BOISE – On May 7, the Transportation Security Administration will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant at security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck® members, must present REAL ID-compliant identification, also known as the Star Card in Idaho, or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, at TSA security checkpoints.
If you arrive at an airport without a Star Card or another acceptable document, you may be delayed and undergo additional examination. This can cause passengers to miss flights.
In Idaho, many DMV offices operate by appointment only, and availability may be several weeks out. Be sure to check with your local county driver’s license office. Remember, you can visit any county driver’s license office in the state for service. Additionally, it will take up to two weeks for a physical card to be mailed to you.
Please plan accordingly. Go to the DMV Star Card, Idaho’s REAL ID website to complete the checklist or use the helpful tool so that you bring the correct forms of documents you need.
Other Acceptable Documents are:
• State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
The Idaho Transportation Department is inviting community members to join a two-day litter cleanup effort along one of North Idaho’s busiest corridors. “Operation Clean Sweep” will take place April 23–24, covering the U.S. Highway 95 corridor from Granite Hill to Interstate 90.
This volunteer-driven event aims to remove accumulated trash and debris from the roadside as snow melts and winter’s impact becomes visible. Litter not only detracts from the natural beauty of the region—it poses risks to wildlife, the environment, and highway maintenance crews.
“Every year our work crews come together to tackle this large-scale cleanup initiative, and we thought it would be a great opportunity to let the public get involved—to work alongside the hardworking men and women of ITD and make a real, visible difference,” said Trent Bridges, one of ITD’s operations supervisors. “It’s frustrating to have to pull our crews off their regular maintenance work to deal with trash dumped by people who just don’t care, but unfortunately, it’s become a routine part of spring. Once the snow melts, the amount of litter we uncover is pretty overwhelming.”
Volunteers aged 16 and older are encouraged to participate and must register online ahead of the event.
Each morning, participants will check in between 7 and 9 a.m. at ITD’s Athol shed (6303 E. Parks Road) to receive safety gear, a brief orientation, and crew assignments. Work crews will be stationed along sections of US-95, and volunteers can stay for as long as they’d like—whether that’s a half hour or the full day. Cleanup will conclude each day by 4 p.m.
ITD will provide safety vests, trash collection bags, and safety instructions. Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring gloves and water.
“Operation Clean Sweep” offers a great opportunity for students or individuals fulfilling community service project or volunteer hour requirements. ITD staff will be available to verify hours on-site.
Participants interested in ongoing involvement are invited to learn more about ITD’s Adopt a Highway program, a statewide initiative focused on long-term litter prevention.
Volunteers aged 16–17 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. A printable waiver form can be found under the “Agenda” section of the event webpage.
Starting next week work will begin on three Interstate 90 bridges in the Silver Valley as crews work to carry out routine, preventative maintenance on the structures.
I-90 bridges west of Silverton over the South Fork Coeur d’Alene River
I-90 bridges at the Silverton Interchange
Wallace Viaduct
Through the work zones traffic will be reduced to a single lane of two-way traffic, and speed limits will be reduced to 55 miles per hour for safety. The Idaho Transportation Department will utilize crossovers constructed in previous years to shift traffic across the interstate allowing crews the space to work on these bridges.
This project will be carried out in two phases, the first addressing both sets of bridges near Silverton, and the second will focus on the viaduct in Wallace. Work on these projects is expected to be complete by late fall.
Information about intermittent ramp closures associated with the project will be posted locally, and in advance, on digital messaging signs along I-90. Up to date information will also be available to drivers through the Idaho 511 system.
Routine and preventative maintenance is essential to keeping roads safe, reliable, and cost-effective in the long run. Bridges are critical links in the transportation network, and like any structure, they experience wear and tear over time. By performing regular inspections, repairs, and upkeep now, the department can avoid more serious—and far more disruptive—problems down the road. These proactive measures help extend the lifespan of infrastructure, reduce the likelihood of emergency closures, and ultimately save taxpayer money.
The on-ramp to head west on Interstate 84 at the Heyburn Interchange will close Sunday night as it is repaved.
