System Interchange project enters final year of construction

Photograph showing I-15 southbound lane during construction.

The Idaho Transportation Department’s $112 million rebuild of the System Interchange for Interstate 86 and Interstate 15 at Pocatello is entering its final year of construction with crews working in multiple areas throughout the worksite.

Five bridges were built in the last year, bringing the project total up to eight new structures. Two of the new bridges are steel and measure 414 feet long each. The other three bridges are concrete and measure a total of 387 feet in length. The construction of these bridges included 725 feet of 8-foot diameter concrete shafts installed underground for bridge foundations. In addition, 10,000 feet of steel piles were also driven underground for bridge foundations.

The massive project registered other impressive statistics in 2024:

247,319 cubic yards of dirt moved.
143,500 tons of structural dirt imported.
4,000 cubic yards of concrete poured.
55,894 tons of asphalt placed.
568,862 pounds of metal reinforcement installed.

In the coming year several items will be completed to button up the project.

The new southbound-to-westbound ramp will be completed.
The old northbound-to-westbound ramp will be removed.
The temporary southbound-to-westbound ramp will be removed.
The roadway north of the Pocatello Creek on-ramp will be built to its final grade. This will allow movement from Pocatello Creek to Chubbuck and remove the detour currently in place.
The new Chubbuck Road underpass roadway will be completed.
A chip seal will be applied to extend the life of the new asphalt pavement installed by the project, and the road will be restriped to its final lane configuration.
Bridge approaches will be smoothed out to remove bumps made during construction.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in August.

“We appreciate the community’s patience as ITD continues to work with the contractor to button up work items and complete the remaining tasks for this historic project,” Project Manager Greg Roberts said. “ITD is excited to see the travelling public use this updated system interchange for years to come.”

Originally built in the 1960s, the I-86 and I-15 System Interchange is undergoing a rebuild to improve safety and replace aging infrastructure.

Motorists should carefully follow signs and posted speed limits while traveling through the construction area. With crews working day and night at the System Interchange it is especially important that drivers be alert and travel safely.

Motorists are encouraged to use 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to keep track of project detours. Project details are available on ITD’s projects website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-86i-15-system-interchange.

Traffic safety grants open: apply now to make Idaho roads safer

Traffic safety grants open: apply now to make Idaho roads safer

BOISE – The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is accepting grant applications for Fiscal Year 2026. If your community organization has ideas to improve traffic safety and reduce fatalities, now’s your chance to secure funding to make a difference.

In 2024, preliminary data indicates that Idaho saw 236 traffic-related fatalities. “Communities know their challenges best,” said Highway Safety Manager, Josephine Middleton. “These grants empower local organizations to create programs that promote safer behaviors and save lives.”

Focus Areas For Grants:

Impaired Driving
Aggressive Driving
Distracted Driving
Seatbelts
Child Passenger Safety
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety
Motorcycle Safety
Young Drivers
EMS Post Crash Care

How to Apply

Find the application and instructions at www.itd.idaho.gov/safety under “Grant Programs & Funding.” Applications are due by 5 p.m. MST on Friday, February 14, 2025. Submit via email to ohsgrants@itd.idaho.gov or by mail to:

ITD Office of Highway Safety
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707-1129

Incomplete applications won’t be considered, so make sure to follow all instructions.

Together, we can tackle unsafe behaviors and save lives on Idaho roads. Apply now and be part of the change.

ITD secures grant to build wildlife underpasses

Photograph of a mule deer looking to cross the highway while a semi truck passes by

The Idaho Transportation Department recently secured $20.8 million in grant funding to build three wildlife underpasses near Montpelier. These improvements will increase drivers’ safety on U.S. Highway 30 at Rocky Point between Montpelier and the Wyoming border, with construction anticipated in 2026.

The project aims to mitigate wildlife-vehicle conflict points with wildlife underpasses built where the highway crosses a regional mule deer migration route. This 20-mile section of US-30 can incur more than 100 mule deer collisions with vehicles each year, with about 70% of those carcasses being reported in the four-mile section (milepost 443-447) known as Rocky Point. Besides making the highway safer for drivers, the new structures will protect the migration corridor and ensure connectivity between crucial seasonal mule deer habitat.

The three wildlife underpasses will be coupled with about 6 road miles of 8-foot-tall wildlife fencing to “funnel” migrating wildlife toward the underpasses. The funding is part of $125 million in federal grants also announced in December for wildlife crossing projects in 16 states.

“We are excited to get this project fully-funded and built,” Environmental Planner Alissa Salmore said. “Local citizens and our Montpelier crew have been asking for a solution here for decades. It will be good to finally deliver this project, both for people and for wildlife.”

Salmore, with key contributions from the ITD team and Idaho Fish and Game as a partner agency, developed the application package for submittal to the FHWA Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program over the past year. The grant covers about 98% of the construction costs for the trio of underpasses. An additional $1.2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will fund a portion of the fencing to connect two of the structures in the heart of the mule deer travel route.

