ITD team’s quick action “likely saved life” in I-84 car fire

Returning from Idaho Falls via westbound Interstate 84 on a snowy March 6 around noon, ITD’s Travis Hire, Dan Conner from Aero, and Ruth Munoz from Administration spotted a car starting to smoke on the side of the freeway near the Declo Port of Entry, east of Twin Falls. The smoke was threatening to turn to flame.

Hire approached the car, and with heavy smoke billowing by ths time from the engine compartment, he called out. His heart sank as he saw an elderly woman inside the car. The woman was not coherent and “in another minute or two, it likely would have been a fatality,” according to the team. “Timing is everything.”

Dan continued battling the flames with a fire extinguisher focused on the engine compartment, and Ruth called 911 to get emergency services dispatched to the scene.

Acting quickly, Travis opened the passenger door, allowing smoke to escape and revealing the driver still in her seat, disoriented and struggling to speak. Hire saw that flames had already burned through the footwell and knew there was no time to waste. He reassured the driver, unbuckled her seatbelt, and carefully pulled her out through the passenger side to avoid traffic. Once she was safely outside, he checked her for injuries as she took deep breaths of fresh air, working to regain her bearings.

It was a great example of a ‘right place, right time, right team’ confluence.

As the team quickly retrieved the driver’s personal belongings from the vehicle, including items in the trunk.

“To go into a burning car to save someone’s life is ‘next level’ stuff,” Dan said. “I know Travis is uncomfortable with the attention, but I feel he should be recognized. He likely saved her life.”

“Besides, how often does the Emergency Manager who oversees highway rescues actually spearhead the action?!”

Once the woman had been rescued and was out of harm’s way, Simone Webb, Nicole Herrin and Robbie Swajkoski of Financial Services, who’d followed in another ITD vehicle, sat with her in a recovery vehicle until law enforcement arrived to take her statement.

“This was a great team effort, showcasing how we take care of the public,” Travis said. “At the end of the day, she was safe, and that’s what matters most.”

The event in Idaho Falls was the annual State facilities management meeting, where topics ranged from project status checks, to finance, technology, GIS, business managers, Operations engineering lessons learned, duties, roles & responsibilities and more.

Photo: Rescue Team, l to r: Travis Hire, Robbie Swajkoski, Ruth Munoz, and Nicole Herrin. Dan Conner is not pictured.

Idaho Aviation Safety Stand Down draws pilots, small-plane enthusiasts

The annual Idaho Aeronautics Safety Stand Down drew more than 200 Idaho pilots and aviation enthusiasts to the Riverside Hotel in Garden City March 8 to share best practices and learn tips, tricks and strategies for small-plane operators.

This event is sponsored by the Idaho Division of Aeronautics. Every year they take a day to focus on safety for light-aircraft pilots in Idaho. Each year they hear from key speakers and groups from around the state and nation specializing in aviation safety and education. This years’ speakers taught several classes about risk assessment in different types of flying, including how to prepare and plan and train for the busy flying season. We had our nation’s foremost general aviation safety expert give an analysis of recent aviation accidents. The Idaho event was used to make the first public announcement of a new nationwide safety “pause” program to lower accident rates. Additional classes dug into the most common types of aircraft accidents and how to prevent them.

A portion of the program each year covers improvements to aviation infrastructure, including new construction, projects and volunteer opportunities.

“Getting this many pilots together in one room also leads to important networking that helps build an awesome safety culture,” said Aero’s event organizer and chief pilot, Tim Steffen.

“Tim keeps improving the event every time,” Aero Administrator Tom Mahoney said. “This year, we had national-level experts and a real-time search-and-rescue event that drove home key takeaways. I am looking forward to safer flying this year!” Mahoney also said a few of the presentations made similar points, which reinforced key messages.

Mike Ginter, the Air Safety Institute Senior Vice President, was so impressed with Tim’s search-and-rescue session that he asked Tim to present this summer at the nation’s largest aviation event in Oskhkosh, Wisconsin.

The Idaho Division of Aeronautics exists to “encourage, foster, and assist in the development of aeronautics in the state.” This includes managing 32 state-owned airports, helping Idaho airports with state and federal grants for maintenance and construction, assisting communities with zoning decisions near airports, promoting aviation safety, inspiring kids to enter careers in aviation, and coordinating aviation search and rescue.

Photo: Tim introducing a new electronic Airport Directory developed within ITD.

SH-54 right of way closure to motorized and non-motorized use ahead of highway expansion project

Aerial view of SH-54 and the adjacent ORV trail

With tree removal and utility relocation mostly complete, construction is set to begin on the stretch of highway from State Highway 41 to Greystone Road near Athol.

Starting next week the right of way along the south side of SH-54 – including the unofficial off-road trails – will be closed to all traffic due to the active work zone with heavy equipment. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of everyone, including those using the trails, construction crews, and others on the adjacent roadway.

Why is the right of way area closing?
The first phase of highway expansion, which will occur from early spring through mid summer, will focus primarily on the south side of the highway. Significant demolition and construction will take place in the right of way area adjacent to the roadway, including excavation, ditching, and paving. This work will involve heavy equipment and work crews, making the area unpredictable and, more importantly, unsafe for any kind of traffic – both motorized and non-motorized. This includes motorcycles, ATV’s, side by sides, bikes, pedestrians, and equestrian riders.