The closure will be in place from 6 p.m. Sunday night to 7 a.m. Monday. To head west on the freeway, drivers will be detoured to the nearest on-ramp that is open about five miles to the east at the Declo Interchange (Exit 216) where they can use the interchange to safely change direction.
Traffic on I-84 remains two lanes in each direction, and the speed limit is reduced to 65 miles per hour.
Construction has been underway since 2024 to update the Heyburn and Burley Interchanges to meet growing traffic demands and is funded as part of Idaho Governor 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 the Magic Valley and communities across the state for years to come.
This article will be updated when new information is available
4/24/2025
US-95 set to reopen Monday morning after critical repairs made to large landslide
he Idaho Transportation Department will reopen U.S. Highway 95 between New Meadows and Council starting Monday.
This critical north-south route sustained significant damage from heavy rainfall on March 16, prompting a partial closure and the immediate launch of emergency design efforts. Repairs began on March 31, and this Monday will mark exactly four weeks since the full closure of the highway. Construction crews have been working extended hours, including two shifts per day. This accelerated schedule made it possible to reopen the highway in under a month.
“US-95 is one of Idaho’s most essential transportation routes, and from day one we knew we had to act swiftly and decisively to reopen in April,” said Dan McElhinney, ITD Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer. “We deeply appreciate the public’s patience and the continued collaboration among all city, county and local business partners throughout the closure.”
Crews may be completing roadside and guardrail work using temporary lane closures as needed.
“The expedited work by our engineers and contractor to reopen US-95 was focused on quality and community support,” said Jason Brinkman, ITD District 3 Engineer.
The public is encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov before traveling on any of Idaho’s highways this summer, as construction projects on SH-55 are scheduled to begin once US-95 reopens.
4/7/2025
This information is from the Idaho Office of Emergency Management
Businesses Impacted by U.S. Highway 95 Closure may be Eligible for Assistance
Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is gathering information from non-farm small businesses and non-profit organizations whose operations were disrupted by the March 16 closure of U.S. Highway 95 between Council and New Meadows due to a landslide. This information will help determine whether impacted entities may be eligible for disaster assistance through low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Heavy rainfall on March 16 triggered a landslide that caused several hundred feet of roadway shoulder to give way, forcing the highway’s closure. Since then, the Idaho Transportation Department has been working to safely restore access. The highway is expected to reopen in early May once repairs are completed. In the meantime, drivers are encouraged to use State Highway 55 as an alternate route.
IOEM is in close coordination with the SBA to evaluate the potential for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program. If approved following a disaster declaration request by Governor Brad Little, the program would make low-interest loans available to qualifying small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private non-profit organizations. These loans are intended to help cover ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met due to the disruption caused by the closure.
To request the declaration, the State of Idaho will need five or more qualifying EIDL worksheets from small businesses impacted by the closure. Businesses that have experienced economic losses, whether actual or estimated due to the ongoing closure, are encouraged to submit a worksheet, even if they do not intend to apply for a loan. This information is critical to demonstrate the extent of the economic impact and determine eligibility for federal assistance.
The worksheet may be found on IOEM’s website at ioem.idaho.gov/SBA. Forms can be downloaded and sent by email to jdick@imd.idaho.gov, by fax to 208.422.3044, or mailed directly to:
ATTN: Jarod Dick
4040 Guard St., Bldg. 600
Boise, ID 83705
Please note the EIDL worksheet is not a loan application; it is intended for businesses to report losses so a declaration request may be considered.
Farms and ranches are not eligible for the SBA program.
3/28/2025
Critical repairs on US-95 to begin Monday – two shifts per day to accelerate work
Full closure on U.S. Highway 95 between Council and New Meadows will begin Monday. The contractor will be working two shifts per day to expedite the repairs and minimize the closure time.
