Archives: News

 

Drivers using Interstate 90 over the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Coeur d’Alene will start to see some weekend relief from lane closures as construction continues on one of Idaho’s most iconic and highly traveled bridges.

Earlier this summer, crews began working on the bridge as part of a larger project to repair and preserve several bridges across the Panhandle. Because I-90 is such a busy route, lane closures were needed to give workers and equipment a safe space to operate. The Veterans Memorial Bridge is a large structure, and repairs require specialized tools and setup. Up to now, full-time traffic control has been essential to keep crews safe.

Now that the project has reached a key milestone, crews are able to adjust how they manage traffic. Starting this weekend, ITD will begin reopening all four lanes—two in each direction—on weekends. Traffic control devices will be removed Friday through Sunday evenings, and the interstate will return to its regular configuration. Lane closures will go back into place during the week so crews can continue working.

Some drivers have asked why the bridge has been reduced to one lane in each direction even when it looks like no one is working. The reason is that much of the work is happening underneath the bridge. Workers are using scaffolding and equipment that hangs over the side of the bridge deck to access the areas that need repairs. So while you might not see people on top of the bridge, important work is still being done out of sight to improve the structure and keep it safe for years to come.

ITD expects the project to wrap up by the end of August. In the meantime, drivers are asked to watch for changing traffic patterns, be alert in work zones, and remain patient as crews complete this important work.

Traffic impact information is available using 511.idaho.gov.

Drivers traveling U.S. Highway 95 through Coeur d’Alene on Sunday should expect slower traffic and possible delays as crews with the Idaho Transportation Department paint the highway lines between Lancaster Road and the Spokane River Bridge.

Crews will begin work early around 6:30 a.m. and expect to finish by 4 p.m. This is a high-traffic area with many intersections and signals, so extra caution is needed.

To help keep everyone safe our partners at the Idaho State Police will assist with additional patrols in the area. Drivers should be patient, give the paint crew plenty of space, follow posted signs, and avoid crossing over wet paint lines.

 

Upcoming striping schedule (weather & conditions permitting):

July 21–28: Boundary County

• US-95
• SH-1
• US-2

July 29–31: SH-53 from the Washington state line to US-95

August 4–6: SH-41 from Mullan Ave to Rathdrum

August 6–18: US-95 from the Spokane River Bridge south to Sanders Road

Additional routes like SH-58 and SH-60 may be added to the schedule as time allows.

 

Why striping happens during the day

Many drivers ask why this work isn’t done at night to avoid traffic. The answer is simple: paint needs light and warmth to be applied safely and effectively. Striping requires clear visibility and vehicle lights aren’t enough for crews to paint accurate lines. Cooler nighttime temperatures in North Idaho can also prevent paint from drying properly, leading to poor adhesion and safety issues.

Some larger cities can stripe at night because of extensive street lighting, but those conditions don’t exist along most of our routes in North Idaho.

 

Sharing the road with striping crews

• Don’t pass striping crews or drive over fresh paint. This not only damages the lines but can also damage your vehicle.
• Watch for “wet paint” signs and pace cars. These guide the flow of traffic and help protect workers.

Be patient. Crews work as quickly and safely as possible to minimize disruptions while ensuring proper application of the paint and reflective beads.

ITD paints hundreds of miles of highway each year. The lines help guide drivers safely down the roadway and improve visibility, especially at night. Your cooperation helps us do this work safely—for you and our crews.

For updated information, visit 511.idaho.gov.

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.

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.