Historic System Interchange rebuild nearing successful completion

Aerial view of the system interchange at Pocatello.

With the painting of final lane markers on the new roadway, construction at the I-86/I-15 “Flying-Y” System Interchange in Pocatello is coming to a successful conclusion. Begun in July 2022, the three-year $112 million project has dramatically changed the drivability of the interchange.

“We spent over eight years from design to actual construction of the project. We’re pretty proud of it. It’s one of the bigger projects we’ve designed. It’s one of the largest projects ever designed entirely by ITD staff and inspected with ITD personnel. Most of the people on the team live here locally and this has been a really meaningful project for us to make sure we did our very best,” said Project Engineer Aaron Baird.

Critical areas that were improved include the northbound Pocatello Creek on-ramp, the northbound-to-westbound collector distributor, and the eastbound-to-northbound ramp. Each of those improvements made merging from one Interstate to the other smoother and safer for motorists.

“We’re excited for people to use the final product. We hope it’s something that will last a long time and keep the travelling public safe as they use it,” said Project Manager Greg Roberts.

The scale of the endeavor has been truly historic. Approximately 1 million cubic yards of excavation have been completed. In addition, about 490,000 tons of base material was brought in; 116,000 tons of asphalt were placed; and over 7,700 cubic yards of concrete were poured. Nearly 70,000 square feet of retaining walls were also built throughout the project area. Finally, ITD built eight new bridges. Four of those have precast concrete girders and four have steel girders. In all, over 5 million pounds of steel has been used in the new bridges.

Construction crews worked year-round and around the clock for approximately three years to complete the project. To minimize disruption to traffic, key demolition operations were conducted at night. These efforts minimized the impact on traffic while the interchange was being reconstructed.

In addition to the major changes inside the Flying-Y design, the Chubbuck Road overpass was reconstructed as an underpass to improve site distances and vertical clearance on I-15, and to improve access to the Wellness Center from Chubbuck. The new underpass is significantly wider and includes bike lanes and sidewalks.

ITD also worked closely with the Portneuf Greenway to construct a pedestrian and bicycle path on the east side of the worksite to connect the Greenway to the Wellness Center.

Work left to wrap up the project will be off the roadway and conducted on the shoulders. In addition, ITD will be seeding open ground with native grasses.

“Thank you for being patient with us and seeing our vision, seeing what we’re trying to do to positively impact this community,” said Project Manager Zak Johnson.

District Engineer Todd Hubbard echoed those sentiments, “This project has been a great success and is an important addition to the community for the safety of drivers. It has been a lot of work to get all of it completed and to keep traffic moving. I want to thank everyone for their patience as we have worked on this project over the last three years. And a thank you to the project team and Sundt-Cannon Joint Venture for a project well done.”

Drivers are encouraged to remain attentive, move over for workers and emergency vehicles, and follow posted speed limits.

Major traffic changes on westbound I-84 in Caldwell start Sunday

Aerial view of traffic on Interstate 84 in Caldwell

The Idaho Transportation Department will change the traffic pattern on westbound I-84 in Caldwell starting Sunday night. Westbound motorists are advised to drive with caution and follow signage.

Under the new traffic pattern, westbound traffic will split into two lanes just after the 10th Avenue Interchange. The right lane will allow drivers to either continue west or exit at Centennial Way, while the left lane will continue westbound with no access to the exit. Once the lanes split, there will be a physical barrier between them, and drivers will be unable to change lanes. Motorists should pay close attention to signage and make sure they are in the correct lane before the split, especially if they plan to exit at Centennial Way. The lanes will merge back together just after the Centennial Way Interchange and westbound traffic will return to its regular configuration. Click here to view a map of the traffic change.

To set up the traffic changes, crews will close the westbound off-ramp at Centennial Way the night of Sunday, July 13 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists will be detoured to Exit 26 where they can then return on I-84 eastbound to exit at Centennial Way. Click here to view a detour map.

