Chief Deputy/COO Dan McElhinney leaves ITD

With more than three decades of public service, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Chief Deputy Director and Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney has announced he is leaving state service.

McElhinney focused on relationships and working with local leaders and community members to improve safety on Idaho’s transportation system. A significant advocate for stakeholder partnerships, he established the work zone safety task force and strengthened the Construction Partnering program with the Idaho Associated General Contractors.

“I am so grateful for Dan’s dedication and emphasis on connecting with communities and overseeing the historic investments in construction focused on safety and mobility, which have enhanced quality of life for Idahoans,” said ITD Director Scott Stokes.

ITD Chief Engineer Dave Kuisti has been named acting Chief Operations Officer until permanent leadership position changes are determined.

US-12 emergency rock scaling project to reduce likelihood of rockfall

Picture taken from a drone on a cloudy day above US-12 and overlooking the rocky slope by Arrow Bridge.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 UPDATE:

U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow Bridge reopened all lanes of traffic as of 2:30 p.m. today. Crews completed rock scaling, excavation and cleanup work on the rocky hillside after a section of the slope shifted, causing loose rocks to create a safety hazard. Traffic may now travel on US-12 near Arrow Bridge without interruption.

As an additional safety measure, a concrete barrier has been placed near the edge of the roadway to protect motorists should any small rocks or debris come loose. Crews worked around the clock and removed an estimated 350 truckloads of debris from the hillside since Friday.

“A big thank you to both our construction partners and maintenance crews for mobilizing and tackling the slope so quickly,” Operations and Traffic Engineering Manager Jared Hopkins said. “I would also like to extend ITD’s appreciation to other partners including the Idaho State Police, Idaho Fish and Game, Nez Perce County Sheriff, Nez Perce County Road and Bridge, and the City of Lewiston Fire Department for their help orchestrating this multiday, emergency project on US-12.”

With holiday travel approaching, drivers are reminded to use Idaho 511 for the most up-to-date traffic and road condition information across the state. Travelers can visit the website at 511.idaho.gov, dial 5-1-1 or download the Idaho 511 app on any smart device.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 UPDATE:

U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow Bridge will re-open one lane at 4 p.m. this afternoon for commuters. The crack has been stabilized and loose rock over a large section of the slope has been removed.

Drivers should use caution when approaching the work zone and be ready to stop when instructed. Flaggers will allow alternating lanes of traffic to travel through with delays lasting up to 20 minutes. Overnight, operators will continue their systematic work of loading and hauling away debris.

ITD will continue to provide any necessary updates during the cleanup process. The most recent schedule can be found at https://itd.idaho.gov/news/us-12-emergency-rock-scaling-project-starts-today-to-reduce-likelihood-of-rockfall/.

Additionally, drivers should continue to use Idaho 511 for the most up-to-date traffic and closure information. Travelers can visit the website at 511.idaho.gov, dial 5-1-1 or download the Idaho 511 app on any smart device.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24 UPDATE:

The Idaho Transportation Department is scheduled to close U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow Bridge tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to allow crews to continue addressing the emergency rock scaling project that started last week. Motorists will be redirected to alternative routes on U.S. Highway 95, State Highway 3, State Highway 13, and State Highway 162.

The highway reopened to one lane over the weekend after work progressed well, but additional heavy equipment modified with special attachments should arrive in the morning to address the remainder of the slope. This closure is necessary to keep the public safe.

ITD will provide any necessary updates as the work progresses throughout the day. However, motorists should plan for a closure extending to 5 p.m. The most recent schedule can be found at https://itd.idaho.gov/news/us-12-emergency-rock-scaling-project-starts-today-to-reduce-likelihood-of-rockfall/.

Additionally, drivers should continue to follow Idaho 511 for the most up-to-date traffic and closure information. Travelers can visit the website at 511.idaho.gov, dial 5-1-1 or download the Idaho 511 app on any smart device.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22 UPDATE:

U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow Bridge has re-opened one lane this evening with flaggers allowing a single, alternating lane of traffic to pass through the work zone through the night. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 20 minutes.

