Office of Highway Safety offers grant training for Idaho communities

BOISE— Looking for ways to improve traffic safety in your community? The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is offering online grant training for community partners on Thursday, November 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. Mountain Time.

Community safety advocates, organizations, municipalities, and non-profits are encouraged to attend to learn more about the grants offered by OHS. Participants will learn how to identify and document traffic safety problems for a grant, eligible projects and activities, and how to complete a grant application.

The application period for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Grants will open in December 2023.

These grants fund projects to address specific behavior-related traffic safety issues. These behaviors include impaired driving, aggressive driving, distracted driving, seat belt use, bicycle, pedestrian, motorcycle safety, and young drivers. Grants may be awarded for assisting OHS in targeting traffic safety focus areas, expanding ongoing activities, or developing a new program or intervention.

Please email ohstraining@itd.idaho.gov to register for the grant training session.

US-95 Aht’Wy Interchange shifts into new traffic pattern on November 16

Picture of the new pavement at the Aht'Wy Interchange project

Fall construction is progressing at the Aht’Wy Interchange on U.S. Highway 95 near the Clearwater River Casino & Lodge RV Park, and motorists should expect a new traffic pattern starting Thursday, November 16.

Drivers will be able to travel on newly paved lanes, with eastbound traffic no longer crossed over to the westbound lanes. A concrete barrier will divide both lanes. Single lanes remain for each direction of travel and the speed limit is lowered for continual safety.

Changes will not affect either entrance to the plaza. At the west entrance, drivers are still unable to turn left from US-95 into the plaza or turn left from the plaza onto US-95.

To see a graphic for access to and from the plaza, please continue to reference this handout.

Construction will continue through the winter, and the project will remain in this traffic pattern until late spring next year. The Idaho Transportation Department and construction partners appreciate the public’s attention to these changes and continued vigilance towards safety.

The Aht’Wy Interchange will allow vehicles and pedestrians to safely cross the highway without impeding the primary flow of traffic. The interchange will feature ramps to connect plaza entrances to US-95. The project is expected to take less than two years to complete.

Updates on the Aht’Wy Interchange can be found by visiting https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/ahtwyinterchange.

Road repairs on US-20 west of Idaho Falls

Mill and Inlay project west of Idaho Falls

Road construction will commence on US-20 for approximately 13 miles from milepost 301 to milepost 288 west of Idaho Falls.

Work will encompass repairing the right wheel path with a cold mill and inlay process. This project is to make repairs to the existing roadway and extend the lifespan of the highway.

Road work will take place between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. The project is expected to last approximately 2 weeks.

Motorists should anticipate reduced speeds and traffic control with a pilot car to guide traffic through the work zone. Drivers are encouraged to watch for flaggers in the work zone. As construction continues, drivers should plan their commute accordingly.

Please check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app for the most recent information on road work.

New bridge to open at Chubbuck exit

POCATELLO – Tomorrow afternoon the Idaho Transportation Department will open the new bridge on westbound Interstate 86 near Exit 61 for Chubbuck. Traffic patterns are expected to change between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Once the new bridge is open, westbound traffic will no longer be crossed over to the eastbound lanes. Traffic will flow normally, though westbound travelers will only have one lane.

Crews will continue working in the area for another week to open the other lanes on the bridge. Drivers are urged to follow posted speed limits and share the road.

The bridge over the Union Pacific railroad tracks was replaced to create three lanes for westbound traffic to better integrate with the redesign of the I-86 and I-15 System Interchange.

Travelers are reminded to know before they go and check 511.idaho.gov for traffic impacts.

Stay safe on Idaho’s snowy roads: ITD’s winter driving tips

BOISE— Are you “Idaho Ready” for winter driving? The Gem State is magical when it’s blanketed in snow, and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) wants to make sure everyone is prepared to enjoy it safely. Now is the time to prepare yourself and your vehicle for winter conditions.

“There is so much to love about Idaho in the snow, but drivers who want to get out there and enjoy it need to be careful,” said ITD Director Scott Stokes. “Giving driving your full and undivided attention combined with an extra measure of caution could be what keeps you from having irreversible regrets.”

Your safety is ITD’s top priority. When it snows, hundreds of ITD employees work around the clock to keep our more than 12,000 lane miles of highways safe for the traveling public. But plowed roads are only one part of a safe ride this winter. Here are some steps to ensure you are “Idaho Ready.”

If you see a snowplow on the road, give it plenty of room to do its job. The safest place is behind the plow. Last winter, 17 people crashed into snowplows in Idaho.
Make sure your car is ready for winter by checking your windshield wiper fluid, battery, and tires. Consider winter tires for extra traction. If you have tire chains, learn how to put them on before you need them.
Create a winter car emergency kit, or if you have one from last winter make sure the supplies are in good condition.
Download the Idaho 511 app or bookmark 511.idaho.gov so you can check road conditions before you drive.
It’s going to take longer to get everywhere once the snow starts falling. Plan extra time for all your trips and be patient with your fellow drivers.
When roads are wet or icy, slow down and give yourself more stopping distance. Turn off cruise control and remember, bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze when temperatures drop.
If you do slide, stay calm, brake very gently, and turn your wheel in the direction of the skid. Try not to overcorrect.

