Ramp opens at I-86 and I-15 System Interchange

Photo of the new eastbound to northbound ramp

Starting this evening, motorists will encounter new traffic patterns at the Interstate 86 and Interstate 15 System Interchange in Pocatello. The newly constructed I-86 eastbound to I-15 northbound ramp is set to open to traffic tonight. Alongside this change, the rightmost lane of I-86 eastbound will be closed as part of the new traffic configuration.

Drivers should also be aware that the split point for the eastbound-to-northbound and eastbound-to-southbound lanes will be shifted to the west, near the Hiline Bridge.

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. The project is scheduled to be completed next summer.

Motorists are encouraged to stay informed about the latest traffic updates and detours by visiting 511.idaho.gov or using the 511 app. Additional details about the project can be found on ITD’s projects website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-86i-15-system-interchange.

SH-21 near Grandjean remains closed due to fire activity

The Wapiti Fire burning in the Boise National Forest.

Update Aug. 23, 2024 – The State Highway 21 closure has been expanded from Sourdough Lodge to Stanley (MP 84 to 130) due to wildfire activity from the Wapiti Fire. Only local traffic is permitted between the Sourdough and Warm Springs Airstrip. There is no public access from the highway to surrounding areas including Grandjean, Bull Trout, Cape Horn, Boundary Creek, or Seafoam.

Traffic to/from the Stanley area can use State Highway 75 as an alternate route. Access to local businesses in Lowman and Stanley remains open at this time. Please check with the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests for area closure information. Please check with the Boise and Custer County Sheriffs’ Offices for local road closures and evacuation orders.

There is no estimate on when SH-21 will reopen. Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

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Update Aug. 22, 2024 – State Highway 21 remains closed from Warm Springs Creek to Stanley (MP 92 to 130) due to wildfire activity from the Wapiti Fire. There is currently no public access to the Grandjean area, as the fire’s currently burning on both sides of the highway. Motorists planning to travel between Boise and Stanley must take an alternate route through Ketchum on State Highway 75. There is no estimate for when the road will reopen as fire activity remains unpredictable at this time.

If you are traveling on SH-21, please stay alert for increased fire traffic. It’s crucial not to slow crews down as they work to manage the fire. Avoid traveling to closure points to wait. For your safety, check 511.idaho.gov before you go!

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

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Aug. 20, 2024 – The Wapiti Fire burning in the Boise National Forest has forced the closure of State Highway 21 near Grandjean. Motorists planning to travel between Boise and Stanley will need to take an alternate route through Ketchum on State Highway 75. There is no estimate for when the road will reopen.

The Wapiti Fire is 10% contained and has burned more than 9,000 acres. The Idaho Transportation Department encourages all drivers to check 511.idaho.gov for current conditions on your route.

Here are some additional safety tips for traveling in areas with wildfires:

Power outages are common near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic signals as four-way stops.
Bring additional food and water in case your trip is delayed.
Driving in smoke is similar to driving in heavy fog. Slow down, maintain a steady pace, and stay alert.
Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.
The safest place to wait for a highway to reopen is at home. Avoid traveling to closure points to wait, as closures could last for days.

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

Culvert repairs on North Central Idaho highways to start today

State Highway 3 culvert replacement photo.

Starting today several high priority culverts at multiple locations along U.S. Highway 95, State Highway 8, and State Highway 3 will be rehabilitated. To extend the culverts’ service lives, they need to be repaired.

The repairs will be conducted in the following order and locations:

SH-8 just past Troy at milepost 16
SH-3 between Kendrick and Deary at milepost 27
US-95 south of Grangeville and near White Bird Grade at mileposts 238 and 239

Motorists should exercise caution when traveling through the work zones. Crews will try to minimize impacts to traffic and most of the work should be off the roadway.

Each culvert should take about a week to complete before crews move on to the next one. All of the culvert repairs are estimated to take about a month to complete.

Culvert liners will be installed, and scour holes will be repaired. In addition, some trees may be removed, and rock will be placed to armor the inlets and outlets. This work will ultimately extend their useful life, avoiding more extensive repairs and disruptions to traffic in the future.

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.

Public invited to view latest information on study to improve US-20 from Ashton to SH-87 JCT

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host two public meetings next week to share developments and seek public input for the preliminary environmental study of U.S. Highway 20 between Ashton and the State Highway 87 junction.

The purpose and need of the corridor study is to enhance highway safety and operations by decreasing crash severity, addressing traffic growth, improving access management and addressing regional freight movement.

Following a two-year process that included significant analysis and public involvement, including a stakeholder screening group, several improvement options are recommended to move forward and will be on display at the public meetings. The options included various four-lane highway alternatives being considered.

