Priest River community invited to attend open house next week for US-2 bridge replacement

Side view of the existing Priest River Bridge on US-2.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to attend an open house to learn about and comment on plans to replace the Priest River Bridge on U.S. Highway 2 next Thursday.

Originally built in 1962, the bridge remains open to traffic but is reaching the end of its expected service life. The foundation is in poor condition and no longer meets modern design standards, making it functionally obsolete and due for full replacement.

At this event, the community can learn about the project’s goals and objectives, review the different replacement design options being considered, ask questions and offer feedback while the project is still in the design phase. All comments gathered during the open house will help shape the final design of the future new Priest River Bridge.

“We make a point to engage the community early enough in design that public feedback can truly make a difference,” Project Manager Randy Durland said. “We know not everyone will have the same vision for the bridge, but hearing from a wide range of voices helps us deliver something that fits Priest River and its people.”

The project, located just east of the city of Priest River, will replace the existing bridge, improve traffic flow, and provide pedestrian access over the river. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in2029-2030 and could last for up to two years, depending on the chosen alternative design.

November Open House
Date: November 6
Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Priest River Event Center, 5399 US-2 Priest River, Idaho

The meeting will be held in an open-house style so people can drop in anytime. This event is open to everyone, including families.

Those who cannot attend in person can review identical information online at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us2-priest-river-bridge-replacement and provide feedback during the official public comment period, open November 6-21, 2025.

Nighttime I-84 eastbound closures at Gowen Interchange Sunday night for bridge repairs

Graphic map showing I-84 interchange with local road. The area of I-84 over the road is highlighted indicating the construction area.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close eastbound Interstate 84 before Exit 57 (State Highway 21/Gowen Road) nightly from 7:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday through early Wednesday to complete ongoing bridge repairs.

After Wednesday repairs are expected to be complete for the season. Crews will continue to monitor pavement and joint performance throughout the winter.

Crews will pave bridge shoulders and finish joint repairs that began in August. This work will smooth out bumps and improve the transition at the beginning and edge of the bridge.

During the work, all eastbound traffic must exit at Exit 57 and reenter I-84 using the eastbound on-ramp at the same location. Minor delays are expected.

Drivers should plan ahead, follow signs through the work zone, and watch for crews and equipment operating near traffic.

For real-time traffic updates and travel information, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

Popular ITD and ISP free winter driving classes across eastern Idaho start next week

PR East Idaho Free Winter Driving classes roadside view of icy road with a pickup and snowplow in the distance

Winter travel in Eastern Idaho means more than just tossing on a jacket before you go. The Idaho Transportation Department is teaming up again with Idaho State Police to offer free winter driving safety classes to help Eastern Idaho drivers be prepared for the reality that snow and ice changes everything.

Registration is now open for these popular, helpful sessions at the following places and dates:

IDAHO FALLS

Wednesday, November 5 @ 7 p.m.

Rocky Mountain Middle School, 3443 N Ammon Rd

REXBURG

Wednesday, November 12 @ 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

BYU-Idaho Little Theater, Manwaring Center, 101 E Viking Street

No registration needed

POCATELLO

Tuesday, November 18 @ 5:30 p.m.

Chubbuck City Hall, 290 E Linden Ave.

RIGBY

Wednesday, December 3 @ 7 p.m.

ITD District 6 Office, 206 North Yellowstone

The classes are designed to help drivers prepare for Idaho’s winter conditions by covering topics like vehicle readiness, proper equipment, defensive driving techniques, and how to safely share the road with snowplows. Instructors include state troopers and ITD operators who bring firsthand experience from years of working on Idaho’s roads and responding to emergencies during severe weather.

While these classes are open to everyone of all ages and skill levels, they are especially valuable for:

Young drivers with limited winter driving experience
New drivers, including those preparing to start driver’s education in the next year
New residents facing their first Idaho winter

Participants who complete a class will receive a coupon for 10 percent off a new set of tires at any Les Schwab Tires location in Eastern Idaho from American Falls to St. Anthony. ITD and ISP extend a special thank you to Les Schwab for their partnership.

More information and direct links to these classes can be found on ITD’s website Travel page, itd.idaho.gov/travel.

ITD seeks public feedback to help shape the future of rail in Idaho

UPDATE: Some users are reporting issues submitting their responses and being unable to proceed past the second page. We recommend that respondents hit the next button at the bottom more than once. If that doesn’t work, we encourage users to sign up to receive a different format of the survey, which will be available the week of Nov. 3. We are working to resolve any technical issues in the meantime.

The Idaho Transportation Department is updating the Idaho Statewide Rail Plan and is asking for public input to help guide the future of rail infrastructure across the state.

