Public invited to view latest information on study to improve US-20 from Ashton to SH-87 JCT

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host two public meetings next week to share developments and seek public input for the preliminary environmental study of U.S. Highway 20 between Ashton and the State Highway 87 junction.

The purpose and need of the corridor study is to enhance highway safety and operations by decreasing crash severity, addressing traffic growth, improving access management and addressing regional freight movement.

Following a two-year process that included significant analysis and public involvement, including a stakeholder screening group, several improvement options are recommended to move forward and will be on display at the public meetings. The options included various four-lane highway alternatives being considered.

The option of adding more alternate passing lanes was determined by the stakeholder screening group to be least beneficial and will likely not be recommended to proceed because it does not meet the purpose and need requirements of improved safety and mobility. Future traffic data estimates indicate this option has excessive congestion and travel delays by 2050 and a concern by engineers that this inconsistent lanes design over 40 miles of mountain highway with more than 10,000 vehicles a day during peak season creates high risk crash zones at multiple traffic merge areas versus other options reviewed.

The study is a first step in efforts to reduce congestion, enhance safety, and improve mobility throughout the region. Public input is important to the process and ITD welcomes feedback on study alternatives. Recommendations from the study may be used or adopted into future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) studies, which will also include community outreach and public engagement opportunities. Funding beyond the PEL study has not been identified.

ITD experts will be available to answer questions and discuss the alternatives and timeline of the study. The format and content will be the same at both meetings. The locations are:

Ashton Community Center and Library

925 Main Street
Ashton, ID 83420

August 21, 2024
5 – 7 p.m.

Island Park EMS Building
4378 County Circle
August 22, 2024
5 – 7 p.m.

For those who can’t attend in person, an online meeting will be available from August 22 – September 5 at itdprojects.org/projects/us-20-ashton-to-sh-87-jct.

Multiyear construction begins next week to widen I-15 between the Northgate and Fort Hall interchanges

Photograph of I-15 and the Northgate Interchange

The Idaho Transportation Department is beginning construction to widen Interstate 15 to three lanes in each direction between the Northgate and Fort Hall interchanges to accommodate projected increases in traffic volumes. This Leading Idaho multi-year project includes widening I-15, constructing a median barrier to separate opposing lanes of traffic and reconstructing bridge structures, including overpasses and underpasses, to accommodate the additional lanes.

Motorists can expect to see traffic control devices in the project area as early as Monday morning. Work has been phased to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction during the day for most of the project. However, motorists should be aware some nighttime work will require single-lane closures.

This fall, crews will shift traffic to create the space they need to build a median wall, reconstruct structures, and demolish and reconstruct the existing northbound lanes of the interstate.

During construction, motorists should expect:

Nighttime work begins the week of August 19 and will continue for the first couple weeks of construction. Work will occur from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Nighttime single-lane closures may happen occasionally after this period.
Daytime work is expected to begin early this fall and will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Lane restrictions will occur on I-15. Most work requiring lane restrictions is anticipated to occur at night.
Ramp adjustments will occur at the Fort Hall Interchange (Exit 80) to match the grade of the new mainline.
Variable speed limit signs will be installed in the project area, allowing ITD to lower speeds when crews are working near traffic.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2027. The project will increase capacity and improve safety on I-15 to serve East Idaho’s growing transportation volumes for years to come.

Due to the large project area, the widening of this stretch of I-15 has been divided into two projects with separate contractors. These contractors will work simultaneously to complete the projects. Western Construction, Inc. and Sundt Construction are the contractors for the north and south project areas, respectively.

Construction is being funded as part of Idaho Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho initiative 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.

To sign up for project updates:

Visit the project website: itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i15northgatetoblackfoot
Call: 208-252-5553
Email: info@pocatellotoidahofalls.org

Temporary signals to increase delays in SH-200 work zone in Kootenai

Crews work to pave a new section of SH-200 near Kootenai

Starting next week, crews will begin utilizing temporary traffic signals on State Highway 200. These signals will operate 24 hours a day and reduce the roadway to one lane on the east end of the work zone.