This is a dynamic project, with conditions that may change quickly so ITD encourages the public to use Idaho 511 for the most up-to-date traffic and closure information. Travelers can visit the website at 511.idaho.gov, dial 5-1-1 or download the Idaho 511 app on any smart device.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21 UPDATE:

All lanes of U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow Bridge will temporarily re-open to traffic starting at 5:30 p.m. tonight until 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Crews have made significant progress on the slope above US-12 and engineers have deemed it safe to open for traffic through the night.

Drivers should expect flaggers throughout the area to monitor traffic and the slope for safety.

Work will start again tomorrow morning, closing US-12 at 8:00 a.m. If all goes as planned, ITD aims to reopen the highway at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow evening. Idaho 511 is the best resource for drivers with updated traffic conditions, detour routes and closure information.

Please use caution through the area and be aware of the possibility of debris in the roadway as work continues to clear the slope of loose rocks through the weekend.

Up-to-date traffic information and the latest schedule for this project can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the Idaho 511 app on any smart device.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 UPDATE:

All lanes on U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow Bridge will close tomorrow at noon for rock scaling. Crews will proactively dislodge large rocky sections from the nearby slope under controlled conditions which decreases the likelihood of future rockfalls that create a safety hazard for drivers. Traffic will be detoured to alternative state routes on U.S. Highway 95, State Highway 3, State Highway 13, and State Highway 162.

The closure will stay in place around the clock until crews finish removing unstable rock. Because conditions on the slope can vary, a specific reopening time can’t be set in advance. Drivers should plan for an extended closure. However, if work progresses smoothly, the closure is not expected to last more than a day or two. At this time, we do not expect this closure to impact the Thanksgiving holiday.

“The decision to close the highway was made from a safety standpoint to protect travelers from falling rocks and to allow for a timelier cleanup process,” Operations and Traffic Engineering Manager Jared Hopkins said. “Heavy equipment will load trucks with the freshly fallen rocks and those will be hauled offsite.”

In addition, there will be increased truck activity outside of the work zone. Trucks will frequently be entering and exiting the highway on US-12 by Cherry Lane Bridge and near the south end of Arrow Bridge.

Experts have been monitoring the slope since Tuesday to ensure there is no danger to drivers and flaggers have been providing traffic control. Motorists should also pay close attention to road signs posted in the area.

Up-to-date traffic information can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 511 or download the Idaho 511 app.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 UPDATE:

Rock scaling crews arrived on site today in preparation for the US-12 emergency roadside project near Arrow Bridge. The slope was evaluated and will be prepped for scaling.

Anchor points will be installed so that workers can climb the slope with their equipment. It is anticipated that the rock removal will begin on Friday.

While rocks are dislodged, flaggers will stop traffic at a safe distance. Delays will be 20 minutes at a time. If conditions change, a full closure may be implemented for safety.

Up-to-date traffic information can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the Idaho 511 app.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 UPDATE:

The Idaho Transportation Department is conducting rock scaling work to stabilize the slope above U.S. Highway 12 near Arrow Bridge between mileposts 15 and 16. This effort began today and is expected to continue through the middle of next week. Work will intermittently affect traffic.

Scaling involves wedging and prying debris loose proactively, with rocks falling from the hillside down to the road. Specialized equipment will excavate rock at the top and flatten the slope.

“We are taking a proactive approach by dislodging any unstable material with professional scalers in a controlled setting,” Operations and Traffic Engineering Manager Jared Hopkins said. “For the safety of the traveling public, we’ll have flaggers there to monitor the slope and stop traffic while workers are scaling.”

An anticipated work schedule is as follows and is subject to change based on conditions:

Tue., Nov. 18 – Thu., Nov 20: Flagging operations with 20-minute delays.
Fri., Nov. 21 – Sun., Nov. 23: Full closure potentially all day and overnight. Motorists will be detoured to alternative route on State Highway 13 or State Highway 162.
Mon., Nov. 24 – Wed., Nov. 26: Flagging operations with 20-minute delays until work concludes.

