Impacts to CDA River recreation near Cataldo set to begin as work progresses on I-90 bridges

Aerial view of the CDA river beneath I-90 near Cataldo

As preliminary work continues for the Interstate 90 bridges near Cataldo, crews are installing a temporary work bridge across the Coeur d’Alene River. The bridge will allow personnel and equipment access to the interstate bridges during demolition and construction.

The project is scheduled to extend from 2024 to 2026. For safety, during this time recreational access and use of the river near the construction zone will be restricted for 500 feet on both sides of the bridges.

Starting as early as next week, all marine traffic will be directed to the east side of the river until safe passage beneath the temporary bridge is established. At that time access will be restricted and through-passage on the river will be closed weekly Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the remainder of the 2024 construction season while crews work above the river. Examples of activities that will be restricted within the work zone include, but are not limited to, boating, kayaking, swimming, tubing, and fishing.

In late fall these restrictions will be lifted and the river will be accessible over winter months.

For both the 2025 and 2026 construction seasons, restrictions will once again be in effect from April through November inhibiting access, use and passage Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Construction will take scheduled breaks during the major summer holidays each season and access to the river will be available for recreation.

Signs will be posted locally at boat launches and access points that will update users of restrictions or changes throughout the construction process.

Ongoing updates for I-90 traffic impacts for this project, and projects all across the state, are available on Idaho 511 by phone, online, or on the app.

Sealcoats for North Central Idaho highways begin Monday

Picture of US-12 taken from a drone near the Montana State boarder.

Several sections of U.S. Highway 95, U.S. Highway 12 and State Highway 11 will begin receiving surface treatments as early as Monday. Motorists can expect work zones with flaggers and one lane of alternating traffic. The sections listed below are in the order that work will be performed:

US-12 from 9-Mile River access (just east of Wilderness Gateway Campground) to the Montana state line.
SH-11 from Grangemont Road to Headquarters.
US-95 from White Bird Bridge to near the top of White Bird Grade.
US-95 from the Goff (Time Zone) Bridge to Riggins.

Each of these sealcoats are anticipated to take between one to two weeks to complete before crews move on to the next section of highway.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down and be ready to stop when approaching a work zone. Delays may range from 15 to 30 minutes. Patience is appreciated for the safety of crews.

Sealcoats are necessary applications that preserve the road and improve the driving surface by waterproofing the roadway and increasing skid resistance for safety. Some additional crack sealing may be performed as part of this restorative maintenance.

Construction will conclude by the end of August. 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.

Traffic restrictions in place on SH-71 due to Oregon fire activity

Commercial traffic is restricted on SH-71 due to Durkee fire.

7/25/2024 update:

This restriction has been lifted, however there is a permanent length restriction on SH-71 in place. Check 511.idaho.gov for more information.

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The Idaho Transportation (ITD) is restricting all large commercial traffic from traveling on State Highway 71 due to the ongoing Durkee fire that’s actively burning in Eastern Oregon.

Using SH-71 to access Oregon is not a suitable detour for interstate trucks. SH-71, between Cambridge and the Oregon state line, is narrow and winding. To maintain traffic flow and ensure safety, non-essential commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds are now prohibited from using this route. Messaging boards have been deployed to inform the public of these restrictions and an alert has been posted to 511.idaho.gov. There is currently no estimate for when these restrictions will be lifted.

Additionally, Interstate 84 between Ontario and Baker City is closed. The Durkee fire is anticipated to expand as high winds are forecasted. There is no estimate for when this segment of I-84 will reopen.

Travelers are advised against heading to Ontario to wait for the reopening. ITD urges drivers to seek alternative routes.

For future updates: I-84 extended closure in eastern Oregon due to wildfires | Idaho Transportation Department

Daytime ramp closures begin at I-84 Exit 141 for US-30 pavement repair

The Idaho Transportation Department will have daytime ramp closures at Exit 141, both on and off ramps, for up to two weeks during work to rehabilitate the pavement on US-30. Closure of the ramps will ensure the work is completed more efficiently and for the safety of the work crews.

During the daytime ramp closures at Exit 141, all drivers will be detoured to Exit 137 about four miles west of Bliss. Ramps at Exit 141 will be opened as work concludes each day; impacts are expected to be complete by July 29.