We understand that these closures may cause frustration, especially for those who have come to rely on the trail as a secondary route of travel. The main concern, however, is safety.

Who will be affected?

All trail users will be affected by this closure, but with the proximity of both Timberlake High School and Middle School, it’s important for parents to understand this route will also not be accessible for students, teens or underage drivers who use the trail to get themselves back and forth to the schools or to their extracurricular activities.

What does this mean for off-road vehicle traffic?
Since the unpaved right of way area along SH-54 will be closed during construction, it will not be acceptable for any un-registered off-road vehicles or unlicensed drivers to use the state highway as an alternative route. Highway traffic is governed by strict regulations, and the presence of off-road vehicles or unlicensed drivers would pose serious safety risks to both those operating ORVs and other road users. Off-road vehicles cannot legally operate on public highways unless appropriately registered and licensed for street use.

To ensure everyone’s safety, all ORV users will need to plan alternative routes or transportation, and we ask that young, unlicensed drivers in particular, avoid using the highway as a shortcut.

We are committed to working together with the community to help navigate through this closure as safely as possible.

This project is essential for improving safety and infrastructure for everyone, including the students and families who use the highway every day. We appreciate your patience as the project moves forward and we will continue to provide updates on any other developments that may affect the community.

Will there be room for a new trail in the right of way after the project is complete?

No. Once the highway expansion project is completed in 2026, the entire width of the right of way will be dedicated to shoulder space and sloping to meet modern roadway engineering standards. This space is necessary to improve traffic flow and ensure the highway complies with current standards and practices that prioritize the safety of users. As a result, there will not be room for an off-road vehicle trail or shared use path in the right of way.

The expanded roadway is designed to accommodate future growth and to provide a safer, more efficient route for everyone. While this change may limit access to the area for off-road vehicles, the improvements will help reduce traffic hazards and provide a safer environment for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, by including 6 foot shoulders.

We encourage the community to explore alternative areas specifically designated for off-road use for recreation.

Scam alert: fraudulent text messages claiming toll fines circulating in Idaho

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is warning Idahoans about a phishing scam involving fraudulent text messages that claim recipients owe toll fines. These messages are not legitimate and should be ignored.

Idaho does not have toll roads, and ITD does not issue toll fines. If you receive a text message demanding payment for an alleged toll violation, do not click any links or provide personal information. If possible, report the message to your mobile carrier. You can also report scams and suspicious communications to the Federal Trade Commission.

Scammers often use official-sounding language and urgent threats to trick people into clicking on malicious links. ITD urges everyone to stay vigilant and remember:

Idaho has no toll roads.
ITD will never text you demanding payment.
ITD will only text you if you have opted into e-notifications.

For official transportation-related updates and services, always visit itd.idaho.gov.

New American flags displayed on Cloverdale overpass in tribute to fallen airmen

ITD hanging flags on the Cloverdale Overpass

The Idaho Transportation Department has securely fastened 32 new American flags onto the Cloverdale Overpass, replacing the damaged ones that were removed Wednesday due to vandalism. These flags serve as a visible tribute to the fallen airmen who tragically lost their lives in a 2018 crash. ITD is also exploring options for a permanent memorial or other lasting ways to honor them at this site in the future.

“Vandalism of this type is not typical in Idaho. Working with community members and the Boise Police Department, our crew took quick action to remove the damaged flags and replace them with new ones. Above all, we made sure the entire process was carried out with the utmost respect,” ITD Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney said.

ITD is deeply committed to supporting those who have served our country, as reflected by the 167 veterans currently employed by the department, making up more than ten percent of its workforce. This underscores ITD’s respect for military service and the invaluable contributions these individuals make to the department’s mission and success.

American Legion Post 201 will hold a flag decommissioning ceremony in the near future to properly retire the damaged American flags.

I-84 will close Monday and Tuesday nights at the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168)

I-84 will close Monday and Tuesday nights at the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168)

The Idaho Transportation Department plans to close Interstate 84 at the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) overnight on Monday and Tuesday (March 17 and 18). The closures will allow crews to place girders, which will provide support for the new Lincoln Avenue Bridges.

Monday, March 17:

Eastbound I-84 will close under the Lincoln Avenue Bridge from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Motorists will use the eastbound ramps to detour around the closure.
- Reminder: The eastbound off-ramp is detoured to Bob Barton Road and the eastbound on-ramp is detoured to E Frontage Road S.
Business access will remain open on Bob Barton Road, and a detour will be in place.
Click here to view a detour map.

Tuesday, March 18:

Westbound I-84 will close under the Lincoln Avenue Bridge from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Motorists will use the westbound ramps to detour around the closure.
- Reminder: The westbound off-ramp is detoured to E Frontage Road N.
Business access will remain open on E Frontage Road N and a detour will be in place.
Click here to view a detour map.

Lincoln Avenue may be impacted during these closures. Motorists are encouraged to use other routes to cross over the freeway. This work is weather-dependent and may be impacted by conditions.

