift of a sober ride home when drinking, it could save a life and a lot of heartache,” encouraged Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton.

According to data from OHS, last year in Idaho there were 1,818 impaired driving crashes, and 110 people were killed.

To raise awareness, OHS recently kicked off an impairment campaign featuring videos of five volunteers at an alcohol impairment workshop called a wet lab. A behind-the-scenes video posted by an attendee at the wet lab recently went viral with millions of views on social media.

Wet labs are a controlled environment designed to show all involved, from volunteer drinkers to police officers, that legal drinking limits aren’t always safe driving limits. Impairment happens faster than drivers might think. Volunteer drinkers learn that even a small amount of alcohol can slow their reaction time and make them unsafe to drive.

Watch the videos.

For more information on impaired driving visit https://shift-idaho.org/wet-lab/ and https://shift-idaho.org/beheretomorrow/.