The temporary traffic signals are expected to be in place until for approximately two weeks as crews work to construct a new embankment along the south shoulder of the highway and create the space necessary to expand the highway to include a new center turn lane.

This work also includes milling down through the existing eastbound lane to tie the new and original roadway surfaces together. Available space for through traffic will be limited to a single lane warranting the use of temporary signals around the clock, even outside of working hours. Previously the roadway has only been reduced to one lane during working hours with traffic returned to its normal configuration during nights and weekends.

During this time drivers should continue to expect delays, especially during peak times of the morning and evening commute.

Crews remain mindful of congestion and will take all reasonable steps to minimize the amount of delay drivers experience.

The Idaho Transportation Department appreciates the ongoing patience of motorists throughout this process. The new roadway will deliver a significantly improved corridor to the Kootenai community later this fall.

Once this phase of work is complete both temporary signals will be removed; however, there may be a possibility for intermittent, short term flagging operations after the removal of the signals.

By mid-September motorists can expect notable improvement in the ease of mobility through the construction zone.

This project is on track for final completion of all phases by mid- to late-October.

Nighttime resurfacing to begin next week on the Long Bridge

View of US-95 Long Bridge near Sandpoint

Starting the week of August 19 crews will return to the Long Bridge in Sandpoint and begin resurfacing the roadway. The driving surface was ground down earlier this spring to increase traction and make it safer for travel.

Work will occur overnight Monday through Friday, running from 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. with an expected completion date in mid-September.

During nighttime construction hours traffic will be reduced to a single, alternating lane with flaggers and pilot cars guiding motorists safely through the work zone. Drivers should expect nighttime delays throughout the month and plan ahead.

As a reminder, drivers are encouraged to slow down through work zones and stay alert behind the wheel for the safety of our crews.

Motorists can utilize the Idaho 511 system for real-time updates about ongoing traffic impacts in the area.

I-84 corridor mowing to be completed in August as ITD and BLM partnership shows continued success in fire reduction efforts

The ITD Mountain Home maintenance crew is actively mowing the I-84 shoulders, median, and gores along I-84 from Mountain Home to Boise.

Fire prevention efforts between the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continue to reduce the number of large human-caused fires along the Interstate 84 corridor from Boise to Mountain Home.

The ITD Mountain Home maintenance crew is actively mowing the I-84 shoulders, median, and gores along the popular route. Once completed, they’ll have mowed more than 400 miles of vegetation, covering 64 miles of roadway. Typically, the crew stops south of Boise; however, the BLM Boise District provided a third tractor to cover more ground, so this year ITD will reduce fire fuels up to Gowen Road. The four-person team, which includes three on mowers and one in a water truck, expects to have the corridor mowed this week.

“I have been mowing this corridor for five years, and I enjoy doing it because we’re making the area safer for both the community and travelers. The additional equipment has helped us mow more ground efficiently and effectively,” Mowing Team Lead Jake Kuecker said.

Historical data highlights the significance of these efforts. During the late 1900s and early 2000s, there was a steady increase in wildfires along the I-84 corridor. These fires were often large and difficult to suppress, making the area one of the largest wildfire hotspots in the country.

By 2013, the BLM Boise District, in partnership with ITD, fully implemented a fuel break strategy along the I-84 corridor. This included mowing, constructing fuel breaks, and improving roadway aprons. Those efforts, along with ongoing fuel reduction measures like mowing, have reduced the average fire size by 95% over the past seven years, despite a 30% increase in traffic flow.

Map from BLM to show the reduction in large fire on I-84 corridor between Mountain Home and Boise. — Map from BLM showing reduction in large fires on I-84 corridor between Mountain Home and Boise.

Adopt-A-Highway litter pick-up application, request & reporting moves online

In late March, the form to apply for the Adopt-A-Highway litter pickup program moved online to better service customers, as did the request for litter-patrol equipment (safety vests, traffic-control signs and trash bags) as well as the mechanism to report litter-patrol results after the event. The website where this is available also shows in real time the route segments available across the state – a task that previously was based on a spreadsheet that was frequently out-of-date. A group can also renew their contract, expand their assigned route, and modify the group’s name or contact info online.

