Public invited to give input on corridor improvements along Chinden Boulevard

The Idaho Transportation Department, in partnership with Garden City, invites the community to attend an online meeting to learn more about a study to develop a stormwater drainage plan and identify corridor improvement projects. Future projects may include multi-use pathways that serve pedestrians and cyclists and other active modes along Chinden Boulevard.

The online self-guided meeting will be available from July 18 through August 1 at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/chinden-drainage-and-design.

The online meeting provides the public with an opportunity to review and provide feedback on study concepts for improved water management systems and future projects to enhance connectivity and mobility along the corridor.

The study aims to develop an integrated corridor plan to guide development and identify specific projects for future planning, design, and construction. This unified plan will ensure that consistent drainage and multi-modal facilities, such as sidewalks and bike lanes, are included with each new construction project along the corridor.

Currently, funding has not been allocated for future Chinden Boulevard improvement projects. Final recommendations and cost estimates are scheduled to be completed early in 2026.

Community invited to view future SH-16/44 Interchange plans

Aerial view of the SH-16/44 intersection where a new interchange will be built.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to learn about the future State Highway 16 and State Highway 44 Interchange at a public meeting Thursday evening. Construction will begin this summer to replace the current intersection with a new interchange design that includes ramps to help drivers get on and off the highway more safely and easily.

Community members may participate in person Thursday, or online July 17-31, to learn about anticipated traffic impacts and how to stay informed during construction.

In-person meeting: July 17, 2025 | Drop in anytime between 4-6 p.m. at Eagle Christian Church at 100 S Short Rd, Eagle, ID.
Online: July 17-31 at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor

“The new interchange at SH-16 and SH-44 will address growing traffic demands in the Treasure Valley,” Project Manager Styles Salek said. “This interchange will also help reduce congestion along West State Street [SH-44], a heavily traveled route for commuters and travelers alike.”

The interchange is part of ITD’s long-term vision for State Highway 16. The first phase of highway improvements, that included highway widening, were completed in 2014 between US-20/26 and SH-44.

Funding for this project comes from the Idaho Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation bonding program. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to complete.

Stay informed by signing up for email and text alerts regarding project updates. Text HIGHWAY16 to 1-866-483-8422 or visit itdprojects.org/sh16corridor. For questions, contact the project team at (208) 334-8008. Maps and other details can also be found on the project website.

Historic System Interchange rebuild nearing successful completion

Aerial view of the system interchange at Pocatello.

With the painting of final lane markers on the new roadway, construction at the I-86/I-15 “Flying-Y” System Interchange in Pocatello is coming to a successful conclusion. Begun in July 2022, the three-year $112 million project has dramatically changed the drivability of the interchange.

“We spent over eight years from design to actual construction of the project. We’re pretty proud of it. It’s one of the bigger projects we’ve designed. It’s one of the largest projects ever designed entirely by ITD staff and inspected with ITD personnel. Most of the people on the team live here locally and this has been a really meaningful project for us to make sure we did our very best,” said Project Engineer Aaron Baird.

Critical areas that were improved include the northbound Pocatello Creek on-ramp, the northbound-to-westbound collector distributor, and the eastbound-to-northbound ramp. Each of those improvements made merging from one Interstate to the other smoother and safer for motorists.

“We’re excited for people to use the final product. We hope it’s something that will last a long time and keep the travelling public safe as they use it,” said Project Manager Greg Roberts.

The scale of the endeavor has been truly historic. Approximately 1 million cubic yards of excavation have been completed. In addition, about 490,000 tons of base material was brought in; 116,000 tons of asphalt were placed; and over 7,700 cubic yards of concrete were poured. Nearly 70,000 square feet of retaining walls were also built throughout the project area. Finally, ITD built eight new bridges. Four of those have precast concrete girders and four have steel girders. In all, over 5 million pounds of steel has been used in the new bridges.

Construction crews worked year-round and around the clock for approximately three years to complete the project. To minimize disruption to traffic, key demolition operations were conducted at night. These efforts minimized the impact on traffic while the interchange was being reconstructed.