“If the slope becomes too unstable, an extended closure may be needed and drivers will be detoured to State Highway 13 or State Highway 162 in that case,” Hopkins said. “As work continues, we may allow traffic to flow without being stopped during work if it is safe to do so.”

Up-to-date traffic information can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the Idaho 511 app.

SH-55 closed between Florida Ave and Lake Ave this weekend

Aerial view of a roadway under construction running through farmland and developed areas, with vehicles traveling on the open lanes and work zones marked by orange fencing on both sides of the corridor.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close State Highway 55 (Karcher Road) between Florida Avenue and Lake Avenue from Friday at 10 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m.

This will allow crews to replace an irrigation pipe just east of the SH-55 and Florida Avenue intersection, which must be completed before paving the roadway.

Highway traffic is encouraged to detour around the closure using Interstate 84, State Highway 19 and U.S. 95. To view a map of the closure location and detour visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55farmway

This work is a part of the larger SH-55 project occurring between Farmway Road and Middleton Road to improve safety and mobility along the SH-55 Corridor in Canyon County. Construction is expected to be finished in fall 2027.

For more information about the SH-55 Farmway to Middleton widening project, please visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55farmway, call 208-477-1379, or email info@55farmwaytomiddleton.org.

To receive text alerts about these weekend closures, text 55FARMWAY to 866-483-8422.

Nighttime closures Monday and Tuesday at the Karcher Interchange Bridge

Aerial view of traffic traveling across a bridge on State Highway 55 in Nampa, passing under overhead signs for I-84 west to Caldwell and Ontario, Midland Boulevard north, and the Karcher Bypass.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close the Karcher Overpass Bridge on Monday, and Tuesday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m each night. Crews will be removing the large steel structure that holds the signs over the bridge to make room for new signs that will support the new lane configuration.

Detours signs will be posted for drivers during the closures.

Motorists traveling south on Karcher Road (State Highway 55):

Travel south on the Karcher Bypass.
Turn right onto West Karcher Road.
Turn left onto Midland Boulevard.
Turn right onto Caldwell Boulevard.
Continue straight to Karcher Road (SH-55).

Motorists traveling north on Karcher Road (SH-55):

Use the eastbound on-ramp to merge on to Interstate-84.
Exit I-84 at Northside Boulevard (Exit 35).
Travel north on Northside Boulevard.
Turn left onto Karcher Road/Karcher Bypass.
Continue on Karcher Road/Karcher Bypass.

Click here to view the detour map.

The I-84, Karcher Interchange project will improve safety and mobility at the interchange and along Karcher Road in Nampa. Crews are expected to place final touches in late spring of 2026.

Stay informed by signing up for email and text alerts regarding project updates by texting 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or visit the project page at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcheric.

ITD begins 2 week project to resurface the Flying Wye

Starting Monday the Idaho Transportation Department will begin a two-week project to micro mill and re-paint the Flying Wye connector linking Interstate 84 and Interstate 184.

This work will take place in two phases:

Phase 1: Nighttime micro milling

Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. crews will remove the top layer of pavement overnight to reduce impact on daytime traffic. Drivers should expect lane reductions each night during this phase.

Phase 2: Daytime striping

Striping will then occur during the day when warmer temperatures are required for the paint to adhere to the roadway properly. Lane closures will continue as crews install new markings across the bridge.

Motorists are encouraged to plan for additional travel time and check 511.idaho.gov or the Idaho 511 mobile app for the most current traffic impacts, lane closures and travel conditions throughout the project.

Targeting Hotshots from Boston to Seattle

From October 20-24, a group of POE inspectors from District 1’s Huetter Port of Entry collaborated on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s nationwide Interstate 90 Corridor Hotshot effort. A hotshot refers to a specific vehicle towing configuration. The purpose was threefold — to ensure safety of the driving public, educate drivers in the proper way to configure and secure hotshot loads, and enforce proper documentation of registrations and permits.