The ramp closures are part of a project to extend the life of US-30 through Bliss by recycling the existing asphalt, adding cement to better stabilize the roadway base, and repaving the roadway. Construction on US-30 through Bliss is expected to be completed in early fall.

For more information on this project go to Idaho 511.

Major traffic pattern changes starting tomorrow as part of Burley Interchange (Exit 208) reconstruction

Motorists should watch for new traffic patterns on State Highway 27 as part of the reconstruction of the northbound lanes and bridge over Interstate 84 at the Burley Interchange. Beginning tomorrow, the Idaho Transportation Department will implement the following changes while the new road and structure are under construction:

Northbound and southbound SH-27 traffic will shift to the west.
The I-84 westbound on-ramp to SH-27 will be shifted to the north.
The westbound I-84 on-ramp will be closed on the west side of SH-27.
The on-ramp located on the east side of SH-27 will provide westbound access to I-84. The on-ramp will be controlled by a temporary traffic signal.

Motorists should slow down and follow construction signage in the work zone to adjust to the new traffic pattern which will be in place until fall 2025.

Reconstruction of the Burley Interchange is expected to cost $85.1 million.

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 this important agricultural and industrial route.

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.

To learn more about the project, please visit itdprojects.org/projects/i-84-burley-and-heyburninterchanges.

Three lanes close on US-93 near Jerome starting July 23

US-93 will be reduced to a single lane on July 23 and 24 for shoulder work from 8 am to 5 pm. The closure will start north of the blinking light at the State Highway 25 junction and last about 2 miles. A pilot car and traffic control will be in place to help navigate through the area.

SH-25 is not expected to be impacted as the shoulder work begins north of the junction. Delays are expected and drivers should try to find an alternative route. Drivers along US-93 will be stopped for a short period of time to allow the flow of traffic on that single lane in each direction with the help of a pilot vehicle.

For traffic impacts go to Idaho 511.

Emergency repair on I-84 near SLC interchange begins July 17

An emergency repair on Interstate 84 near the Salt Lake City Interchange will begin on July 17 to fix concrete pavement that is starting to fail. The pavement has lifted several inches causing a noticeable bump near one of the bridge decks through the region. This bump can be not only disruptive to motorists but poses a safety hazard.

Westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane and the speed limit has been reduced to 55 mph. Bump warning signs have been placed until the repair can be completed. The repair should take 5 days. Drivers should properly secure loose items on their vehicles, slow down and use extra caution through the area.

For traffic impacts and information go to 511.idaho.gov

I-84 extended closure in Eastern Oregon due to wildfires

Wildfire causes I-84 in Oregon to close.

7/25/2024 7:00 a.m. update: Rain helped the firefighting effort. Interstate 84 is currently open.

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7/24/2024 1:00 p.m. update: Large commercial traffic is restricted until further notice on State Highway 71 between Cambridge and the Oregon state line due to fire activity. Using SH-71 to access Oregon is not a suitable detour for interstate trucks. SH-71, between Cambridge and the Oregon state line, is narrow and winding. To maintain traffic flow and ensure safety, non-essential commercial vehicles over 26,000 pounds are now prohibited from using this route.

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7/24/2024 12:30 p.m. update: I-84 is closed due to fire activity. The fire has reached I-84 and it is not safe for travelers. Fire officials do not want people to travel to Ontario to wait. The fire is expected to grow as winds are forecasted in the area, there’s no estimate on when it will reopen.
Consider alternative travel options and for the latest information, keep an eye on TripCheck or Idaho 511.

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7/24/2024 9:30 a.m. update: The I-84 corridor has reopened, but due to the unpredictable nature of wildfires, travelers should be prepared for potential closures and are advised not to rely on this route.

Idaho travelers are urged to use 511.idaho.gov for traffic impacts.

Oregon travelers are urged to use Tripcheck.com for up-to-date information.

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This information is from the Oregon Department of Transportation

PENDLETON – If you plan to travel across Oregon in the coming days, make sure you carefully plan your route. I-84 and many other highways in eastern Oregon may be closed or unreliable due to wildfires. With a long hot summer ahead, other fires and closures throughout the state are likely.

