Idaho urges sober rides for safe Labor Day as ‘100 Deadliest Days’ conclude

BOISE—As Idaho approaches the end of the 100 Deadliest Days, drivers should remember to include a sober ride home in their Labor Day plans. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has partnered with Idaho State Police (ISP) and more than 50 other law enforcement agencies for enhanced DUI patrols this coming holiday weekend. Expect to see more officers on the roads to stop impaired drivers before they cause harm.

“As law enforcement professionals, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The act of impaired driving not only defies the principles we uphold but also endangers the lives we’ve sworn to protect,” said Colonel Kedrick Wills of the Idaho State Police. “This Labor Day weekend, let us all unite in our commitment to safety by making responsible choices. Through intensified patrol and advanced expertise, we are committed to creating an environment free from the dangers of impaired driving.”

According to data gathered by OHS, 110 people were killed as a result of impaired driving crashes last year. That represents more than half of all fatalities in 2022.

Labor Day marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. This year to date 164 people have been killed in crashes on Idaho roads, 89 of those fatalities happened during the 100 Deadliest Days.

Sadly 2023 has been deadlier than 2022 so far. This time last year there were 133 fatalities on Idaho roads, versus 164 this year.

“It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, aggressive driving, and distracted driving,” explained Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “We can help to keep ourselves and others safe by driving engaged, putting down the distractions, driving sober, and always wearing our seatbelts.”

Detour tonight at Fort Hall (Exit 80) Interchange

POCATELLO – Aug. 28, 2023 | Southbound drivers on I-15 will be detoured through the interchange ramps at Fort Hall (Exit 80) tonight from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. This will allow crews to operate safely as they work on the bridge beams over the roadway.

The Fort Hall Interchange is undergoing a complete reconstruction to replace the outdated bridge and improve on- and off-ramps. The redesign also allows for the planned three lanes northbound and southbound on I-15. Those wishing to learn more about the project can visit https://itdprojects.org/projects/forthall/

Motorists should exercise caution while travelling through the work zone as traffic patterns will continue to change over the next week to accommodate construction. Drivers can also check 511.idaho.gov or download the 511 app for the last traffic conditions on all state highways and freeways.

Paving begins next week for the US-95 McArthur Lake project

Starting Monday morning, August 28^th, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin paving a temporary adjacent road, also known as a shoo-fly, as part of ongoing construction for the US95 McArthur Lake project. Paving is expected to last two days, during which time the highway will be reduced to 1 lane in alternating shifts to allow crews to work. Flaggers may also be utilized to assist with traffic flow. Drivers should expect delays throughout daytime commuting hours.

It is anticipated that traffic will shift over to this new section of paved roadway in mid-September to accommodate final construction on the future bridge. The projected final completion date for this project is Fall of 2024.

Motorists should exercise caution while traveling through work zones. Those wishing to receive email updates about the US-95 McArthur lake project can sign up here. Drivers can also check or download the Idaho 511 app for the latest traffic conditions on all state roadways.

I-15/I-86 System Interchange daytime detour to continue Wednesday morning

POCATELLO – Due to recent inclement weather, the daytime closure of the north-to-west ramp at the System Interchange will continue into Wednesday. The additional time is needed to complete placement of the steel girders for new bridges.

Traffic will be directed to the Northgate Interchange, adding approximately five minutes to travel times. Drivers will exit at Northgate, cross over I-15, and then proceed south on I-15. The detour will be in place starting at 5 a.m. until work is be completed. The same detour has been in place for the last 3 weekdays.

Girders are horizontal steel beams designed to support the bridge deck. As the beams are placed over the northbound to westbound ramp it is necessary to close the roadway beneath for the safety of the travelling public.

Ongoing construction at the System Interchange will improve safety and mobility while replacing bridges built in the 1960s. Work is expected to be complete in 2025.

Motorists should exercise additional caution while travelling through the construction zone. Those wishing to receive email updates about the System Interchange project can sign-up at this link – https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/g9MMkN9. Drivers can also check or download the 511 app for the last traffic conditions on all state highways and freeways.

Idaho Authorities Join Forces for Safer Roads: Intensified DUI Patrols Planned as Labor Day Nears

BOISE—Labor Day is fast approaching, and summer is winding down. As Idahoans celebrate the end of the summer expect to see more police officers on the roads looking for impaired drivers. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is partnering with over 50 law enforcement agencies across the state to step up DUI patrols from August 18 through Labor Day.

“As Idahoans, we want to do the right thing and keep each other safe,” explained Impaired Driving Program Specialist Lisa Losness. “We all know drinking and driving can have deadly consequences and so we hope everyone makes a plan for a sober ride home and the police don’t have to intervene.”

According to data gathered by OHS, 39% of all fatal crashes in Idaho are impaired driver related.

Labor Day also marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. This year to date 152* people have been killed in crashes on Idaho roads, 77* of those fatalities happened during the 100 Deadliest Days.

“If you are planning a Labor Day celebration or an end-of-summer road trip, include a safe and sober ride home in your plans, buckle up, and end this summer with great memories,” said Losness.

*Preliminary data

E 400 South Road Closed until late August

UPDATE: E 400 South Road in Jerome will continue to be closed until late August.