The option of adding more alternate passing lanes was determined by the stakeholder screening group to be least beneficial and will likely not be recommended to proceed because it does not meet the purpose and need requirements of improved safety and mobility. Future traffic data estimates indicate this option has excessive congestion and travel delays by 2050 and a concern by engineers that this inconsistent lanes design over 40 miles of mountain highway with more than 10,000 vehicles a day during peak season creates high risk crash zones at multiple traffic merge areas versus other options reviewed.

The study is a first step in efforts to reduce congestion, enhance safety, and improve mobility throughout the region. Public input is important to the process and ITD welcomes feedback on study alternatives. Recommendations from the study may be used or adopted into future National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) studies, which will also include community outreach and public engagement opportunities. Funding beyond the PEL study has not been identified.

ITD experts will be available to answer questions and discuss the alternatives and timeline of the study. The format and content will be the same at both meetings. The locations are:

Ashton Community Center and Library

925 Main Street
Ashton, ID 83420

August 21, 2024
5 – 7 p.m.

Island Park EMS Building
4378 County Circle
August 22, 2024
5 – 7 p.m.

For those who can’t attend in person, an online meeting will be available from August 22 – September 5 at itdprojects.org/projects/us-20-ashton-to-sh-87-jct.

Multiyear construction begins next week to widen I-15 between the Northgate and Fort Hall interchanges

Photograph of I-15 and the Northgate Interchange

The Idaho Transportation Department is beginning construction to widen Interstate 15 to three lanes in each direction between the Northgate and Fort Hall interchanges to accommodate projected increases in traffic volumes. This Leading Idaho multi-year project includes widening I-15, constructing a median barrier to separate opposing lanes of traffic and reconstructing bridge structures, including overpasses and underpasses, to accommodate the additional lanes.

Motorists can expect to see traffic control devices in the project area as early as Monday morning. Work has been phased to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction during the day for most of the project. However, motorists should be aware some nighttime work will require single-lane closures.

This fall, crews will shift traffic to create the space they need to build a median wall, reconstruct structures, and demolish and reconstruct the existing northbound lanes of the interstate.

During construction, motorists should expect:

Nighttime work begins the week of August 19 and will continue for the first couple weeks of construction. Work will occur from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Nighttime single-lane closures may happen occasionally after this period.
Daytime work is expected to begin early this fall and will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Lane restrictions will occur on I-15. Most work requiring lane restrictions is anticipated to occur at night.
Ramp adjustments will occur at the Fort Hall Interchange (Exit 80) to match the grade of the new mainline.
Variable speed limit signs will be installed in the project area, allowing ITD to lower speeds when crews are working near traffic.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2027. The project will increase capacity and improve safety on I-15 to serve East Idaho’s growing transportation volumes for years to come.

Due to the large project area, the widening of this stretch of I-15 has been divided into two projects with separate contractors. These contractors will work simultaneously to complete the projects. Western Construction, Inc. and Sundt Construction are the contractors for the north and south project areas, respectively.

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 communities across the state for years to come.

To sign up for project updates:

Visit the project website: itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i15northgatetoblackfoot
Call: 208-252-5553
Email: info@pocatellotoidahofalls.org

Temporary signals to increase delays in SH-200 work zone in Kootenai

Crews work to pave a new section of SH-200 near Kootenai

Starting next week, crews will begin utilizing temporary traffic signals on State Highway 200. These signals will operate 24 hours a day and reduce the roadway to one lane on the east end of the work zone.

The temporary traffic signals are expected to be in place until for approximately two weeks as crews work to construct a new embankment along the south shoulder of the highway and create the space necessary to expand the highway to include a new center turn lane.

This work also includes milling down through the existing eastbound lane to tie the new and original roadway surfaces together. Available space for through traffic will be limited to a single lane warranting the use of temporary signals around the clock, even outside of working hours. Previously the roadway has only been reduced to one lane during working hours with traffic returned to its normal configuration during nights and weekends.

During this time drivers should continue to expect delays, especially during peak times of the morning and evening commute.

Crews remain mindful of congestion and will take all reasonable steps to minimize the amount of delay drivers experience.

The Idaho Transportation Department appreciates the ongoing patience of motorists throughout this process. The new roadway will deliver a significantly improved corridor to the Kootenai community later this fall.

Once this phase of work is complete both temporary signals will be removed; however, there may be a possibility for intermittent, short term flagging operations after the removal of the signals.

By mid-September motorists can expect notable improvement in the ease of mobility through the construction zone.

This project is on track for final completion of all phases by mid- to late-October.

Nighttime resurfacing to begin next week on the Long Bridge

View of US-95 Long Bridge near Sandpoint

Starting the week of August 19 crews will return to the Long Bridge in Sandpoint and begin resurfacing the roadway. The driving surface was ground down earlier this spring to increase traction and make it safer for travel.

Work will occur overnight Monday through Friday, running from 7:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. with an expected completion date in mid-September.