In early August, crews plan to move into the next phase of construction. Westbound traffic will return to the westbound side of the highway and ITD expects to reopen the 10th Avenue westbound on-ramp at that time. The ramp was closed in June to reconstruct the westbound lanes on I-84.

The I-84 widening project in Caldwell began in November 2023 and includes:

Widening I-84 to three lanes in each direction with auxiliary lanes between interchanges.
Replacing the 10th Avenue Interchange.
Removing one westbound on-ramp at the 10th Avenue Interchange.
Updating the pedestrian overpass.
Building a sound wall along Hannibal Street.
Adding a traffic signal at the westbound ramps at the Centennial Way Interchange.

The speed limit in the construction zone is 55 miles per hour. Drivers should slow down, pay attention and follow all posted signs. Crews and heavy equipment will be working close to traffic.

Construction is expected to be finished in 2027. For more information and to sign up for email or text updates, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-84-corridor or call (208) 334-8002.

Drivers can also use Idaho 511 to check for real-time traffic impacts related to construction projects and road conditions statewide.

I-84 will close Sunday and Monday nights at the Karcher Interchange

Aerial view of the Karcher interchange on I-84

Interstate 84 will close overnight under the Karcher Interchange this Sunday and Monday to protect crews working on the Karcher Interchange Bridge. Detours will be in place.

Eastbound I-84 will close Sunday and westbound I-84 will close Monday. Closures will begin at 10 p.m. and end by 5 a.m. each night.

Motorists traveling eastbound on I-84 Sunday night will:

Exit I-84 using the Karcher Interchange (Exit 33).
Cross Karcher Road.
Use the eastbound on-ramp to merge back on to I-84.

Motorists traveling westbound on I-84 Monday night will:

Exit I-84 at the Northside Interchange (Exit 35).
Travel north on Northside Boulevard.
Turn left on to Karcher Road.
Travel west until you reach the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp.
Use the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp to merge back on to westbound I-84.

View the detour maps at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karchericmaps.

This work will facilitate the addition of a third westbound lane on Karcher Road to accommodate higher traffic volumes. Other improvements for this project include:

Adding a free-running right hand turn at the westbound off-ramp
Paving a third westbound lane on Karcher Road from the westbound off-ramp to Sundance Road
Reinforcing the Indian Creek Bridge to support the new lane
Updating signal equipment and adding a pedestrian flashing beacon at the eastbound on-ramp
Building a mixed-use path on the north side of Karcher Road

These improvements will increase safety and traffic flow at the interchange. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2025.

Stay informed regarding any schedule changes by signing up for email and text alerts regarding project updates. Text 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcheric. For questions, contact the project team at (208) 334-8002. Maps and other details can also be found on the project website.

IT Engineer Receives High Honor for Assistance with Murder Conviction

Idaho Transportation Department's Directors, District Engineer and Bonneville County Prosecutor with Shea McNama, receiving a high honor award for his assistance with a murder conviction.

On May 13, 2023, the eastern Idaho office of the Idaho Transportation Department received news that was far from ordinary concerning the Clark Hill Rest Area on US-26 between Ririe and Swan Valley. A dead body. The indication of foul play. What answers might ITD’s surveillance cameras hold?

Not all of ITD’s 29 rest areas have surveillance cameras in place. It so happens Clark Hill is one that does. This fact, paired with the skills of IT Information Security Engineer Shea McNama, would come to make all the difference in the conviction of a murderer.

The cameras record on a loop and video overrides itself after a few days. Time was of the essence.

McNama attempted to access and download the footage remotely. It became clear that it would take weeks at the slow remote download rate. He went home, got a chair and went to Clark Hill Rest Area physically, where he stayed for 18 hours while the download was completed on site.

From that point on, McNama studied and improved the video that fell within the timeframes provided by the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office. He pieced together different angles and located vehicle descriptions. He ultimately worked an estimated 200+ hours gathering surveillance footage and making it useable to the prosecution.

