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

intersection of US 91 & Siphon Road

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.

Adopt-a-Highway removes 3M lbs. of litter, saves $25M in labor

Adopt A Highway Logo

 
Idaho’s roadsides are indebted to Idaho’s Centennial Celebration in 1990 and the “Idaho is Too Great to Litter” campaign that was rolled out to help keep them clean.

Volunteer groups “adopt” a specific stretch of highway – usually two miles long – and take responsibility for keeping it clean through regular litter patrols throughout the year.

ITD estimates that the program saves about $750,000 annually by using volunteer labor – in 33 years that adds up to about $24.8M. More than 3.3 million lbs. of trash and debris have been removed from Idaho’s roadsides through the program, including the trash pick-up efforts of inmate crews through the Department of Corrections. The savings are redirected to highway construction and needed maintenance to improve Gem State roads and bridges.

There are more than 1,000 active volunteer groups participating in the statewide program. More than half of Idaho’s highways have been adopted. There are still many opportunities for other groups and individuals to get involved. Almost a third of the roadsides on the state’s highway system are available for adoption.

For more information about the program, contact the area coordinator:

North Idaho | Counties: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone

North Central Idaho | Counties: Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce

Southwest Idaho | Counties: Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington

South-central Idaho | Counties: Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka and Twin Falls

Southeast Idaho | Counties: Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida and Power.

East Idaho | Counties: Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Freemont, Custer, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton

Idaho traffic deaths surpass previous year’s total

Highway 44

BOISE- So far this year, more people have been killed in crashes on Idaho roads than in all of 2022. According to data from the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS), 222* people have died in crashes on our roads so far in 2023, surpassing the 215 people killed last year.

“We often think about crashes as isolated incidents, but it adds up to a real crisis on our roads,” said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “The safest thing we can do for ourselves and our communities is to drive engaged. That means seatbelt on, free from distractions, and actively scanning the road ahead.”

Seat belts save lives. Seventy-four* of the people killed in crashes this year were not wearing seat belts. In a crash, seat belts increase your odds of survival by nearly 50 percent.

The most frequent type of fatal crash in Idaho is when a single vehicle leaves the roadway and crashes. Drivers involved in these crashes are often speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and/or driving impaired. So far this year, 67* people were killed in single motor vehicle crashes, and 18* were killed in single motorcycle crashes.

“We see this deadly pattern of speed, impairment, and no seatbelt over and over again,” explained OHS Impaired Driving Program Specialist Lisa Losness. “That’s why it’s so important to plan a sober ride home for yourself and call a ride for your friends if they try to drive after drinking.”

Of the deaths on Idaho roads this year*:

  • 152 were in motor vehicles
  • 37 were on motorcycles
  • 25 were pedestrians
  • Four were on bicycles
  • Four were on some other type of vehicle (ATV, UTV, etc.)

The most common contributing factors in this year’s fatal crashes were (in no ranked order):

  • Fail to maintain lane
  • Speeding
  • Alcohol/Drug impairment
  • Fail to yield
  • Inattention
  • Distracted
  • Drove left of the center line
  • Fail to obey a stop sign or signal
  • Overcorrecting
  • Improper overtaking

*All 2023 data is preliminary and subject to change.

ITD avalanche team back in Lowman as they prepare for El Niño season and new challenges

SH-21 Avalanche area southern gate

The Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) avalanche team is back in Lowman as they prepare for another season and new challenges. Every winter the team monitors conditions to close roads when necessary for the safety of travelers and maintenance crews.

The four-person team has more than 70 years of combined experience. The team is stationed in Lowman, 20 miles from an avalanche-prone section of State Highway 21 that spans eleven miles from Grandjean to Banner Summit. The team also closely monitors U.S. Highway 12 near the Montana border.

According to avalanche team leader, Bill Nicholson, there are more avalanche paths now than when he started over a decade ago. A wildfire burn scar has changed the landscape.

“When I first got here there were 62 avalanche paths, but on one side of the canyon there was a forest fire. All the trees are now gone. There are not any anchors in there anymore. This area that was not even considered a problem has now become one of our biggest problems. We have around 70 avalanche paths now,” Nicholson said.

SH-21 avalanche-prone sectionAnother difference this winter brings is El Niño. The National Weather Service predicts a milder winter, but Nicholson says less snowpack can sometimes make it even more difficult. He says nothing is the same year to year, so they will use their experience and tools to examine the snowpack like they would any other year. The team relies on specialized weather reports from the National Weather Service, as well as mini weather stations that have been placed in risky areas.

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.

Public invited to open house on Rathdrum Prairie transportation study

Traffic congestion along US-95 in Coeur d'Alene

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites the community to attend a public meeting to learn more about a study to evaluate the state highway and local roadway system within the Rathdrum Prairie.