JEROME – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will close E 400 South Road under I-84. Closures will allow crews to begin work on the E 400 South Road bridges as they widen I-84 between the South Jerome (Exit 168) and Twin Falls (Exit 173) Interchanges.

Traffic will be detoured to Golf Course Road, E Frontage Road, E 300 S and S 200 E.

Intermittent closures of E 400 South Road will continue throughout the duration of the I-84 South Jerome to Twin Falls project. Construction is anticipated to be completed in late fall of 2025.

Details about the I-84 South Jerome to Twin Falls project are available at ITDProjects.org/84jerometotwin or by texting 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.

I-84/US-93 Interchange Ramp Construction

UPDATE: Daytime and nighttime ramp closure on the I-84 Westbound ramp Aug. 29 – Sept. 11. Daytime ramp closure affords construction crews the ability to expedite ramp paving. Project remains on schedule to be completed mid-October.

TWIN FALLS – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) begins construction on the I-84 and US-93 interchange on and off-ramps at Exit 173 in August 2023 which is expected to last approximately two months. Located just north of Twin Falls, the project will resurface the ramps, upgrade signals, and construct a right turn lane for the westbound I-84 off-ramp.

The public can expect the following traffic impacts:

Lane reductions in place at the on and off-ramps south of I-84.
Temporary closures will occur at the on and off-ramps 8 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Motorists will drive on a gravel surface during the day on the westbound on and off-ramps.
Construction will be staggered and no more than one ramp will be closed at a time.
Each ramp closure is expected to last for approximately eight nights.
Motorists will need to use alternate routes when closures are in place.
Signs and possibly flaggers or a temporary signal will be in place to direct traffic.

Download map for alternate route descriptions at https://itd.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/I84-US93-IC-RampClosures-1.pdf.

Travelers are reminded to check 511.idaho.gov for impacts to traffic from construction.

Daytime detour for I-15/I-86 System Interchange expected in the next week

POCATELLO – Drivers on I-15 northbound heading west on I-86 toward Chubbuck will be detoured several days in the next week as crews install girders at the System Interchange. Ongoing construction at the System Interchange will improve safety and mobility while replacing bridges built in the 1960s.

Girders are horizontal steel beams designed to support the bridge deck. As the beams will be placed over the northbound to westbound ramp it is necessary to close the roadway beneath for the safety of the travelling public.

Traffic will be directed to the Northgate Interchange, adding approximately five minutes to travel times. Detours are expected to be in place from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. the following days:

Thursday, Aug. 17
Monday, Aug. 21
Tuesday, Aug. 22

The detour through the Northgate Interchange will exit at Northgate, cross over I-15, and then proceed south on I-15.

Night Closures Planned for I-15 Northbound Lanes at Fort Hall Exit 80

POCATELLO – To facilitate construction of the new bridge at Fort Hall Exit 80 on I-15, night closures of the northbound lanes will occur tonight (Aug. 15), Wednesday Aug. 16, Monday Aug. 21 and Wednesday Aug. 23. During tonight’s construction forms will be placed from 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The other three nights girders will be erected from 9:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Northbound traffic will be diverted over the old overpass.

Motorists should plan for delays and exercise additional caution while travelling through the construction zone. Check 511.idaho.gov or download the 511 app to your phone for the last traffic conditions.

Public invited to view expansion plans for the CDA area as part of I-90 corridor study

The Idaho Transportation Department will host an open house next week in Coeur d’Alene to present designs to modernize I-90 between State Highway 41 and 15^th Street. Plans are funded by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative and include adding lanes to increase capacity on I-90 and modernizing infrastructure like interchanges that were originally built with the interstate in the 1960s and 1970s.

Details for the open house:

Date: Tuesday, August 22

Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Location: Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn

506 West Appleway Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

The open house will feature designs from two projects: the overarching corridor study that will determine what the scope of improvements are between SH-41 and 15^th Street and the design for widening I-90 from SH-41 to U.S. Highway 95.

For those not able to attend the open house, an online option will share the same information and be available on August 22 at itdprojects.org/i90corridor. Comments submitted online before September 5 will be considered by the project team.

“Throughout the study, we have heard repeatedly that we need to make I-90 safer and more reliable by increasing capacity to address congestion,” Project Manager Erika Bowen said. “With a nearly 16-mile corridor to improve, we are moving forward with the study in the Coeur d’Alene area while simultaneously advancing the most congested section between SH-41 and US-95 to final design. This model of breaking the corridor into smaller projects will help to improve travel for residents where it is needed most, while we complete design plans and obtain funding for the rest of the corridor.”

The open house will feature both information on the larger corridor study and design plans to widen the most congested section between SH-41 and US-95. The design project is the first project to come out of the concurrent I-90 corridor study and is anticipated to begin construction in 2024.

The open house will not provide updates on other sections of the study, including the Post Falls area. With limited funding identified for the corridor, projects will be prioritized for design and construction based on traffic analysis and project readiness. Corridor-wide improvements are anticipated to take 10 to 20 years to build.

The I-90 corridor study is funded by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build. Preliminary estimates value the improvements needed for I-90 between Washington state line and Coeur d’Alene at nearly $1 billion, which includes design, right of way and construction costs.

To stay up to date on the I-90 corridor project, visit itdprojects.org/i90corridor and sign up for email updates.