In addition to the major changes inside the Flying-Y design, the Chubbuck Road overpass was reconstructed as an underpass to improve site distances and vertical clearance on I-15, and to improve access to the Wellness Center from Chubbuck. The new underpass is significantly wider and includes bike lanes and sidewalks.

ITD also worked closely with the Portneuf Greenway to construct a pedestrian and bicycle path on the east side of the worksite to connect the Greenway to the Wellness Center.

Work left to wrap up the project will be off the roadway and conducted on the shoulders. In addition, ITD will be seeding open ground with native grasses.

“Thank you for being patient with us and seeing our vision, seeing what we’re trying to do to positively impact this community,” said Project Manager Zak Johnson.

District Engineer Todd Hubbard echoed those sentiments, “This project has been a great success and is an important addition to the community for the safety of drivers. It has been a lot of work to get all of it completed and to keep traffic moving. I want to thank everyone for their patience as we have worked on this project over the last three years. And a thank you to the project team and Sundt-Cannon Joint Venture for a project well done.”

Drivers are encouraged to remain attentive, move over for workers and emergency vehicles, and follow posted speed limits.

Major traffic changes on westbound I-84 in Caldwell start Sunday

Aerial view of traffic on Interstate 84 in Caldwell

The Idaho Transportation Department will change the traffic pattern on westbound I-84 in Caldwell starting Sunday night. Westbound motorists are advised to drive with caution and follow signage.

Under the new traffic pattern, westbound traffic will split into two lanes just after the 10th Avenue Interchange. The right lane will allow drivers to either continue west or exit at Centennial Way, while the left lane will continue westbound with no access to the exit. Once the lanes split, there will be a physical barrier between them, and drivers will be unable to change lanes. Motorists should pay close attention to signage and make sure they are in the correct lane before the split, especially if they plan to exit at Centennial Way. The lanes will merge back together just after the Centennial Way Interchange and westbound traffic will return to its regular configuration. Click here to view a map of the traffic change.

To set up the traffic changes, crews will close the westbound off-ramp at Centennial Way the night of Sunday, July 13 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists will be detoured to Exit 26 where they can then return on I-84 eastbound to exit at Centennial Way. Click here to view a detour map.

In early August, crews plan to move into the next phase of construction. Westbound traffic will return to the westbound side of the highway and ITD expects to reopen the 10th Avenue westbound on-ramp at that time. The ramp was closed in June to reconstruct the westbound lanes on I-84.

The I-84 widening project in Caldwell began in November 2023 and includes:

Widening I-84 to three lanes in each direction with auxiliary lanes between interchanges.
Replacing the 10th Avenue Interchange.
Removing one westbound on-ramp at the 10th Avenue Interchange.
Updating the pedestrian overpass.
Building a sound wall along Hannibal Street.
Adding a traffic signal at the westbound ramps at the Centennial Way Interchange.

The speed limit in the construction zone is 55 miles per hour. Drivers should slow down, pay attention and follow all posted signs. Crews and heavy equipment will be working close to traffic.

Construction is expected to be finished in 2027. For more information and to sign up for email or text updates, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-84-corridor or call (208) 334-8002.

Drivers can also use Idaho 511 to check for real-time traffic impacts related to construction projects and road conditions statewide.

I-84 will close Sunday and Monday nights at the Karcher Interchange

Aerial view of the Karcher interchange on I-84

Interstate 84 will close overnight under the Karcher Interchange this Sunday and Monday to protect crews working on the Karcher Interchange Bridge. Detours will be in place.

Eastbound I-84 will close Sunday and westbound I-84 will close Monday. Closures will begin at 10 p.m. and end by 5 a.m. each night.

Motorists traveling eastbound on I-84 Sunday night will:

Exit I-84 using the Karcher Interchange (Exit 33).
Cross Karcher Road.
Use the eastbound on-ramp to merge back on to I-84.

Motorists traveling westbound on I-84 Monday night will:

Exit I-84 at the Northside Interchange (Exit 35).
Travel north on Northside Boulevard.
Turn left on to Karcher Road.
Travel west until you reach the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp.
Use the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp to merge back on to westbound I-84.