When first appearing in court, the suspect stated that he merely stopped at the Clark Hill Rest Area briefly to use the facilities. Between that statement and the actual trial, McNama pinpointed specific video that showed that statement to be clearly false. He never entered the restroom but moved beyond the facility entirely.

For this evidence to be admitted in court, a specific set of McNama’s skills were put to use. He holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity, as well as a Digital Forensics Certificate from IACIS, the International Association of Computer Investigative Systems. This is the number one certification for digital forensics in the world.

It’s also what taught McNama how to apply a hash algorithm to video evidence- the tag that proves evidence hasn’t been tampered with and all copies are the same. He ended up testifying on the stand for two hours, with his credentials and expertise holding up the evidence beyond any shadow of doubt.

“Without his work, we absolutely could not have achieved this conviction,” Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal stated.

The suspect was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for second-degree murder in January of 2025.

“All I did was present what I found. I was happy to do my part,” McNama said. To represent ITD and assist the Prosecutor, it felt like the time I spent working towards my degree and certification was worth it all.”

Neal has wanted to award McNama for his priceless contribution to the case ever since. He and several members of his office were able to finally do just that on Wednesday, July 2. While ITD’s Executive Leadership Team was visiting District Six, McNama was given a Prosecutors Commendation Award and Medal. This is the Office’s highest award ever given, and the second highest possible to receive among law enforcement.

Brief CDA trail delays expected next week during I-90 Bridge work in Cataldo

Aerial view of I-90 over Latour Creek Road and the bike trail.

Construction on the I-90 bridge in Cataldo may cause short, intermittent delays for users of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes starting as early as next week. The work will take place for approximately one week and involves activity directly over the trail.

During this time, trail users may occasionally be asked to pause for short periods of time while crews perform overhead work or move construction equipment across the pathway. Flaggers will be on site to ensure the safety of trail users and will allow people to pass as soon as conditions are safe.

These brief holds are not expected to create long-term closures or significantly disrupt use of the trail. The Idaho Transportation Department is working closely with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation to minimize impacts and maintain access during construction.

Trail users are asked to follow posted signs and instructions from flaggers and to plan for minor delays when passing through the area.

This work will also intermittently affect traffic on Latour Creek Road, which will use flaggers for traffic control.

Idaho celebrates designated drivers and summer safety efforts

Woman with blonde hair sitting behind the wheel of a car, buckled in, hands on the wheel,, smiling.

BOISE – As Idahoans enjoy summer barbecues, concerts, and road trips, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) encourages everyone to celebrate the real heroes of the season: designated drivers.

SHIFT Idaho’s latest campaign reminds us that safety begins before the first drink is poured. Whether it’s a friend who volunteers to be the designated driver or someone who books a ride-share, planning ahead is key to preventing tragedy on Idaho roads. And when someone steps up to be the sober driver, celebrate them. They just might be the reason everyone makes it home.

“Not every hero wears a cape – some just hold the keys,” said ITD Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “We are so grateful for all those unsung heroes who help people get home, whether it’s the designated driver, the bartender who helps order a rideshare, or the friend who answers that late night call to pick someone up from the party, these simple acts save lives.”

In the case someone doesn’t plan ahead, police across the state are doing their part as well. From July 1st to 13th, officers are conducting extra patrols looking for impaired drivers. While this year’s efforts are still under way, last summer’s enforcement effort over the July 4^th holiday resulted in 30 DUI arrests, 486 speeding citations, and 94 uninsured driver citations.

“Thanks to the designated drivers and officers out there keeping our roads safe…so everyone can make it home this summer,” Middleton said.

The Office of Highway Safety is urging Idahoans to be proactive: plan a sober ride, look out for each other, and make good choices behind the wheel.

For more information, visit https://shift-idaho.org/

Work begins on I-15 bridges toward the Montana state line

Northbound lanes and signs on I-15 at Exit 184 Stoddard Creek.