The plan evaluates the current condition and performance of Idaho’s rail network, identifies system-wide challenges and opportunities, and outlines strategies to strengthen rail infrastructure. The plan will also explore key topics such as rail safety, grade crossings, and access for rail-served industries that help drive Idaho’s economy.

Unlike other statewide transportation plans, this plan does not allocate funding for specific projects. Instead, it provides a strategic foundation that supports future grant applications and coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration and other partners.

“We want to hear from Idaho communities about how rail infrastructure is working today and what improvements would make the biggest difference in the future,” Freight Program Manager Caleb Forrey said. “Your feedback will help us better understand statewide priorities and shape a plan that reflects Idaho’s needs.”

Railways in Idaho are operated by the private sector, with ITD having shared responsibility for safety at highway-rail crossings. As is the case with public transportation in Idaho, there are no dedicated state funding sources for freight or passenger rail beyond match funds for federally-funded improvements to rail crossings.

The online survey is open through November 12 and takes about five minutes to complete. Feedback collected will be summarized in the final plan, which is expected to be released in spring 2026, and used to guide discussions with communities, railroads, and state and federal partners.

A summary of the rail plan is available at itd.idaho.gov/planning.

Abandoned overpass transforms into wildlife crossing near Osburn

A once-abandoned bridge in Osburn is seeing new life, at least for now, thanks to a creative partnership between local residents, conservation groups, and state agencies, including the Idaho Transportation Department.

The structure, a former overpass across Interstate 90, sat unused for decades after nearby mining development closed off the roadway it once served. The surrounding area, however, remained a busy wildlife corridor. For years, elk, deer, and other animals have been struck trying to cross the freeway in that area, which has one of the highest wildlife collision rates on the interstate between Coeur d’Alene and Montana.

That concern led Osburn resident and truck driver Carl Wilson to champion a community effort to turn the unused bridge into a wildlife overpass. Working with partners including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and several local conservation groups, the community secured grant funding to retrofit the structure with fencing to guide animals safely across the interstate via the abandoned bridge.

While ITD’s role in the project was limited, the agency provided crucial support behind the scenes by granting the necessary permits and helping connect the group with funding resources. A few key staff members in District 1, including former Assistant District Engineer Marvin Fenn and Program Manager Robert Beachler, were instrumental in helping guide the effort to fruition.

“This project really showcases how creative thinking and collaboration can make use of existing infrastructure in new ways,” Beachler said. “It was great to see local initiative and partnerships come together to improve safety for both wildlife and drivers.”

The refurbished bridge officially opened for wildlife use this summer and early reports from Fish and Game trail cameras show whitetail deer already using it, and a nearby underpass, to safely traverse the interstate.

The bridge’s future is limited, but ITD is happy to support the community in putting it to good use for now. Since it no longer serves a transportation purpose and remains ITD-owned, the bridge is scheduled for removal in 2032 as it ages.

“Even temporary or short-term solutions can have meaningful benefits,” said District Engineer Damon Allen. “This project reflects the kind of local collaboration and problem-solving we appreciate being a part of.”

ITD and ISP team up to host free winter driving classes

As winter approaches, the Idaho Transportation Department and the Idaho State Police are teaming up to offer free winter driving classes in the Treasure Valley.

Three sessions are currently scheduled for Oct. 29, Nov. 12, and Nov. 26, beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. Classes will take place in person at ITD’s District Office in Boise at 8150 W Chinden Boulevard.
Last year, ITD and ISP helped more than 170 Treasure Valley residents prepare for winter driving through similar classes. These sessions focus on tips, preparation, and safe driving techniques but do not include hands-on or behind-the-wheel training.

The classes are designed to help drivers prepare for Idaho’s winter conditions covering topics like vehicle readiness, proper equipment, defensive driving techniques, and how to safely share the road with snowplows. Instructors include state troopers and ITD employees who bring firsthand experience from years of working on Idaho’s roads during severe weather.

The courses are open to all drivers but are especially useful for:

New drivers (ages 14–17) including those who are currently enrolled in a driver’s education course
Young drivers with limited winter experience
New residents facing their first winter on Idaho roadways

Each participant must register online in advance.

For details and registration links for classes throughout Idaho go to ITD’s Travel page.

Teen traffic safety week: October 19–25, 2025

Young woman with blonde hair driving a car, both hands on the steering wheel, focused on the road ahead

BOISE — The Idaho Transportation Department and Office of Highway Safety are joining communities statewide to recognize Teen Traffic Safety Week, October 19–25, 2025. The week raises awareness about safe driving habits among teens and their families.