The Idaho Transportation Department has carefully considered all potential detour options, including local roads, to minimize the impact on travelers. After exhaustive evaluation, it was determined that no local routes are capable of handling the heavy traffic diverted from US-95 due to early-season conditions and challenging terrain. To mitigate disruption, ITD recently cleared snow from the Weiser River Trail, which will serve as a bypass for local pedestrians and emergency responders. This trail provides a direct route around the closure. Designated parking on US-95 will be available on the north and south side of the landslide, ensuring residents and emergency personnel can continue to navigate the area safely. Additional details will be shared with businesses and local jurisdictions as we monitor trail demand.
Beginning Sunday evening at 8 p.m., US-95 will be fully closed to all vehicle traffic due to the oversized drill rig crane taking up both lanes. Crews will begin relocating fiber optic lines on Monday, followed by the start of excavation on Tuesday for the installation of a retaining wall. The excavation will involve removing 200 feet of pavement and digging to a depth of 10 feet across a 200-foot-long section of roadway. This work is scheduled to be complete by late April or early May.
ITD has modified commercial vehicle permits, allowing 53-foot single trailers to temporarily use State Highway 55 as a detour. This modification ensures that rural communities continue to receive deliveries of goods and services during the closure. ITD is coordinating all work on SH-55, which serves as the detour route for regional traffic. Maintenance projects that were slated to begin this spring will be postponed until US-95 is reopened.
Regular updates on the roadwork and closure will be available on 511.idaho.gov, through the 511 app, or by calling 511. ITD remains committed to restoring US-95 as quickly as possible while minimizing the impact on local communities and businesses.
3/26/2025
The weight limit for vehicles traveling near the slide area has been increased to 26,000 lbs., up from 10,000 lbs. This change will remain in effect until Sunday’s closure.
3/26/2025 Equipment to be mobilized to US-95 landslide, full closure set for Monday
Equipment is being mobilized to begin permanent repair work on the U.S. Highway 95 landslide located between Council and New Meadows at milepost 146.5, about ten miles north of Council. Workers have been on-site since the hillside gave way last Sunday due to steady rainfall.
A full closure of US-95 to all vehicle traffic will be implemented starting Sunday evening at 8 p.m. Until then, flaggers will direct local non-truck traffic through one narrow lane during daylight hours, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. After the closure on Sunday evening, the road will remain closed, as the contractor’s equipment will require both lanes for earthwork removal and wall installation.
On Monday, crews will begin excavation of a 200-foot-long, full-width section of the roadway, digging to a depth of 10 feet. Once excavation is complete, construction will begin immediately. The repair project will include a retaining wall, which will be anchored by steel piles driven into the stable rock layers of the slope. The highway is expected to reopen in early May once the work is completed.
There are no local detours that are passable this early in the season, and no local routes suitable for the impact of highway traffic. The Idaho Transportation Department has modified permitting for commercial vehicles to allow companies to safely operate on SH-55 to continue delivering goods to rural communities. This temporary exception allows 53-foot single trailers to use SH-55 as a detour for now.
ITD is working with emergency responders to ensure uninterrupted service for all areas. ITD is also working with local jurisdictions to identify potential alternatives for local workers to get past the US-95 closure.
For 24/7 updates on the status of the highway, visit 511.idaho.gov, download the 511 app or call 511 for updates on this closure.
3/21/2024
ITD modifies permitting for commercial vehicles on US-95 to ensure continued delivery of goods
In response to restrictions placed on U.S. Highway 95 between Council and New Meadows following a landslide on Sunday, the Idaho Transportation Department has modified permitting for commercial vehicles to allow companies to safely operate on State Highway 55 and continue delivering goods to rural communities.
The temporary exception allows 53-foot single trailers to use SH-55 as a detour for now. Given the narrow and winding conditions on SH-55, only certain combinations of trucks and trailers are typically allowed.
Drivers should expect more traffic on SH-55 with the current restrictions on US-95 and expect commercial vehicles to potentially slow down or stop near the Rainbow Bridge as they will be directed via signage to yield to oncoming traffic.
For 24/7 updates on the status of US-95 and SH-55 visit 511.idaho.gov, download the 511 app or call 511 for updates.
