UPDATE: Commuter traffic in-town detour – Shoshone railroad closed for repairs May 16-18

SHOSHONE – UPDATE – Commuter motorists will be detoured in-town around the Shoshone railroad construction zone while trucks will be detoured onto to highways.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) asks drivers in the Shoshone area to plan ahead, as a section of U.S. Route 26 at milepost 165.93 will be closed for railroad repair May 16-18.

The crossing will be closed to motorists starting on Tuesday, May 16 at 6 a.m. and will reopen when work is complete by approximately 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 18. To receive the most current traffic updates, call 511 or sign up at 511.idaho.gov.

Union Pacific Railroad Company will conduct repairs to address the aging infrastructure and includes removing old steel tracks and replacing with new steel tracks, concrete slabs, and asphalt.

Commuter motorists will be detoured in-town around the Shoshone railroad construction zone. All commercial trucks traveling northbound on U.S. Route 93 wishing to proceed toward Shoshone will be detoured west on U.S. Route 26. Those traveling southbound on State Highway 75 wishing to proceed toward Shoshone will be detoured west on U.S. Route 20. The closure and detour will remain for approximately three days until the railroad crossing repairs are completed.

ITD, Idaho State Police, and local law enforcement caution motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.

Shoshone railroad crossing closed temporarily until repaired

SHOSHONE – A Union Pacific Railroad company crew is working to reopen a railroad crossing in Shoshone that is temporarily closed due to a trucking accident that happened late Friday afternoon on May 12. Crews are currently onsite and expect to have the section of road along U.S. Route 26 at milepost 165.93 opened as soon as repairs are completed within the next few hours.

A truck pulling a trailer hooked part of a rail while traveling over the railroad crossing and caused damage to the rail and tore out several concrete slabs. There are no reported injuries.

Motorists can expect traffic delays around the Shoshone area and should find alternate routes. To receive the most current traffic updates, call 511 or sign up at 511.idaho.gov.

This incident does not impact the scheduled railroad crossing repair currently scheduled for next week starting May 16. The crossing will be closed to motorists starting on Tuesday, May 16 at 6 a.m. and will reopen when work is complete by approximately 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 18.

Union Pacific Railroad Company will conduct repairs to address the aging infrastructure and includes removing old steel tracks and replacing with new steel tracks, concrete slabs, and asphalt.

Motorists traveling northbound on U.S. Route 93 wishing to proceed toward Shoshone will be detoured west on U.S. Route 26. Those traveling southbound on State Highway 75 wishing to proceed toward Shoshone will be detoured west on U.S. Route 20. The closure and detour will remain for approximately three days until the railroad crossing repairs are completed.

Shoshone railroad crossing closed for repairs May 16-18

SHOSHONE – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) asks drivers in the Shoshone area to plan ahead, as a section of U.S. Route 26 at milepost 165.93 will be closed for railroad repair May 16-18.

Union Pacific Railroad Company will conduct repairs to address the aging infrastructure and includes removing old steel tracks and replacing with new steel tracks, concrete slabs, and asphalt.

Tom Mahoney takes reins as new Idaho Aeronautics Administrator

BOISE – Tom Mahoney, an Idaho pilot with more than three decades of aviation experience in the Gem State, takes over May 15 as the new Idaho Division of Aeronautics Administrator. He replaces Jeff Marker, who is retiring in early June after nine years with the department and four years as Aero’s Administrator.

In leaving, Marker stated he is incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to work for ITD

“This is an extraordinarily professional group, and I feel privileged to have been at least a small part of the team,” Marker explained. “Aero and ITD will be in great hands as Tom takes over as Administrator.”

Mahoney brings enthusiasm and a wealth of Idaho experience to the new position.

“I am thrilled to be selected,” Mahoney said. “I am glad to continue to contribute to air commerce and safety in Idaho, a state that benefits tremendously from aviation.”

Mahoney has been a military aviator, aircraft owner, small-business owner, flight instructor, and air charter pilot in Idaho for the past 30 years.

“I will use all of those skills as I serve the team members in the Aeronautics Division,” he added. “I look forward to continuing Jeff Marker’s legacy and supporting the vision and mission of the Idaho Transportation Department.”