There are significant benefits to the project beyond ITD’s interest. Idaho Fish and Game also has a strong interest in resolving the conflict between the highway traffic and the regional Bear Lake Plateau mule deer herd’s migration path. The Bear Lake Plateau mule deer herd is a key piece of southeastern Idaho’s economy, bringing thousands of hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to stay and recreate in the area every year. The mule deer migration encompasses parts of Wyoming and Utah as well as Idaho, so those states will also see a benefit from reducing the wildlife-vehicle collision rate at Rocky Point.

Each year, more than one million wildlife-vehicle collisions are estimated to impact motorists and wildlife in the U.S. Wildlife-vehicle collisions involving large animals result in approximately 200 human fatalities and 26,000 injuries to drivers and their passengers each year. These collisions also cost the public more than $10 billion annually. This includes economic costs, such as loss of income, medical costs, property damage, and more. Highways can threaten wildlife populations by fragmenting habitats, creating barriers to safe movement, and causing mortality due to wildlife-vehicle collisions.

SH-21 between Idaho City and Lowman avalanche risk

Update: The closure for SH-21 has been extended and now includes Idaho City (milepost 41) to Lowman (milepost 72).

The Idaho Transportation Department will close State Highway 21 from Grandjean to Banner Summit this afternoon due to high avalanche risk.

The current weather pattern is likely to trigger avalanches in this section of highway. The anticipated closure will begin at 5 p.m. today.

Motorists needing to use the roadway are advised to make the trip immediately or plan to use alternate routes, like State Highway 75.

The ITD avalanche crew monitors the snowpack along this section of highway to forecast the risk of avalanches large enough to reach the roadway. This practice allows the department to keep the highway open during the winter months with a reasonable confidence of safety for the traveling public.

There are nearly 70 avalanche paths in this 11-mile stretch of SH-21. Avalanches can be triggered without warning, so there is no parking or stopping within this section of road during the winter.

The highway will reopen when the snowpack has stabilized and the risk of active avalanches is reduced. Updates on closures and openings will be posted on 511.idaho.gov.

US-95 rock scaling near Riggins is winding down

By January, motorists can expect rock scaling on U.S. Highway 95 between Riggins and the Time Zone Bridge to conclude. Work began in early October to remove loose rock and install anchors to stabilize the hillside above the highway.

Motorists can continue to expect delays up to 30 minutes for safety while work is conducted above the highway. However, work is on track to stop on December 22 to avoid delaying holiday travelers.

The contractor will be back to the project site for a few weeks in the spring to repave US-95 where it was damaged during scaling.

Live traffic impacts such as lane closures and other work can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

UPDATE January 2025: ITD will monitor a tension crack at MP 189 throughout the winter. Read those most recent developments here.

Keep the magic alive: choose a sober ride

Idaho street in Boise with Christmas lights.

BOISE – As Idahoans prepare for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations, the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) reminds everyone to make a sober ride home part of their Christmas plans.

“All anyone wants for Christmas is to have their loved ones safe and together,” said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “Too many lives have been devastated by senseless drunk driving crashes. By planning ahead for a sober ride, we can prevent heartache and keep the season joyful for years to come.”

In 2023, impaired driving in Idaho caused 1,708 crashes and resulted in 105 fatalities. These tragedies serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence.

To help ensure a safe holiday season, OHS encourages everyone to take steps to avoid impaired driving. Whether it’s designating a sober driver, using a ride-share service, or making arrangements to stay where you’re celebrating, planning ahead can save lives.

For more information and resources on safe driving, visit Shift Idaho and Be Here Tomorrow.

Let’s work together to keep Idaho’s roads safe and ensure everyone has a magical Christmas season.

Idaho Transportation Department Shares Winter Driving Tips to Keep Idahoans Safe on Snowy Roads

Idaho’s iconic snow-covered landscapes are here for the season, and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is urging drivers to prepare for winter road conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned winter driver or facing your first Idaho winter, being “Idaho Ready” is essential for safety.

“There is so much to love about Idaho in the snow, but drivers need to be cautious,” said ITD Director Scott Stokes. “Giving driving your full attention and taking extra precautions could make all the difference this winter.”

ITD’s winter maintenance team works tirelessly to clear over 13,000 lane miles of highways across the state. Last winter alone, 429 plows traveled a combined 4.5 million miles. However, safe roads require effort from drivers too.

Essential Winter Driving Tips from ITD:

Give snowplows space: The safest place to be is a comfortable distance behind the plow.
Prepare your vehicle: Check your windshield wiper fluid, battery, and tires. Consider winter tires or chains for added traction.
Pack a winter emergency kit: Include items like a first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, tire chains, and non-perishable food.
Plan your trip: Download the Idaho 511 app or visit idaho.gov for real-time road conditions.
Drive cautiously: Slow down, increase stopping distance, and avoid driver assistance systems like cruise control, lane-keeping, and other auto-pilot features on wet or icy roads. Remember, bridges and overpasses freeze first.
Stay calm if you skid: Gently brake and turn into the skid, avoiding overcorrection.