Wildfires are unpredictable and we have no estimate on opening times for any fire-impacted highways. Previous plans for a nighttime only closure of I-84 to remove brush along the highway were upended when the fire quickly reached the highway. Fire crews are actively fighting fire from I-84.

Travelers should use U.S. 20 to move east or west across central and eastern Oregon. If you must travel, consult Tripcheck.com and check conditions for your route. Here are some other tips while traveling in wildfire season:

Do not follow GPS directions or detour on local or forest roads. These roads are not suitable for interstate traffic. If a highway is closed on Tripcheck.com, it is likely that nearby local roads will be closed as well.
Expect power outages near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic lights like a four-way stop. Roadside message boards and Tripcheck cameras may also be out in these areas.
Carry extra supplies including food and water in case your trip is delayed.
Driving in smoke is like driving in heavy fog. Slow down but keep a steady pace and stay alert. Slow driving gives you more time to respond to unexpected conditions.
Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.
The best place to wait for a highway to open is at home. Do not travel to the closure points and wait as closures could last for days.

Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

North Idaho highways to receive a fresh coat of paint through summer

Vehicles involved in a mobile painting operation

Throughout the months of July, August and September, Idaho Transportation Department striping crews will be laying down a fresh coat of paint on large sections of highways across the Panhandle. The following schedule will help drivers to be aware of upcoming temporary work zones that may affect them and plan ahead. Every year crews stripe hundreds of miles, and on heavily traveled routes like I-90, apply two coats of paint.

JULY

US-95 Byway in Sandpoint

US-95 from Sandpoint to Athol

US-95 from Athol to Coeur d’Alene

SH-41 from I-90 to Rathdrum

US-95 from Coeur d’Alene to the Latah County line

SH-53 from Rathdrum to the Washington State line

Post Falls business loop

AUGUST

EARLY SH-58 from the Coeur d’Alene Casino to the Washington State line

SH-60 from US-95 to the Washington State line

SH-5 from Plummer to St. Maries

MID SH-3 from I-90 to the Latah County Line

SH-6 from the SH-3 Junction to the Latah County line

LATE INTO SH-97 from I-90 to the SH-3 Junction

EARLY SEPT SH-4 from Wallace to Burke

Wallace, Mullan, and Osburn business loops

During striping operations teams are organized into a line of pace cars flanking the paint truck and are followed by a crash cushion trailer to ensure the safety of the crew. This configuration of vehicles travels slowly as they paint the roadway markings to ensure lines that will last through the year. While the paint itself is very bright, retro-reflective beads are also mixed in to help catch and reflect light to improve nighttime visibility.

Pace cars alert motorists of the operation and slow down traffic so drivers do not go over the paint before it dries. It is important for drivers to avoid drifting over the lines on either side of their lane or trying to pass where striping is in progress.

Striping operations occur primarily during daylight hours and are performed in the summer when temperatures are consistently warm enough to ensure the paint dries quickly and adheres securely to the road. Most frequently these operations are carried out during weekdays, but there are occasional needs for weekend work. Crews start as early as 5 a.m. to avoid peak commute times and try to pull off so others can pass where they have room to do so safely.

Drivers who encounter the mobile paint operations are asked to be patient for the safety of motorists and crews, and to follow the guidance of all work zone signs, especially for no passing.

Updated information will be available throughout the summer on Idaho 511.

Construction starts on US-95 Grangeville Truck Route Bypass Road today

A picture of the intersection of US-95 and Truck Route Bypass Road in Grangeville.

Motorists can expect improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 95 and Truck Route Bypass Road at the north side of Grangeville starting today.

A northbound right turn lane and southbound left turn lane will be added to US-95. The turn bays will enhance safety by allowing turning traffic to pull out of the travel lanes to decelerate.

Additionally, about 100 feet of the Truck Route Bypass Road will be regraded to provide a smoother transition onto US-95. Other improvements on the project will include the installation of new culverts and regraded ditches for stormwater transport.

Lane closures with flaggers and pilot car should be expected. The work zone will be short in length and delays should be minimum at 15 minutes.

Construction will conclude by the end of September. 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.