ITD is initiating a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study to evaluate the state highway and local roadway system within the Rathdrum Prairie stretching from Interstate 90 north to State Highway 53 and from the Washington state line east to Government Way. This effort is looking at optimizing existing corridors and exploring potential new routes that will mitigate congestion, enhance connectivity, and improve mobility throughout the region.

The public meeting will be held in an open house format, allowing participants to attend anytime between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Public Meeting

November 1

Red Lion Templin’s Hotel on the River

Merganser/Redhead Meeting Room

414 East First Avenue

Post Falls, ID

 

ITD will share information about the PEL process and timeline of events while allowing participants to talk with the team, interact with study area maps, and share ideas about potential improvements.

An online version of this meeting, including all the same content and information, will be available from November 2 to November 16 at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rathdrum-prairie-pel for those who are unable to attend in person.

Recommendations from the PEL study, and the public and agency input received, may be adopted or incorporated into future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) studies.

ITD partners with City of St. Maries to add paving to waterline project

Photo of construction zone in St. Maries Idaho

Work is ongoing in the City of St. Maries to upgrade city water, sewer, and drainage lines. The Idaho Transportation Department has partnered with the city, contributing approximately $1 million dollars to its project so that much-needed paving over the work area could improve stretches of State Highways 3 and 5.  

 

According to St. Maries Public Works Director Jeff Keen, construction on this project has been challenging due to a variety of unique factors such as system layout, depth, and antiquated materials from the days of old.  

 

“This project isn’t just beneficial to the city, but to the state as well, allowing us to fix sink holes and deficiencies in the roadways caused over the years by failing infrastructure buried underneath such as clay pipes,” Keen said.  

 

To make the project more manageable, engineers have designed it in two phases with the first addressing a section of SH-3, or W. College Ave, between 1st and 2nd Street. Work through this initial phase is nearing completion, with final paving anticipated to begin within the next two weeks depending on weather. Detour routes will remain in place until paving is completed and project directors are working closely with ITD to keep the Idaho 511 system updated. 

 

The second phase of this project will address SH-5 (Main Street) from 11th Street to 15th Street and is set to begin construction in spring of 2024. Drivers can expect similar road closures and detours in this future phase.  

 

As partners in safety, ITD encourages motorists to be aware of ongoing traffic impacts and plan their commutes accordingly. Use caution while traveling through work zones, be patient, and drive for conditions to help crews complete this project quickly and safely ahead of winter. 

 

Specific project details are available through the city of St. Maries and as always, up-to-date traffic impact information is available online through Idaho 511 or by downloading the Idaho 511 app to your device. 

District 1 partners with ISP to host free Winter Driving Safety Courses

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and the Idaho State Police (ISP) are teaming up in District 1 to provide free, informative and engaging winter driving safety classes in November as the region prepares for icy roads and adverse weather.  

While these courses are beneficial for drivers of all ages and skill levels, they are especially geared towards young drivers and anyone new to the area who may be preparing for their first winter driving season.  

Courses will be taught by ISP Troopers and ITD Operators, covering a wide range of topics from proper vehicle preparation, equipment, road conditions, crashes and snowplow safety. Participants who attend the course will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible for a 10% discount on a set of new snow tires at eight regional Les Schwab Tires locations. 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

Coeur d’Alene Public Library-Community Room 

702 E. Front Ave. 

Coeur d’Alene, ID 

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 

10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

North Summit Church 

201 N. Division Ave. 

Sandpoint, ID 

 

Seating is limited and classes are filling up quickly! Attendees for either class must register online (click here) to reserve a seat. Additional courses may be scheduled at a later date.  

 

ITD and Boise Hawks join forces for Baseball-O-Ween

Hawks Baseball-O-Ween Event

The Boise Hawks, along with the Idaho Transportation Department and Cumulus Radio, have announced the return of Baseball-o-ween at Memorial Stadium for Friday, October 27 – starting at 6 PM and ending with a fireworks show at 7:50 PM.

“We are very excited to partner with the Idaho Transportation Department and Cumulus Radio Group to bring back this awesome event to Memorial Stadium. After another record-breaking season at the Hawks, we think Baseball-o-ween is the perfect fun and safe event to cap off the 2023 season. We’ve picked the best two partners for this event, and cannot wait to invite everyone out.” – Mike Van Hise, Boise Hawks Vice President

“We are excited for a night of fun and fireworks at Hawks Stadium, and for the opportunity to engage with families and the community about safe driving and keeping trick-or-treaters safe ahead of Halloween.” – Josephine Middleton, Highway Safety Manager with ITD

“We greatly appreciate our promotional partnership with the Boise Hawks and we are excited to partner with the Idaho Transportation Department to present a great safe community event like Baseball-o-ween” – Don Morin, Market Manager for Cumulus Radio, LLC

This free, open-to-the-public, event will begin at 6:00 PM with a “Trunk or Treat” in the Memorial Stadium parking lot, featuring multiple community partners. Fans can then enter Memorial Stadium for a limited concession menu before the fireworks show begins at 7:50 PM. All are encouraged to come dressed in their best costumes as Hawks staff will be on site handing out prizes.