An improperly configured hotshot load can create rollovers, jackknifing, and loss of control due to shifting weight and uneven distribution. Other risks include brake failure and longer stopping distances from overloading, and cargo coming loose to create a hazard for other drivers. If the load isn’t secured or configured properly, it also could cause trailer sway.

FMCSA coordinated with multiple state Commercial Vehicle Safety teams and Port of Entry agencies to concentrate a week’s worth of inspections on hotshot-configured loads. Specifically, the training focused on the 3,100-mile stretch of highway from Boston to Seattle, which passes through 13 states.

Pictured at right: As day broke on the morning of the October 24, District 1 POE personnel were hard at work inspecting vehicles, educating drivers, and ensuring loads were properly configured and legal.

The large two-tiered auto transporters you typically see on the road are designed specifically for hauling many vehicles at one time. Many smaller independent and commercial carriers use a “hotshot” to haul their cargo to their destination if they don’t have access to an auto transporter.

Hotshots are governed by trailer length only and not their overall length like auto transporters. If the vehicle configuration is not legal, like a trailer exceeding 53 feet on the national highway network, then an extra length permit is required to operate. That’s where our POE inspectors come into the picture.

Phillip Youngman’s team of skilled inspectors supported the event using the Huetter POE as their base of operations. Partnering with the Idaho State Police (ISP) and its specialized Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance officers, Phil and his team focused their attention on hotshot configured vehicles weighing between 10,000 – 26,000 lbs. Typically, these loads are smaller than those required to enter our ports.

This was the second Hotshot-focused operation with ISP this year. The previous interagency collaboration was held June 10-11. Between ITD and ISP, over 100 hotshot configured loads were inspected and all deficiencies corrected on site.

“The partnership and cooperation benefits us all, and the work accomplished aligns precisely with ITD’s mission of promoting safety, mobility, and economic opportunity,” said Port of Entry Program Manager Frank DeCarvalho. “It was a job well done!”

Overnight detour planned on I-84 near Twin Falls for bridge repair

The Idaho Transportation Department will close a section of eastbound traffic on Interstate 84 between the Twin Falls Interchange (exit 173) and the Kimberly Interchange (exit 182) to continue reconstruction of the Vinyard Bridge. The closure will be between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. tomorrow night. Additional nighttime closures may be necessary later this week or early next week for crews to set bridge supports in place. Real time updates about closures will be available using 511.

For the official detour, eastbound drivers on I-84 will need to exit at the Twin Falls interchange and detour to State Highway 25 back to I-84. Those taking US-93 will not be able to access eastbound I-84 and will need to follow the detour. Westbound drivers will be unaffected by this closure.

Detour signs will be in place at the ramp closures, and drivers should plan for approximately 20 minutes of additional travel time.

The bridge was damaged last year by a truck that did not meet height restrictions and struck the bridge. Work is expected to be completed by mid-December. ITD is working through the process to recover costs related to the bridge.

For project updates and travel information, drivers can visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.

Northbound I-15 traffic between the Northgate and Fort Hall interchanges shifts this week

I-15 with construction being conducted on the new lanes between northbound and southbound lanes.

The Idaho Transportation Department will shift northbound Interstate 15 traffic between the Northgate and Fort Hall interchanges (Exits 73 and 80) the night of Wednesday, Nov. 12. Northbound traffic will move into the newly constructed lanes in the median to allow crews to begin work on the east side of I-15.

During the traffic shift, motorists can expect:

The northbound on-ramp at the Northgate Interchange (Exit 173) will close for a few hours on Wednesday night, Nov. 12.
Lane closures may occur in the project area.

After traffic is shifted, motorists can expect:

Two lanes will remain open in each direction on I-15 during the daytime.
A concrete barrier will separate opposing lanes of traffic.
Reduced speeds in the work zone.

Once the new northbound lanes are completed in late 2026, crews will complete the southbound lanes on the west side of I-15. Construction on the I-15 Northgate to Fort Hall widening project is anticipated to be completed in 2027. This project is funded by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative and will result in three lanes in each direction on I-15.