Repairs and improvements are starting today on the first of 11 bridges along Interstate 15 north of Roberts toward the Montana state line. Crews will be replacing water damaged concrete and installing anti-skid surfacing to greatly extend the life of the bridges. Travelers should expect to see lane restrictions and lower speed limits where work is occurring through the summer and fall.

Crews are beginning today where the most significant repairs are needed, on the northbound lanes of Exit 184 at Stoddard Creek. Traffic will be routed off the bridge and on to the ramps, with travel affects much like those seen last year on the southbound lanes.

Stoddard Creek Road underneath I-15 is the access to popular camping areas and will be restricted to one lane or closed intermittently during construction. The closure will only be in place when passing under the bridge is not safe based on the work being done. When closed, motorists can proceed to Exit 190 at Humphrey, turn back around and head south to Stoddard Creek, then make a right turn toward camping areas.

From I-15 mileposts 136 to 189, repairs are also being done on ten other bridges and interchanges through the summer and fall. Work at Exit 180 at Spencer and Beaver Creek Overpass will continue for approximately six weeks. At the other locations, it will last just three to four days. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on I-15 where these efforts are being completed.

Updates on specific work zones and travel impacts will be available on the Idaho 511 app or at 511.idaho.gov.

SH-55 sealcoat will begin from Horseshoe Bend to Banks

Aerial view of SH-55 running alongside the river.

The Idaho Transportation Department will apply a sealcoat on State Highway 55 from Horseshoe Bend to north of Banks this summer. The sealcoat will preserve and extend the life of the pavement.

Starting Wednesday crews will begin work at the boundary of the Boise National Forest at milepost 91, about 12 miles north of Banks, and work their way 28 miles south towards Horseshoe Bend. This work is expected to be completed in early August.

During construction, motorists can expect:

SH-55 will be reduced to one lane with flaggers and pilot cars inside the active work zone.
The speed limit will be reduced and 12-foot width restrictions may be in place.
Work will take place Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
All lanes will be open on the weekends and outside working hours.

Due to the popularity of this highway with recreationists, drivers should plan for delays up to 30 minutes and consider using an alternative route.

There are several other work zones active on this highway. Workers will be close to traffic. Slow down and do not block driveways and entrances along SH-55.

Visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55sealcoat to learn more, sign up for email updates or contact the project team.

For real-time traffic impacts drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system to plan ahead for travel.

US-95 is open after mudslide

Drone picture of the mudslide near Riggins.

One lane of U.S. Highway 95 north of Riggins near Fiddle Creek is open after a mudslide closed the road completely. A lane has been cleared, and drivers can expect a pilot car with alternating directions of traffic through the slide zone.

Drivers should be prepared to stop and use caution when approaching the area. ITD crews continue to perform cleanup work with heavy equipment in preparation to open the roadway completely.

“We are very pleased to announce that after many hours of hard work that there is a safe pathway through the mudslide,” Field Operations Manager Larry Tillinghast said. “Even on holidays, our operators heed the call and are ready to tackle any emergency thrown at them. Please give them a wave for they have more work to do before returning to their families.”

ITD remains committed to keeping our state network open and thanks everyone for their patience during this emergency clean up.

Additional updates will be posted to 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

US-95 closed near Riggins due to mudslide

Picture of the mudslide on US-95 north of Riggins.

U.S. Highway 95 north of Riggins near Fiddle Creek is currently closed in both directions until further notice due to a mudslide. The highway is closed from milepost 200 to milepost 201.

Drivers should be prepared to stop when approaching the closure from either direction. It is unknown when the road will reopen, but ITD crews are bringing in heavy equipment to clear a lane through. Besides clearing significant debris, the road will then need to be evaluated for structural damage from the washout.

“Our crews are out and ready to clear a lane through as a priority,” Field Operations Manager Larry Tillinghast said. “Please use caution when approaching the barricades to help keep everyone safe including the operators who have important work to do. We ask at this time that all motorists be prepared to turn around or find an alternate route if possible.”

Updates on this closure will be posted to 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.