View the detour maps at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karchericmaps.

This work will facilitate the addition of a third westbound lane on Karcher Road to accommodate higher traffic volumes. Other improvements for this project include:

Adding a free-running right hand turn at the westbound off-ramp
Paving a third westbound lane on Karcher Road from the westbound off-ramp to Sundance Road
Reinforcing the Indian Creek Bridge to support the new lane
Updating signal equipment and adding a pedestrian flashing beacon at the eastbound on-ramp
Building a mixed-use path on the north side of Karcher Road

These improvements will increase safety and traffic flow at the interchange. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2025.

Stay informed regarding any schedule changes by signing up for email and text alerts regarding project updates. Text 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcheric. For questions, contact the project team at (208) 334-8002. Maps and other details can also be found on the project website.

IT Engineer Receives High Honor for Assistance with Murder Conviction

Idaho Transportation Department's Directors, District Engineer and Bonneville County Prosecutor with Shea McNama, receiving a high honor award for his assistance with a murder conviction.

On May 13, 2023, the eastern Idaho office of the Idaho Transportation Department received news that was far from ordinary concerning the Clark Hill Rest Area on US-26 between Ririe and Swan Valley. A dead body. The indication of foul play. What answers might ITD’s surveillance cameras hold?

Not all of ITD’s 29 rest areas have surveillance cameras in place. It so happens Clark Hill is one that does. This fact, paired with the skills of IT Information Security Engineer Shea McNama, would come to make all the difference in the conviction of a murderer.

The cameras record on a loop and video overrides itself after a few days. Time was of the essence.

McNama attempted to access and download the footage remotely. It became clear that it would take weeks at the slow remote download rate. He went home, got a chair and went to Clark Hill Rest Area physically, where he stayed for 18 hours while the download was completed on site.

From that point on, McNama studied and improved the video that fell within the timeframes provided by the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office. He pieced together different angles and located vehicle descriptions. He ultimately worked an estimated 200+ hours gathering surveillance footage and making it useable to the prosecution.

When first appearing in court, the suspect stated that he merely stopped at the Clark Hill Rest Area briefly to use the facilities. Between that statement and the actual trial, McNama pinpointed specific video that showed that statement to be clearly false. He never entered the restroom but moved beyond the facility entirely.

For this evidence to be admitted in court, a specific set of McNama’s skills were put to use. He holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity, as well as a Digital Forensics Certificate from IACIS, the International Association of Computer Investigative Systems. This is the number one certification for digital forensics in the world.

It’s also what taught McNama how to apply a hash algorithm to video evidence- the tag that proves evidence hasn’t been tampered with and all copies are the same. He ended up testifying on the stand for two hours, with his credentials and expertise holding up the evidence beyond any shadow of doubt.

“Without his work, we absolutely could not have achieved this conviction,” Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal stated.

The suspect was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for second-degree murder in January of 2025.

“All I did was present what I found. I was happy to do my part,” McNama said. To represent ITD and assist the Prosecutor, it felt like the time I spent working towards my degree and certification was worth it all.”

Neal has wanted to award McNama for his priceless contribution to the case ever since. He and several members of his office were able to finally do just that on Wednesday, July 2. While ITD’s Executive Leadership Team was visiting District Six, McNama was given a Prosecutors Commendation Award and Medal. This is the Office’s highest award ever given, and the second highest possible to receive among law enforcement.

Brief CDA trail delays expected next week during I-90 Bridge work in Cataldo

Aerial view of I-90 over Latour Creek Road and the bike trail.

Construction on the I-90 bridge in Cataldo may cause short, intermittent delays for users of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes starting as early as next week. The work will take place for approximately one week and involves activity directly over the trail.

During this time, trail users may occasionally be asked to pause for short periods of time while crews perform overhead work or move construction equipment across the pathway. Flaggers will be on site to ensure the safety of trail users and will allow people to pass as soon as conditions are safe.

These brief holds are not expected to create long-term closures or significantly disrupt use of the trail. The Idaho Transportation Department is working closely with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation to minimize impacts and maintain access during construction.