“Idaho’s winter roads can be challenging, but with preparation, attentiveness, and patience, we can all stay safe,” added Stokes.

For more tips on preparing for winter driving, visit itd.idaho.gov/travel.

Chubbuck Road Re-opens to Highland Area

Photograph of the new Chubbuck Road underpass.

The long-awaited reopening of Chubbuck Road has come and traffic is once again flowing from Chubbuck to the Highland area. The Idaho Transportation Department opened the road Friday afternoon to through traffic. However, the new underpass will still require a brief closure next summer to open the road up for pedestrian access.

The Chubbuck Road overpass, built in 1962 was an impediment to large loads travelling north and south on Interstate 15. As part of the System Interchange project the decision was made to transform Chubbuck Road into an underpass with additional facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists. That change necessitated a two-year closure for demolition and the construction of two new bridges to carry I-15 over Chubbuck Road.

Now that the new underpass is open to vehicle traffic, residents in Chubbuck wishing to travel to the Portneuf Wellness Complex or Highland High School will no longer be detoured through the Northgate Interchange.

“We really appreciate the public’s patience during this process,” said Project Manager Zak Johnson. “We’re really excited to have Chubbuck Road open to vehicle traffic again.”

While the road is now open for cars there is expected to be a short closure this summer for approximately two weeks so crews can complete the underpass lanes, curbing and sidewalks.

Originally built in the 1960s, the I-86 and I-15 System Interchange is undergoing $112 million of redesign work to improve safety and replace aging infrastructure.

Motorists should follow all signs and posted speed limits while traveling through the construction area. With crews working day and night at the System Interchange it is especially important that drivers be alert and travel safely.

ITD names 12 snowplows with help from students and employees

The Idaho Transportation Department has selected 12 winners from its first annual Name a Snowplow contest! The names will be featured on 12 plows across the state. The winners are:

North Idaho:

The Berminator, Post Falls Middle School
Big Snowplowski, Lakeland Middle School

North-Central Idaho

Alpha Storm One, employee’s child from Grangeville Elementary/Middle School
Plowabunga!, employee’s child from Lewiston High School

Southwest Idaho

Clearapathra, Hillside Junior High School
NoMoreMr.IceGuy, Fairmont Junior High School

South-Central Idaho

Plowasaurus Rex, employee’s child who is homeschooled
Darth Blader, employee’s child from Wendell Middle School

Southeast Idaho

Snow Daddy, Franklin Middle School
Snow Ranger, employee’s child from Blackfoot Middle School

East Idaho

Antisnowcial, Swan Valley School
POW POW KA PLOW, Rigby Middle School

Most of the names were submitted by eighth grade classrooms across the state. Because this was a new contest this year, a few areas needed extra help coming up with names. ITD asked employees and their children to get involved. The 12 winning names were selected by an anonymous vote by ITD employees.

Once the plow names are installed, ITD will coordinate educational visits with the winners to teach the students about snowplows and safe winter driving.

“On behalf of safety for our over 400 plow drivers in Idaho, thank you to all the students and teachers for getting involved! It really helps us spread the word about winter driving safety,” said ITD Chief Operations Officer and Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney. “Please look for those named plows and give them a wave and plenty of space to work if you see them out on highways helping our communities.”

Idaho Transportation Board approves funding to study US-95 Long Bridge for replacement

Aerial view of the Long Bridge looking north into Sandpoint

Today the Idaho Transportation Board approved $200,000 to start studying replacement options for the Long Bridge on U.S. Highway 95 near Sandpoint.

“Up until now, we have been performing maintenance projects to delay replacing this expensive structure until it reached 100 years old,” District Engineer Damon Allen said. “But as we’ve looked to widen US-95 south of town, we’ve heard from the public that they want us to look at this sooner rather than later.”

The study is expected to start in 2025, with the goal of seeking grant funding to finish the study and design. It would include public outreach and updating environmental evaluations. This would be separate from the ongoing plans to make US-95 safer and capable of handling the increase of traffic between Sagle and Lakeshore Drive, though neither is funded for construction.

The existing bridges—one for vehicles, and the other for pedestrians—were built in 1981 and 1956 respectively. The pedestrian bridge, which originally served vehicles, is no longer able to safely carry traffic and is severely weight restricted.

Previous studies have identified one four-lane bridge with shoulders and a separated bike and pedestrian facility to replace the two existing two-lane bridges. Costs and staging would be identified in later studies, but the initial estimate for building the northbound half of the proposed structure, including a bike and pedestrian facility, is at least $225 million.

“This money will allow staff to begin preliminary planning and pursue grant applications for design,” Allen said.