Aviation runs in Mahoney’s blood. “Aviation has been a passion of mine since winning an art contest for United Airlines when I was eight years old,” he said. “My father was a United Airlines employee, so I had early exposure to many great people in aviation.”

Like Marker, Mahoney has an Air Force background. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy (Physics), Air Force Test Pilot School, Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University, and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. After a decade of flying fighter aircraft, Tom served for four years as a budget officer in the Pentagon.

No More Fuel Services in Elk City, ID

ELK CITY, ID – With private fuel services no longer available in Elk City this spring, motorists and recreationists are advised to plan their trips carefully based on average fuel consumption and overall trip mileage.

If traveling east from Grangeville to Elk City, travelers can expect the distance to be over 50 miles one way. State Highway 14 is paved , but motorists are advised to remain vigilant for any falling rocks, trees or other debris caused by spring rains onto the highway.

Signs notifying motorists about the discontinued fuel services are installed at Grangeville and on the Montana side at Darby. Motorists are encouraged to fuel up before driving to Elk City from either side.

If traveling with extra gas cans, federal regulations state gasoline and diesel must be stored in a Department of Transportation approved, properly labeled, closed container, of not more than 5 gallons capacity. Do not transport the container in the passenger compartment of vehicle. The container should be red for gasoline and yellow for diesel and have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) stamp on it.

To get continual updates about weather-related road conditions, road work, commercial vehicle restrictions, road closures, and other travel, please visit Idaho 511. Access it 24/7 on the web at http://511.idaho.gov, by downloading the free mobile app or by dialing 511 on your phone.

ITD District 4 (South-Central Idaho) 2023 Spring/Summer Construction Projects

*I-84: South Jerome Interchange to Twin Falls Interchange
County: Jerome/Twin Falls
Project: Widen Interstate 84 (I-84) between the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) and the Twin Falls Interchange (Exit 173) to increase traffic capacity and improve safety.
*This projected is funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of the Leading Idaho TECM Program. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure that would otherwise take many years to finance and build.
Impact: Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction at night with occasional daytime lane restrictions as necessary. Rolling closures will occur this spring/summer due to rock blasting in the median.
Started: April 2023
Expected Completion: Fall 2025

US-93: Perrine Bridge Repair
County: Twin Falls
Project: Planned maintenance to ensure bridge stays structurally sound. Maintenance repairs include bolt replacement, sidewalk repairs, conduit, and baluster repairs.
Impact: Intermittent lane closures are expected to accomplish the work and traffic delays across the bridge are to be expected during those times. ITD is implementing new mitigation efforts specifically designed to reduce traffic congestion. Daily traffic updates will be posted, and motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and sign up to receive up-to-date traffic notices directly by phone/email/text. Dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov to receive traffic updates on the state highway or interstate system.
Start: May 2023
Expected Completion: Spring 2024

I-84 & SH-25: Bridge Repair West Jerome
County: Jerome
Project: This project involves repairs to the concrete bridge deck, longitudinal bridge joint and transverse bridge joints, as well as various other bridge surfaces and approaches.
Impact: Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on State Highway 25 (SH-25) with intermittent lane closures on I-84.
Started: March 2023
Expected Completion: Summer 2023

I-84 & SH-50: Kimberly Interchange
County: Cassia
Project: Construction of a new diamond interchange including a new overpass bridge to improve the overall safety and functionality of the interchange. The design will add turn lanes and signals at the existing ramps. The design will also provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities within the project limits including a sidewalk across the bridge.
Impact: The first stage will consist of building temporary on and off-ramps at I-84 so traffic can be diverted onto the temporary ramps during construction of the permanent ramps. Traffic will then be reduced to two lanes across the bridge structure during demolition and construction of the other half. Lanes will be narrowed to 11-12’ width on State Highway (SH-50). Traffic will be guided through the work zones using barrels and flaggers. Access to the on and off-ramps and the Travelers Oasis will remain open. There will be frequent changes to the traffic pattern so please remain vigilant. During demolition of the bridge, traffic on I-84 will shift back and forth using crossovers and reduced to one lane each direction and reduced speeds will be in effect.
Started: April 2023
Expected Completion: Summer 2024