More info: https://www.boisehawks.com/ClubInfo/2023Baseball-o-Ween

A study to reevaluate SH-16 between SH-44 in Ada County and SH-52 in Gem County is underway

Freezeout Hill

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has started the process of reevaluating an environmental assessment of State Highway 16 (SH-16) first completed in 2005. While holding to an approved highway alignment from the 2005 study, other features such as roadway connections and highway capacity will be reevaluated to address the needs of growth through the year 2050.

An increase in population, development and number of crashes in the area, along with other SH-16 highway improvements currently under construction has made updating the environmental assessment necessary for the design and potential construction of improvements. Between 2017 and 2021, 263 total crashes occurred in the corridor, eight of which included fatalities. Crashes went up by 89%, where traffic only increased by 27%.

The reevaluation will gather updated information about traffic volumes and impacts to environmental resources. In addition, ITD will develop a range of potential improvement plans as part of the reevaluation process.

“State Highway 16 is a key transportation corridor in the central Treasure Valley,” said ITD Project Manager Mark Wasdahl. “This environmental document is the next, important step toward addressing long-term safety and traffic capacity. We will be asking for the community’s feedback at several points in this process.”

The environmental reevaluation began in June 2023 and is expected to be complete in 2025. ITD is working with key stakeholders and numerous state and local agencies to gather ideas and input, identify issues and concerns and maintain interagency coordination throughout the process. ITD will also hold several public meetings for the community to learn about the project and provide feedback on potential improvement plans. The first public meeting for community members to provide input on the project is expected to occur in December 2023.

Read more about the project here. 

Slow Down, Move Over, Save a Life: AAA, ISP, ITD spotlight “Move Over” law

BOISE- Governor Brad Little has officially proclaimed October 21 to be Idaho Move Over Law Day. AAA, the Idaho State Police, and the Idaho Transportation Department are reminding drivers who approach a stationary tow truck or emergency vehicle to slow down below the speed limit and, if possible, move over one lane to protect workers at the roadside.

All 50 states have Move Over laws, but driver awareness is inconsistent.  According to previous research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 23% of drivers are not aware of the Move Over law in their state, while 30% did not completely understand the law.  Of those who are aware, 91% are very comfortable complying with the law.  Unfortunately, among those who do not comply with Move Over laws, nearly half felt that their behavior posed little or no danger to workers.

The Foundation also surveyed tow technicians, emergency responders, and road maintenance workers on their experiences with roadside jobs.  Of those surveyed, 60% had experienced a near miss from a passing vehicle, while a shocking 15% had survived being hit while working at the roadside.

Traffic safety partners across the Gem State are working to underscore the importance of this law.

Col. Kedrick Wills, Director of the Idaho State Police said, “The Move Over law protects those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our communities.  It isn’t just the law; it’s a moral duty.  When you see flashing lights on the side of the road, consider the lives behind them because it’s not just a vehicle; it’s someone who’s risking everything to keep us safe and get home to their family.  Slowing down and moving over is a simple act that can make all the difference in ensuring the safety of our first responders and highway workers.  Let’s do our part to keep them safe on our roads.”

ITD Chief Deputy Director and Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney said, “ITD employees and our contractor teams are often on the highway in construction or maintenance work zones, or for crash incident response to help drivers.  Let’s all be there for them by slowing down and moving over when you see flashing lights on the shoulder ahead.  A few seconds of courtesy saves lives and helps everyone get home safely.”

“According to some studies, working in the towing industry is up to 15 times more dangerous than all other private industries combined.  Sadly, on average, a tow truck driver is killed at the roadside every other week,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde.  “Tow truck operators and emergency personnel work hard to protect others.  We should return the favor.”

AAA’s Move Over for Me campaign calls attention to the devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities whenever an emergency responder is injured or killed at the roadside.  Drivers are encouraged to remain alert, avoid distractions, and watch out for emergency vehicles on the side of the road.  If you see one, please slow down and move over to give emergency responders more room to safely do their job.

In part, Governor Little’s proclamation reads, “Public awareness of Idaho’s ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ law is key to its successful implementation…all Idahoans share an appreciation for the dedicated service of emergency workers and are committed to their safety.”