One lane temporarily open for local traffic only through US-95 slide near Council
One lane of U.S. Highway 95 is now temporarily open at the slide at milepost 146.5 north of Council. This lane will only be for local traffic and only open during daylight hours between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. until contractor equipment begins work next week.
The highway will fully close each night as crews will only visually monitor the route during daylight for slumps or cracks that could indicate another slide.
Commercial vehicles will not be allowed on the route to avoid the narrow road. Flaggers in New Meadows and Council will direct these vehicles to turn around. The Idaho Transportation Department is working on modifying the permitting process to allow for commercial vehicles to take State Highway 55 instead. Drivers should expect to see more trucks on SH-55 and practice patience.
The engineering team is reviewing data from foundation drilling yesterday and are expecting a design of a retaining wall by Tuesday that will be anchored by steel piles driven into the stable rock layers of the slope. This data will tell the team where and how deep to drive the steel piles, and land surveyor data collected the last few days will identify the full size of the slide for wall length and height design.
ITD has a prime contractor at the ready and will be working simultaneously with the design team to secure materials and any subcontractors prior to the repairs starting next week.
There are no local detours that are passable this early in the season and able to withstand the impact of highway traffic.
ITD will issue another update next week once the design for the repairs has been completed and future impacts to traffic are better known. Drivers may not be able to pass through the slide area once repairs are underway given the size of equipment that will be on site. The highway will likely be impacted through late April.
Workers have been on scene since the hillside gave way on Sunday following steady rainfall.
For 24/7 updates on the status of the highway, visit 511.idaho.gov, download the 511 app or call 511 for updates on this closure.
US-95 remains closed between Council and New Meadows
Guardrail hangs above a washed-out embankment
U.S. Highway 95 remains closed between Council and New Meadows due to a few hundred feet of downhill landslide of the roadway shoulder at milepost 146.5 along the Weiser River on Sunday afternoon following steady rainfall.
Engineering crews were on site this morning to assess the extent of the damage for repair decisions, and a drill crew will be on site tomorrow morning to investigate soil and slide information for a possible retaining wall.
“We aim to have one lane opened at some point this week, but just for cars,” District Engineer Jason Brinkman said. “We are concerned about allowing wider, heavier commercial vehicles on this narrow area until the repair work is complete.”
Regional traffic is encouraged to take State Highway 55 as no traffic is allowed through the landslide location. Only people who live between Council and Glendale south of the slide and between Pine Ridge and New Meadows north of the side will be allowed to access those areas. All other drivers are being turned around at the barricades in Council and New Meadows.
This particular area was already being monitored by the Idaho Transportation Department for storm damage concerns.
“These natural weather events are nearly impossible to predict,” Brinkman said. “Fortunately, given this season of storms, we are ready to respond and expedite this project.”
Getting the highway back open fully could take weeks. Motorists should visit 511.idaho.gov, download the 511 app or call 511 for updates on this closure.
The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting an online meeting starting today for State Highway 69 from Orchard Avenue in Kuna to Overland Road in Meridian. The community is invited to view the proposed vision of the corridor, as traffic is expected to increase by 55% over the next 25 years. Participants can provide input and learn about the next steps for the SH-69 project.
The proposed vision for SH-69 includes:
Widening SH-69 to seven lanes between Overland and Kuna roads.
Widening SH-69 to five lanes between Kuna Road and Orchard Avenue.
Installing a new continuous raised median with access allowed at mile and 1/2-mile intersections. All other access onto SH-69 will be right-in and right-out.
Adding a 10-foot multi-use pathway on each side.
“The proposed vision of the corridor will accommodate motorized and non-motorized users as growth along the corridor is projected to increase 55% over the next 25 years. We look forward to gathering input from the community, as their feedback is crucial to moving the study forward,” Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said.
Details for the online meeting are listed below:
Online meeting will run Monday, April 7 – Monday, April 21
Those who do not have the ability to engage online are encouraged to call (208) 377-9688, or email Amber@RBCI.net, and a member of the project team will provide other resources to participate.
Beginning Monday, the Idaho Transportation Department will build a traffic island on U.S. Highway 91 (Yellowstone Avenue) at Bullock Street in Chubbuck to reinforce existing restrictions that prohibit unsignalized left turns onto Bullock Street.