I-84: Kasota Interchange to Burley Interchange
County: Cassia
Project: Westbound construction involves milling off existing roadway surface and replacing with new concrete. Eastbound construction starts 2024.
Impact: Westbound traffic will be crossed over to the eastbound lanes while the westbound lanes are closed for construction. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction with reduced speeds.
Started: April 2023
Expected Completion: Westbound Spring-Summer 2023

I-84: Declo Port of Entry (POE) Eastbound
County: Cassia
Project: Construct a new eastbound POE facility.
Impact: Most construction of the new facility will occur away from traffic with minor impacts to motorists with shoulder and single lane closures when the on and off-ramps are tied into the interstate. Existing eastbound Cotterel POE will be demolished once new POE is completed.
Started: Spring 2022
Expected Completion: Fall 2024

SH-46: Big Wood River Bridge
County: Gooding
Project: Replace Big Wood River Bridge north of Gooding
Impact: Traffic will be driving on a gravel surface on the north half of the project until paving can be completed. Reduced speeds are in effect and flaggers will be used to direct traffic through the work zone during working hours.
Started: April 2023
Expected Completion: June 2023

Intersection East 2000 South: Gooding
County: Gooding
Project: Widen State Highway (SH-46) and add a left turn lane in each direction.
Impact: Single lane closures and reduced speeds with flaggers during construction.
Start: June 2023
Expected Completion: Late Summer 2023

US-93 & I-84 Interchange Ramps
County: Jerome
Project: This project involves rehabilitation of the roadway with a mill-and-overlay of eastbound ramps and reconstruction of the westbound ramps.
Impact: Lane reductions will be in place and some intermittent closures of the 1-84 on- and off-ramps will occur. Closures are expected at night.
Start: Summer 2023
Expected Completion: Late Fall 2023

District 4 Seal Coat Pavement Preservation Projects
1. I-84 (milepost 184.34-194.2)
2. US-93: North and Southbound (milepost 57.47 – 59.5)
3. US-93: North and Southbound (milepost 68.83-71.57)
4. US-93: Marley Road to Jim Byrne Slough (milepost 117.5-182.7)
5. US-30 (milepost 253.22-256.97)
6. SH-75: Bellevue to Hailey (milepost 115.6-117.3)
Project: Seal coat preservation begins by applying a thin layer of asphalt/oil and then a cover coat of gravel on the current roadway to seal road cracks, thereby preserving the existing highway surface.
Impact: Few impacts to traffic are anticipated. Traffic may be reduced to a single lane with reduced speeds.
Start: Early Summer
Expected Completion: Late Summer

Two-year project starts Monday to reconstruct I-90 near Osburn and Wallace

View from the trees of I-90 toward Wallace

Construction will begin Monday, May 1, to rebuild nearly eight miles of I-90 from the Big Creek Exit to the West Wallace Exit.

Next week crews will begin setting up the work zone, and by May 8, all traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and shifted on to the westbound lanes so the eastbound lanes can be reconstructed this season.

The project includes replacing concrete sections, most of which dates back to the 1970s when I-90 was first built.

“The concrete is old and heavily deteriorated. In the design phase, we compared the cost of repaving with concrete versus rebuilding with asphalt and decided that asphalt was the most economical choice for this section, both for the short-term costs and long-term maintenance,” Project Manager Joey Sprague said.

At the start of construction the eastbound on- and off-ramps at the Silverton Interchange will close for several months. Drivers trying to access eastbound I-90 will need to use either Exit 57 in Osburn or Exit 61 in Wallace.

Once the work near Silverton is complete, the ramps will reopen and Exit 61 will be closed, so drivers will need to detour to Exit 62. Message boards will be posted in advance of any changes in access.

Later this summer, work will also shift about five miles to repave a short section of I-90 near the east end of the Wallace Viaduct.

The project will last two years. Construction in 2024 will include all lanes from the Big Creek Exit to Osburn and the westbound lanes from Osburn to Wallace.

Other work zones are already in place near Fourth of July Pass and in Kellogg.

“We are waiting to reconstruct the section between Big Creek and Osburn until next year after the Kellogg bridges are complete to give drivers a break in work zones,” Sprague said.

Drivers are reminded to check 511.idaho.gov before traveling to plan for delays from construction.