Teen drivers face unique risks on the road and are 2.6 times more likely to be in a crash. OHS encourages families, schools, and organizations to focus on four key safety reminders:

Buckle up: Seat belts save lives. Every trip, every time.
Avoid distractions: Keep phones and other distractions out of reach.
Drive sober: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time.
Practice patience: Teens gain confidence through experience and mentorship.

“Teen drivers are among the most vulnerable on Idaho’s roads,” said Josephine Middleton, Highway Safety Manager. “By educating young drivers and their families, we can reduce crashes and make our roads safer for everyone.”

Middleton adds, “Our children are always watching and learning from us. If we tell our teens not to text and drive but they see us doing it, how much credibility do we really have? The best way to teach safe driving is to model it ourselves.”

OHS promotes safe driving through several initiatives:

Backseat Driver’s Manual: Created with local students, this activity book teaches kids about safe driving and encourages family conversations.
SHIFT Idaho: A statewide platform offering resources, materials, and community involvement opportunities focused on safe teen driving.
Parent-Teen Driving Contracts: Helps families set clear expectations and responsibilities behind the wheel.
Alive at 25: A defensive driving course that teaches young drivers how to make safe, responsible decisions.
Driver Education Partnerships: In collaboration with the Idaho Department of Education and local driving schools, OHS supports quality driver education statewide.

Learn more about these programs and resources.

ITD and ODOT host SH-52 Snake River Bridge replacement open house

Bridge with potholes, seals spans river with greenery on far shore.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to learn about construction plans for a new State Highway 52, Snake River Bridge in Payette during in-person and online public meetings.

The in-person meeting will be held in an open house format with no formal presentation. Representatives from both ITD and the Oregon Department of Transportation will be available to answer questions, share construction plans and gather feedback about upcoming bridge and roadway improvements.

In-person meeting details:

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 22,

Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Payette City Hall Chambers, 700 Center Ave.

Starting in 2027, ITD and ODOT plan to build a new structure over the Snake River. The project will take about two years to complete. The existing 72-year-old bridge has reached the end of its design life and will be replaced with a bridge that meets current highway standards.

During an initial public meeting in 2023, ITD heard concerns that a full bridge closure would negatively impact livelihoods, safety, and mobility. In response, the project team revised the plan to keep the bridge open during construction.

Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to participate online between Oct. 22 and Nov. 5 at sh52snakeriverbridge.com.

US-95 work starts up again near Riggins on Monday

Picture of a rocky slope by US-95 near Riggins.

Starting Monday crews will resume work on rocky slopes near Riggins on U.S. Highway 95.

South of Riggins at milepost 189 in the vicinity of the Sheep Creek Rest Area, scalers will install reflective prisms on the rock face above the roadway to monitor slope movement and will remove loose rocks for safety.

Intermittent delays of up to 20 minutes between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. are likely for the next week. Flaggers will hold traffic in both directions to keep everyone safe with rocks coming off the slope. Crews will periodically allow one lane of traffic through the work zone.

North of Riggins at milepost 196.5, in the vicinity of “Bull’s Eye Corner,” crews will also close the shoulder and replace damaged signs as part of safety efforts that started last fall.

Rocks may be present in the roadway and motorists should always exercise caution when traveling though this river corridor.

Live traffic impacts across the region can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

Right-turn lane closure on US-95 in Sagle begins

The Idaho Transportation Department will close the southbound right-turn lane on U.S. Highway 95 at Dufort Road starting at 5 a.m. tomorrow through 5 p.m. on Monday while crews widen it to make it easier and safer for traffic to turn.

Drivers will still be able to turn right onto Dufort Road, but they will do so from the southbound through lane. Because of this, ITD reminds all drivers to use extra caution. Through traffic should be prepared to slow for turning vehicles, and drivers entering the highway from Dufort Road should watch closely for oncoming traffic.

A reduced speed limit of 45 mph will be in place through the work zone on US-95.

This safety improvement follows consultation with regional agencies and law enforcement, who identified widening the turn lane as a quick, low-cost fix to help reduce crashes. The added width will shift turning traffic so it no longer blocks the view of oncoming traffic. This will improve sight distance for drivers on Dufort Road trying to turn onto US-95 and reduce the risk of collisions.

An interchange is planned for this intersection as part of the environmental re-evaluation of the Sagle corridor and ITD’s Proposed Action between Dufort Road and Lakeshore Drive. However, there is no funding for design or construction of that large-scale, long-term improvement at this time. As an added safety enhancement, Bonner County also recently installed flashing stop signs on Dufort Road.