Yellow tubular markers will be removed and replaced with the concrete island over the next two weeks, depending on weather.
During construction, the southbound left turn lane from Yellowstone Avenue to Breneman Street and businesses like Walmart will be closed. The leftmost northbound lane on Yellowstone will also be closed to provide enough room for crews to work.
The Idaho Transportation Department is closing State Highway 24/U.S. Highway 30 under Interstate 84 at Exit 211 from Friday, April 4, at 6 p.m. through Monday, April 7, at 6 a.m. The closure is necessary to remove the old I-84 bridge as part of the ongoing reconstruction of the Heyburn Interchange.
Detours will be in place to guide motorists through the project area and is expected to add 10 minutes to commutes. Speed limits have been reduced to 65 mph on I-84.
Reconstruction of the Heyburn Interchange is expected to cost $90.1 million and last until late 2026. Since work began in 2024, construction of half of the westbound bridge over US-30, an embankment for the future interchange and center pier for the future interchange structure have been finished.
The next phase of the project includes the removal and construction of the eastbound structure over US-30, removal and construction of the eastbound road and construction of the south half of the interchange.
Built in the early 1960s, the interchange has reached the end of its service life. ITD is focused on improving safety, mobility, and economic opportunity for all users who travel these important agricultural and industrial routes.
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 the Magic Valley and communities across the state for years to come.
BOISE – On Tuesday, April 8, ITD will provide training and guidance to suppliers and those seeking to have their materials and products used in highway construction projects added to ITD’s Qualified Products List. The training will be done via a live video which will reside on ITD’s website for several weeks following the live session.
The QPL streamlines the process of testing, evaluating and approving products commonly used on highway construction projects. Rather than evaluating products to determine acceptance for each new project, products proven to meet our specifications are categorized and listed on the QPL.
Although the QPL hasn’t changed, the process of interfacing has been improved and streamlined, so the session on April 8 will demonstrate how it is to be used. The training/demonstration will be held from 11-noon Mountain Time. Project suppliers, distributors, and their agents can access the training through Microsoft Teams by various means listed bat the bottom of this page.
The session will be recorded. If you are unable to attend this demonstration, the recorded presentation can be found at the QPL webpage on our ITD website here:
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will have intermittent nighttime closures on Interstate 84 under the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) through mid-April. The closures will allow crews to form and place bridge abutments, which will provide support for the new Lincoln Avenue bridges. Closures are expected to begin next week, and will take place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Click here to view detour maps.
Starting tonight, eastbound I-84 is expected to close under Lincoln Avenue multiple nights. Eastbound I-84 traffic will use the eastbound ramps to detour around the closure. Eastbound closures are expected to occur at nighttime on:
Wednesday, April 2
Thursday, April 3
Wednesday, April 9
Next week, westbound I-84 is expected to close under Lincoln Avenue multiple nights. Westbound I-84 traffic will use the westbound ramps to detour around the closure. Westbound closures are expected to occur the nights of:
Sunday, April 6
Monday, April 7
Tuesday, April 8
“We encourages motorists to plan ahead for delays and drive with caution when traveling over these next couple of weeks in April,” said Resident Engineer Seth Helms, “We want to thank everyone for their patience as crews work to place the bridge abutments as quickly and safely as possible.”
During the I-84 closures, motorists can expect:
Business access will remain open on local roads and detours will be in place.
Lincoln Avenue may be impacted over I-84 during these closures. Motorists are encouraged to use other routes.
Work is weather-dependent and may be impacted by conditions. Any schedule changes will be announced through email and reflected on Idaho 511
This work is part of ITD’s I-84 South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) replacement project. Motorists can continue to expect intermittent I-84 and local road closures, traffic shifts and ramp changes throughout the duration of the project. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2026.
Those who are interested in learning more about the project are invited to visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sjeromeic or text 84JTF to 1-866-483-8422.
Drivers should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling to plan for impacts from this project and other work zones.