No Boundaries

Winter storms across the country have delayed travel, shuttered schools and overwhelmed crews trying to dig out of the snow.

Just because the snow falls, it doesn’t mean that people are going to stop driving. Idaho is a beautiful place to travel. There are so many roads and so many wonderful places to visit. From Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho to Island Park in the eastern art of the Gem State, people come from all around to relish in the unmatched beauty.

On average, there are approximately 7,000 winter-related crashes each year in Idaho. ITD responds to winter storms as they occur and attempts to clear the roads as the snow begins to fall. Crews are successful in keeping winter roads clear and passable even during the storm a whopping 75% of the time! However, in situations where a storm covers a large area, resources can be stretched beyond available limits.

It’s been a tough winter. We have felt that particularly in East Idaho. With little to no breaks between storms, it has put a strain on our crews.

In the region, winter maintenance has stretched resources far beyond what crews could handle on their own. When the word went out asking for assistance in order to keep the roads clear and safe for the traveling public, the response was tremendous.

Several other ITD districts sprang into action, with each sending people to help during the storm. District 3 (SW Idaho) sent four crew members to pitch in and lend a much-needed helping hand. District 2 (North-Central Idaho) sent a couple crew members to lend a hand with the storm. Four other employees from District 2 came down after the storm to assist with the clean-up process. They came ready for action, with a rotary plow in tow! Pictured above are D2’s Jasun Walker and Jon Rice with their rotary plow.

While ITD crews function primarily within their designated district or boundaries, it is safe to say that when one district needs help, we don’t see boundaries, just possibilities.

Construction is underway to widen I-84 between South Jerome and Twin Falls interchanges

JEROME – As part of Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho Transportation initiative, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has begun a project to widen I-84 between the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) and the Twin Falls Interchange (Exit 173). Construction begins this week on this 2.5-year project.

I-84 serves as a primary interstate route, and traffic counts are expected to increase substantially over the next 20 years. The existing interstate will not be able to accommodate anticipated future traffic volumes. These improvements will increase capacity and improve safety on I-84 to serve South-central Idaho for years to come.

In 2023, motorists should expect:

I-84 will be restricted to one lane in each direction at night. Occasional daytime lane restrictions may be necessary.
- Rolling closures on I-84 will occur this spring/summer for blasting rock in the median.
Traffic shifts will be used throughout construction.
The speed limit on I-84 will be reduced.
400 South Road will be closed intermittently.

Funding for this project comes from the Leading Idaho TECM Program. The program allows ITD to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build. Concrete Placing Company is the contractor for this $92.9 million project.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in late fall of 2025. Those who are interested in learning more about the project are invited to visit the project website at itdprojects.org/84jerometotwin or call (208) 391-3735.

Information in Spanish can be found on the project website or by calling (208) 398-3696.

US-95 White Bird Creek Bridge Preservation

WHITE BIRD, IDAHO – The Idaho Transportation Department in District 2 and its partners will be conducting work on the iconic 811 feet long bridge at White Bird Creek at Milepost 223.7 along US-95. The project is federally funded and valued at $3,084,200. This preservation project is anticipated to start late-April/early May and conclude in early August.

Workers from Royal Bridge, Inc., a Florida based contractor who specialize in bridge services, will be sandblasting and repainting the tall bridge with its original soft-yellow color to preserve the historic aesthetic of the bridge.

The piers of the structure are metal, so they will also need to be repainted to be protected from rust. This maintenance is important for safety, preserving state infrastructure, and extending the lifespan of the bridge.

The public should expect minimal traffic delays. Extra caution is encouraged when crews are working on the upper bridge deck and rails.

“White Bird Creek Bridge is one of Idaho Transportation Department’s signature bridges and our goal is to preserve its condition as long as possible. Replacement of the bridge is cost prohibitive. Painting the bridge’s structural steel will help eliminate rust that will eventually reduce the bridge’s lifespan,” said Curtis Arnzen, Resident Engineer.

The White Bird Creek Bridge was completed in 1975 and is an impressive structure at the bottom of the White Bird grade on US-95 and overlooking the city of White Bird below. It stands at approx. 300 feet tall and connects travelers and commerce from across the state.

For more information please visit https://itdprojects.org/projects/us95whitebirdcreek/

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