ITD truck loaded with bags of trash from an Adopt a Highway pickup — *ITD truck loaded with bags of trash from an Adopt-A-Highway pick-up*

In the past, the forms for approximately 1,000 groups in the AAH program were all paper-based, relied on snail mail and manual inputs into an antiquated database, and the process was time-consuming. One example was the reporting process.

“Groups were under the misunderstanding by leaving the equipment check-out form at the shed that they were reporting their litter pick-up, and it was all being tracked for them. This wasn’t always the case, however. We’ve received boxes of five-year-old forms complete with dead mice to process. In the meantime, we’ve contacted the group saying we have no reported litter pickups tied to their contract and upset the people who are volunteering their time to complete a thankless job on our behalf,” explained AAH Statewide Coordinator Judi Conner.

She said it was often frustrating and the paper-based processes were expensive. The change is also expected to save valuable time.

“We spent a lot of time taking phone calls and transferring calls. Litter pick-up report cards left at the maintenance shed were seldom forwarded for the required record tracking. Ironically, we generate a large amount of trash. Not having electronic applications, equipment requests, and reporting capabilities is a turn-off to younger people who might apply. We lose groups because we’re using a stamp and envelope,” Conner said. Additionally, potential identity theft is thwarted by not having contact info printed out and left lying around.

“Although we still allow the manual process when requested, this alleviates the frustration and complaints of the public and generates interest in the program with younger and more technical persons,” Conner explained. “This allows the ITD district contact time to focus on priority work as needed vs continuous printing, emails, phone calls and assisting customers at the counter.”

Traffic patterns change at System Interchange

aerial view of I-86/I-15 system interchange

Beginning this morning, traffic patterns are changing at the System Interchange in Pocatello. Traffic using the southbound entrance ramp from Northgate can now merge with the new southbound alignment and will no longer be detoured through the Interstate 86 Chubbuck Exit before returning to Interstate 15.

In addition, southbound I-15 traffic wishing to travel west on I-86 will now drive over the new Chubbuck bridge before exiting to the right.

Motorists are encouraged to keep up-to-date via 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to keep track of project detours. Project details are available here on ITD’s projects website.

DMV offering virtual motor vehicle appointments

Idahoans can now make a virtual appointment to renew their vehicle registration. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) now offers virtual appointments for motor vehicle transactions. After a six-month soft launch and testing period, the DMV is ready to roll out virtual appointments to more customers.

“We’re always looking for more ways to serve our customers. Virtual appointments are great for folks who want to Skip the Trip to the DMV, but still want to talk to a real person,” explained DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “Our county agents will guide them through the virtual appointment and make sure they have all the help they need.”

Employees from several county DMV offices are offering virtual appointments, but customers from anywhere in the state can book them.

Customers can book an appointment online by going to dmv.idaho.gov and clicking the Schedule Virtual Motor Vehicle Appointment link in the top left box on the webpage. When the appointment time arrives, they will be seen by an employee via videoconferencing software. Customers must have a device (cellphone, laptop, tablet, etc.) with working video and audio capabilities. See the user guide for how to schedule appointments.

Currently, virtual appointments are only available for registration renewals. The DMV is exploring ways to offer more services via virtual appointments in the future. Over a dozen other transactions, including driver’s license renewals, change of address, and more, are available through the DMV’s online self-service portal at dmv.idaho.gov.

ITD receives BNSF ‘Tracking to Zero’ railway safety award

On July 16, the Idaho Transportation Department in District 1 was presented with the BNSF Railway Company’s inaugural “Tracking to Zero” award on behalf of the State of Idaho as one of four state transportation departments honored for dedication to improving the safety of railway grade crossings in their communities last year. Co-awardee DOTs include Montana, Wyoming, and New Mexico.

“Because trains are limited in their ability to prevent a collision, safety gains are better achieved by improving how drivers interact around railroad tracks,” said Richard Scott, BNSF’s Assistant Director of Public Projects.

This award is a first-of-its-kind initiative to recognize agencies whose proactive approach to partnership and action have resulted in less than one crossing injury incident per one million BNSF train miles traveled in their respective states per year. By working with state transportation agencies and community partners BNSF says it maintains the lowest grade crossing collision rate in the industry.