Trail users are asked to follow posted signs and instructions from flaggers and to plan for minor delays when passing through the area.

This work will also intermittently affect traffic on Latour Creek Road, which will use flaggers for traffic control.

Idaho celebrates designated drivers and summer safety efforts

Woman with blonde hair sitting behind the wheel of a car, buckled in, hands on the wheel,, smiling.

BOISE – As Idahoans enjoy summer barbecues, concerts, and road trips, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) encourages everyone to celebrate the real heroes of the season: designated drivers.

SHIFT Idaho’s latest campaign reminds us that safety begins before the first drink is poured. Whether it’s a friend who volunteers to be the designated driver or someone who books a ride-share, planning ahead is key to preventing tragedy on Idaho roads. And when someone steps up to be the sober driver, celebrate them. They just might be the reason everyone makes it home.

“Not every hero wears a cape – some just hold the keys,” said ITD Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “We are so grateful for all those unsung heroes who help people get home, whether it’s the designated driver, the bartender who helps order a rideshare, or the friend who answers that late night call to pick someone up from the party, these simple acts save lives.”

In the case someone doesn’t plan ahead, police across the state are doing their part as well. From July 1st to 13th, officers are conducting extra patrols looking for impaired drivers. While this year’s efforts are still under way, last summer’s enforcement effort over the July 4^th holiday resulted in 30 DUI arrests, 486 speeding citations, and 94 uninsured driver citations.

“Thanks to the designated drivers and officers out there keeping our roads safe…so everyone can make it home this summer,” Middleton said.

The Office of Highway Safety is urging Idahoans to be proactive: plan a sober ride, look out for each other, and make good choices behind the wheel.

For more information, visit https://shift-idaho.org/

Comments sought at July 22 open house for replacement of SH-55 Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge on SH-55 north of Smiths Ferry.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to view design plans for a new bridge over the North Fork Payette River at a public meeting on July 22 in Cascade. The new bridge will replace the existing Rainbow Bridge on State Highway 55.

Community members may stop by the meeting at their convenience between 4 and 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 60 (105 Mill St.) in Cascade. Project staff will be on hand to answer questions. Those who cannot attend in person are invited to participate online at sh55rainbowbridge.com anytime between July 22 and Aug. 5.

The open house will include an update on the project, design options for the new bridge and retaining walls, and an update about the existing Rainbow Bridge.

“Community input will play an important role in the selection of a new bridge design,” District Engineer Jason Brinkman said. “Since our last public meeting in summer 2024, we have completed extensive technical work for the new bridge design and have thoroughly evaluated the condition of the existing bridge. We look forward to sharing the outcomes and gathering input.”

The existing Rainbow Bridge was constructed in 1933 and no longer meets standards for state highway bridges. The new bridge will be located slightly northwest and upstream of the current location. It will include wider lanes and shoulders, and improved sight distance for traffic crossing the bridge.

In addition to the community open house, ITD will meet with a Bridge Involvement Group on July 9. The group includes community leaders, stakeholders and others who have agreed to invest additional time in the project. A recording of the meeting will be posted to the project website.

Construction of the new bridge is programmed to begin in 2028.

SH-55 lane reductions beginning Monday near Marsing

Motorists can expect lane restrictions on State Highway 55 between the Idaho Oregon Nevada (ION) Junction and Hoskins Road beginning Monday (July 14). The Idaho Transportation Department will apply a protective sealcoat to seven miles of the highway surface to preserve and extend the life of the roadway.

Construction will begin at the ION Junction near Marsing and move towards Hoskins Road in Caldwell. All work is expected to be completed by mid-August.

Motorists can expect:

SH-55 will be reduced to one lane with flaggers when crews are on site. All lanes will be open outside of working hours.
All work will take place during daytime hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Speed limits will be reduced to 35 mph in the work zone.
12-foot width restrictions will be in place.

Community members can request email updates about this project by visiting lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/pI5SwgY. Questions may be directed to (208) 402-8408 or info@itdsealcoats.org.

For real-time traffic impacts, drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system to plan ahead for travel.