During nighttime construction hours traffic will be reduced to a single, alternating lane with flaggers and pilot cars guiding motorists safely through the work zone. Drivers should expect nighttime delays throughout the month and plan ahead.

As a reminder, drivers are encouraged to slow down through work zones and stay alert behind the wheel for the safety of our crews.

Motorists can utilize the Idaho 511 system for real-time updates about ongoing traffic impacts in the area.

I-84 corridor mowing to be completed in August as ITD and BLM partnership shows continued success in fire reduction efforts

The ITD Mountain Home maintenance crew is actively mowing the I-84 shoulders, median, and gores along I-84 from Mountain Home to Boise.

Fire prevention efforts between the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continue to reduce the number of large human-caused fires along the Interstate 84 corridor from Boise to Mountain Home.

The ITD Mountain Home maintenance crew is actively mowing the I-84 shoulders, median, and gores along the popular route. Once completed, they’ll have mowed more than 400 miles of vegetation, covering 64 miles of roadway. Typically, the crew stops south of Boise; however, the BLM Boise District provided a third tractor to cover more ground, so this year ITD will reduce fire fuels up to Gowen Road. The four-person team, which includes three on mowers and one in a water truck, expects to have the corridor mowed this week.

“I have been mowing this corridor for five years, and I enjoy doing it because we’re making the area safer for both the community and travelers. The additional equipment has helped us mow more ground efficiently and effectively,” Mowing Team Lead Jake Kuecker said.

Historical data highlights the significance of these efforts. During the late 1900s and early 2000s, there was a steady increase in wildfires along the I-84 corridor. These fires were often large and difficult to suppress, making the area one of the largest wildfire hotspots in the country.

By 2013, the BLM Boise District, in partnership with ITD, fully implemented a fuel break strategy along the I-84 corridor. This included mowing, constructing fuel breaks, and improving roadway aprons. Those efforts, along with ongoing fuel reduction measures like mowing, have reduced the average fire size by 95% over the past seven years, despite a 30% increase in traffic flow.

Map from BLM to show the reduction in large fire on I-84 corridor between Mountain Home and Boise. — Map from BLM showing reduction in large fires on I-84 corridor between Mountain Home and Boise.

Adopt-A-Highway litter pick-up application, request & reporting moves online

In late March, the form to apply for the Adopt-A-Highway litter pickup program moved online to better service customers, as did the request for litter-patrol equipment (safety vests, traffic-control signs and trash bags) as well as the mechanism to report litter-patrol results after the event. The website where this is available also shows in real time the route segments available across the state – a task that previously was based on a spreadsheet that was frequently out-of-date. A group can also renew their contract, expand their assigned route, and modify the group’s name or contact info online.

ITD truck loaded with bags of trash from an Adopt a Highway pickup — *ITD truck loaded with bags of trash from an Adopt-A-Highway pick-up*

In the past, the forms for approximately 1,000 groups in the AAH program were all paper-based, relied on snail mail and manual inputs into an antiquated database, and the process was time-consuming. One example was the reporting process.

“Groups were under the misunderstanding by leaving the equipment check-out form at the shed that they were reporting their litter pick-up, and it was all being tracked for them. This wasn’t always the case, however. We’ve received boxes of five-year-old forms complete with dead mice to process. In the meantime, we’ve contacted the group saying we have no reported litter pickups tied to their contract and upset the people who are volunteering their time to complete a thankless job on our behalf,” explained AAH Statewide Coordinator Judi Conner.

She said it was often frustrating and the paper-based processes were expensive. The change is also expected to save valuable time.

“We spent a lot of time taking phone calls and transferring calls. Litter pick-up report cards left at the maintenance shed were seldom forwarded for the required record tracking. Ironically, we generate a large amount of trash. Not having electronic applications, equipment requests, and reporting capabilities is a turn-off to younger people who might apply. We lose groups because we’re using a stamp and envelope,” Conner said. Additionally, potential identity theft is thwarted by not having contact info printed out and left lying around.

“Although we still allow the manual process when requested, this alleviates the frustration and complaints of the public and generates interest in the program with younger and more technical persons,” Conner explained. “This allows the ITD district contact time to focus on priority work as needed vs continuous printing, emails, phone calls and assisting customers at the counter.”

Traffic patterns change at System Interchange

aerial view of I-86/I-15 system interchange

Beginning this morning, traffic patterns are changing at the System Interchange in Pocatello. Traffic using the southbound entrance ramp from Northgate can now merge with the new southbound alignment and will no longer be detoured through the Interstate 86 Chubbuck Exit before returning to Interstate 15.

In addition, southbound I-15 traffic wishing to travel west on I-86 will now drive over the new Chubbuck bridge before exiting to the right.

Motorists are encouraged to keep up-to-date via 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to keep track of project detours. Project details are available here on ITD’s projects website.