While Idaho is the 14th-largest state in the country, the Idaho portion of the BNSF Railway network exists exclusively within the Panhandle region of District 1, with approximately 130 miles of railway and 91 crossings that stretch between Bonners Ferry and Coeur d’Alene, and from the Washington to Montana state lines.

“It’s not just railroad crossings on state routes that we manage,” District Traffic Engineer Nathan Herbst said. ITD is responsible for all railroad crossings not on private property, meaning there is state responsibility for those occurring on county and local roads as well.

“As an agency, each year we make progress to upgrade more and more crossings throughout the state. Ideally, the goal for ITD is to eventually see some type of active control or signalization at every at-grade crossing in Idaho,” Herbst said.

On average, the cost to enhance these crossings can be anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million, which can come from state or federal funding or through grant opportunities.

“It truly is a team effort between the agencies,” Traffic Engineering Manager Lee Bernardi stated. Every year members of ITD’s traffic team meet with BNSF specialists in the field at various crossings to review them from a safety perspective and work together to decide the best course of action to improve safety.

“We are all experts in our own arenas, so by combining that expertise and insight from the people who are interacting with those crossings on a daily basis, like train engineers who observe fatalities, incidents and near-misses, we are able to anticipate safety risks and create a mitigation plan before a crash occurs,” said Bernardi.

Over the years, enhancements to safety have resulted from physical improvements such as constructing grade-separated crossings and enhanced signalization systems, but what has likely been the most impactful measure of success for ITD has been the meaningful and collaborative partnership with BNSF.

This relationship continually supports timely and effective safety measures embedded within routine transportation projects. It played a key role in the successful bid to secure grant funding for the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange. That project, slated to begin construction later this summer and ultimately eliminate three at-grade crossings, will completely overhaul the safety dynamic of roadway-railway interactions along the corridor.

In 2023, several projects throughout the district served as a testament to agencies’ cohesive alliance. ITD created and posted safe access points for railway crews while they built a second railroad bridge across Lake Pend Oreille, coordinated to obtain interim railroad permits to keep active construction moving on SH-53 near Rathdrum, and worked together to overcome obstacles with regard to impacted property while expanding US-2 and improving vertical clearance under a railroad bridge in Sandpoint.

A huge point of pride with this award, according to Bernardi, is the fact that it isn’t something ITD was intentionally trying to achieve.

“We didn’t know until about a week ago that we had been selected to receive this award, so this focus on safety and prevention is honestly the organic result of our agencies commitment to the wellbeing of our transportation users and our productive partnership with BNSF,” Bernardi explained.

Add it to the list of things that make our state a wonderful place to live, work and visit—drivers in Idaho can count on peace of mind knowing that safety on our roadways, and railways, remains a top priority for all.

“We are excited at the opportunity to maintain our status as a top contender for this award for years to come and will continue to support ‘Tracking Towards Zero’ with our partners at BNSF,” Bernardi proclaimed.

511 “End of Project” notifications improve service to workers, drivers

Any improvement to the 511 Idaho Traveler Information System represents a customer-service milestone for the thousands of Gem State drivers who have signed up for alerts through the system. One of the improvements from this past year also benefits ITD’s internal customers – engineers, inspectors, project managers, and maintenance personnel.

Polygon shape for drawing boundaries in the 511 app

The improvement involves including an “end of project” notification via email and text, so users know how long the project will be impacting their commute or drive. If the project goes beyond the time expected, that information is also relayed. The email notification was accomplished fairly easily, but the text notification involves an update from the 511 vendor, which should be done within a few weeks.

The 511 user can signify the area they want notifications for by drawing it on a map once they log in to their account. “So if you wanted to know of any work within a 50-mile radius of your commute route, for instance, you could do that,” says 511 Coordinator Barton Phelps. The map to the left shows a “boundary” map selected in the system.

In addition to alerting users as to the end date for projects, an improvement was also added that provides a notice of upcoming projects that could impact the travel area up to 72 hours in advance of the start of the work.