Ongoing construction at this interchange will help traffic flow easier as the volume or vehicles on the road increases now and in the future. Motorists can continue to expect intermittent I-84 and local road closures, traffic shifts and ramp changes until construction is completed in 2026.

For details about the I-84 South Jerome Interchange project, please visit

itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sjeromeic or text 84JTF to 1-866-483-8422.

Motorists should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling to plan for impacts from this project and other work zones.

New lane at busy SH-53 intersection in Rathdrum to ease congestion

Traffic backed up at the intersection with cones

Starting next week crews will return to Rathdrum to begin construction on State Highway 53 near the State Highway 41 intersection north of the railroad tracks.

The Idaho Transportation Department will construct an additional northbound through lane on SH-53 so that two lanes of traffic are able to move north through the intersection during green cycles. After construction SH-53 will still have a dedicated right turn lane for vehicles wishing to travel over the bridge.

The additional lane is intended to allow for more vehicles at a time to make it through the signal and help reduce the length of queued vehicles during peak hours.

During construction crews will close the existing right turn lane, meaning all northbound SH-53 traffic will make all movements from the one through lane. Drivers should also expect reduced speed limits and flagging. Any flagging for signal work will be done outside of peak hours.

Updates to traffic impacts and delays can be found using the Idaho 511 system either online, by phone or through the app.

US-95 highway improvement work resumes, slated to finish 2025

Construction on the new U.S. Highway 95 four-lane segment between Moscow and Thorn Creek Road will resume this week. Drivers can expect to have one lane in each direction and slow down to 45 miles per hour in work zones mainly near Reisenhauer Hill until construction of five miles on the north end of the project is ready to accept traffic this summer.

Last year crews constructed nearly five of the six miles. They will now focus on paving the new alignment, building two bridges over Thorn Creek and connecting the new roadway to existing US-95. Construction on Thorn Creek bridges will continue in the fall.

The existing US-95 roadway will temporarily close at Reisenauer Hill in the summer as ITD switches traffic over to the new alignment. At that time, Latah County will assume ownership of the old route and plans to use funds from the Thorn Creek project to repave and reopen it.

“We have been running on all cylinders to deliver this vital safety project for our region,” District Engineer Doral Hoff said. “M.A. DeAtley Construction, Inc. and their teams are also eager to transform US-95 to four lanes so motorists can experience increased capacity for mobility and improved geometry for safety. We are appreciative of the public’s patience during this construction effort.”

Portions of this project are funded as part of Idaho Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho money 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 communities across the state for years to come.

Travelers are reminded to check for live traffic impacts across the region including this one by visiting 511.idaho.gov, dialing 5-1-1 or downloading the app.

Click here to see a map of the construction.

Full closures of I-84 in Nampa to begin Sunday

The Idaho Transportation Department will close Interstate 84 around the Karcher Interchange in Nampa starting this weekend to implement a traffic shift. This shift will allow crews to establish a safe work zone around the center pier of the bridge while maintaining the same number of lanes on I-84. Over the following weeks, crews will reinforce the interchange bridge to support the new westbound lane on Karcher Road (State Highway 55).

Here’s what to expect:

Full closure of westbound I-84 on Sunday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Full closure of eastbound I-84 on Monday, 9 p.m. – 5 a.m.

The Karcher Interchange project addresses the unprecedented growth in Canyon County by widening the interchange bridge, adding a free-running westbound right turn lane and an additional westbound lane through Caldwell Boulevard. Additional improvements will include:

Upgrading signal equipment and adjusting timing at ramp intersections
Adding a pedestrian flashing beacon at the I-84 eastbound on-ramp
Adding a new sidewalk/bike path west of Caldwell Boulevard on the north side of Karcher Road (SH-55)
Repaving Karcher Road (SH-55) from the westbound on-ramps to Middleton Road

This work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled if there is precipitation or temperatures drop too low. To learn more about the project or view detour maps, please visit the project website.

10th Avenue in Caldwell closing Saturday for bridge construction

The Idaho Transportation Department will close 10th Avenue in Caldwell underneath the interchange bridge this Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The closure is necessary for crews to install concrete girders that will support the new bridge deck.

The seven girders to be placed are made in Caldwell. Each girder is 140 feet long and weighs 133,000 pounds. Motorists will be detoured on Centennial Way during the closure, and shuttle buses will be available to transport pedestrians and bicyclists. Interstate 84 will not be impacted during this girder placement.

“Placing these girders is a major milestone in the project,” ITD Resident Engineer Styles Salek said. “The new bridge will accommodate the additional lanes being added to I-84, improving traffic flow and capacity in the area.”

This girder placement is part of the ongoing project on I-84 between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges in Caldwell. This comprehensive project, which began in November 2023, 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.

Drivers are reminded that the speed limit in the I-84 work zone is 55 mph. With workers, trucks, and heavy equipment operating close to traffic, ITD urges motorists to slow down, stay alert, and follow all posted signs.

The public is encouraged to stay informed by signing up for email and text alerts. Text 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or visit https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/84-centennialtofranklin