For more winter safety driving tips visit itd.idaho.gov/travel/?target=idaho-ready.

Detour planned for Monday at Fort Hall (Exit 80)

FORT HALL – The northbound off-ramp at the Fort Hall Interchange (Exit 80) is scheduled to close Monday at noon as crews finish paving the new off-ramp. Work is expected to be completed by 5 p.m.

The closure will last approximately four hours and is dependent on favorable weather conditions. During the closure traffic will be detoured to Exit 89.

The Fort Hall Interchange is undergoing a complete reconstruction to replace the outdated bridge and improve on- and off-ramps. The redesign also allows for the planned three lanes northbound and southbound on I-15. Those wishing to learn more about the project can visit https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-15-fort-hall-interchange.

Online open house available now for plans to repave I-15 in Blackfoot

BLACKFOOT – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is hosting an online open house starting today, Nov. 1, through Nov. 14 to share design plans and gather input for a repaving project on Interstate 15 from the South Blackfoot Interchange (Exit 89) to the U.S. Highway 26/Blackfoot Interchange (Exit 93).

Community members can join the online meeting at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-15-blackfoot-repaving.

While ITD is also developing plans to widen I-15 to three lanes in each direction between Pocatello and Idaho Falls, the pavement has deteriorated and needs repair. Repaving this portion of I-15 in 2025 will enhance safety and extend the life of the roadway until funding is available to widen it.

Project plans are being designed based on technical data, an environmental evaluation and input from the community. This will be the only meeting that ITD will host to discuss this project. Additional meetings will be scheduled in the future for the widening project.

Those who are interested in learning more are welcome to visit the project website at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-15-blackfoot-repaving, email info@pocatellotoidahofalls.org or call 208-252-5553.

Public invited to provide input on plans to replace US-95 and US-12 bridges over Clearwater River

The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 8, for the community to learn more, ask questions, and provide input for studies underway to replace two aging bridges east of Lewiston.

The public meeting will share preliminary design plans for the Spalding Bridge on U.S. Highway 95 and the Arrow Bridge on U.S. Highway 12. The meeting will be open-house format for the community to drop in between 4 and 7 p.m. at the Clearwater River Casino and Lodge at 17500 Nez Perce Road in Lewiston. Information about the process, goals, benefits, proposed design features, and timelines for the two bridges will be provided. No formal presentation will be given; however, the project team will be available to answer questions.

A self-guided virtual meeting, with the same information as the in-person experience, will also be available at the project website starting Nov. 8. The feedback survey to provide formal comment during these environmental studies, also available on the project website, will be open through Nov. 22.

“These bridges were built over 50 years ago and are an important part of the regional transportation network,” Project Manager Mark Campbell said. “We want this public meeting to be an opportunity for the community to engage in the early project phases to create safe solutions for the future.”

The environmental studies are the first step in the process of upgrading each bridge and their associated highway intersections to meet future traffic needs as well as current design and safety standards. In some cases, shoulders on the bridges are either too narrow or do not have proper height clearances.

Public feedback throughout the study process will be used alongside evaluations of environmental and cultural impacts and considerations to secure an approved National Environmental Policy Act document.

Future steps include detailed designs and construction. Construction is not currently funded for either bridge.

Join the project team at the public meeting or visit the website at itdprojects.org/clearwatercrossings to view the virtual meeting, complete the survey online, and sign up for updates.

East 1500 North Bridge over I-15 closed until further notice

Damaged girder on East 1500 North Bridge over I-15

The East 1500 North Bridge over Interstate 15 near Shelley will be closed until further notice. A vehicle travelling northbound on I-15 today struck the bridge causing significant damage to a girder. Traffic is currently detoured via South 45th West.

“We’ll have to keep the bridge closed until we can fully inspect the damage,” Operations Engineer Greydon Wright said. “Our bridge crew will come in to do the inspection and decide what work will need to be done to repair it.”

The incident also necessitated the closure of the right lane of northbound I-15 to allow crews to clean debris from the road and ensure the safety of the travelling public.

Travelers are reminded to know before they go and check 511.idaho.gov for traffic impacts.

ITD to host open house to solicit feedback on 2026 US-91 widening

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will hold an open house on Thursday, Nov. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. to present preliminary plans for improvements along U.S. Highway 91 (Yellowstone Highway) between Park Lawn Drive and Siphon Road.

“This is an important project for the Chubbuck area,” Project Manager Kevin Sonico said. “These improvements will address the traffic growth in the area and make it safer for both drivers and pedestrians. We encourage everyone to stop by Chubbuck City Hall any time from 4 to7 p.m. on Thursday to learn more about the project. We’ll be ready to answer questions and collect comments.”

Plans include widening US-91 from three lanes to five lanes from Park Lawn Drive to Siphon Road. The project will also install a new signal and pedestrian facilities at the Siphon Road intersection. Lighting, curb, gutter, sidewalks and a shared-use path along the east side of US-91 will be constructed. In addition, the Chester Drain will be piped.

For those who cannot attend the public meeting on November 2, ITD will post meeting displays the following day on the project website itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/park-lawn-and-siphon for review through Nov. 16. If you have questions about the project, or would like to submit feedback, you can contact the project’s public involvement manager, Andrea Gumm, at agumm@jub.com or 208-870-8751.