For more information and to sign up for email or text updates visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i15northgatetoblackfoot or call 208-252-5553.

The safety of motorists and construction crews is ITD’s top priority during construction. When driving through the work zone, please stay alert, follow work zone signage and drive the posted speed limit. Drivers are encouraged to plan extra time when traveling through the project area and check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 mobile app for the latest updates on restrictions and delays.

Input sought on long-range planning for transportation in Idaho

People review a map of a proposed project

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking input on long-range planning for transportation across the state through a series of public meetings in the next month.

Comments will inform the update to ITD’s Statewide Long-Range Transportation Plan, a federally required strategy document that is updated every five years and is used by the Idaho Transportation Board and planning staff as a guide to program future studies and projects.

Open houses will be held in each region of the state:

Nov. 18 in Pocatello at the Portneuf Medical Center (777 Hospital Way)

Nov. 19 in Idaho Falls at the Crosspoint Community Church (1900 Grandview Drive)

Dec. 2 in Coeur d’Alene at the Hampton Inn and Suites (1500 West Riverstone Drive)

Dec. 3 in Lewiston at the Lewiston Community Center (1424 Main Street)

Dec. 4 in Boise at Mountain View High School Library (2000 South Millennium Way)

Dec. 8 in Twin Falls at the College of Southern Idaho (315 Falls Avenue)

All events will take place 3 – 7 p.m. The same material will be shared online, with comments sought from Nov. 18 to Jan. 10.

ITD’s Long-Range Transportation Plan will look at the needs of the transportation network out to 2050 and consider a variety of factors including growth, travel demands, land use, safety, economic development, system reliability and anticipated revenue.

“This policy document looks at current conditions, existing plans and future trends in Idaho and lays the foundation for ITD to continue to deliver on our mission of safety, mobility and economic opportunity,” said Amy Schroeder, the division administrator for planning. “It’s not necessarily about identifying specific projects. It’s about determining, through data analysis and public input, the best strategy for investing in the transportation system given the variability of future revenue.”

The plan comes at a time of extraordinary growth and funding uncertainty. Besides seeking public feedback, ITD is engaging with other planning organizations as the plan will look at the transportation network as a whole, which extends beyond state-managed highways to locally owned routes and alternative modes of transportation.

“This is about working with local jurisdictions and planning agencies to address congestion in major cities,” Schroeder said. “It’s also about adopting a statewide perspective and recognizing that it’s just as important to look at improving safety and reducing fatalities in our rural areas.”

An additional public comment period to review the draft plan is planned for summer 2026, and the plan is expected to be released in 2027.

ITD to share revised design for I-90, US-95 Interchange at open house

Aerial concept design of the proposed I-90 US-95 Interchange.

The Idaho Transportation Department will host an open house next week in Coeur d’Alene to share information and gather input on a revised design for the Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 95 Interchange. Following an open house in March, ITD revised the design based on public feedback to accommodate better access between US-95 and Appleway Avenue on both the east and west sides of the highway. The public will have an opportunity to provide input on access concepts and the overall project design.

Open House details:

Date: Tuesday, November 18

Time: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime, the whole family is welcome!)

Location: Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn

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

For those not able to attend the open house, an online option will share the same information and provide an opportunity to submit feedback. The online open house will be available November 18 at www.i90us95project.com. Comments submitted before December 5 will be considered as official feedback by the project team.

“Public involvement is a crucial component of ITD projects. The revisions to the proposed design directly address comments we heard at the previous open house and demonstrate a strong commitment to including the public in the design process,” ITD Project Manager Joey Sprague said. “We are eager to continue engaging with local businesses, residents, and interested parties to create a design that improves safety and mobility, while reflecting the needs and priorities of the community.”

The design is funded by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative and is the first interchange project to emerge from the I-90, SH-41 to 15^th Street Corridor Study. The goal of the proposed design is to expand the interchange, enhance safety, and improve mobility to support future traffic volumes, which are expected to double by 2045.

To stay up to date on this and other projects on the I-90 corridor, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i90corridor and sign up for email updates.