ITD seeks public feedback to help shape the future of rail in Idaho

UPDATE: Some users are reporting issues submitting their responses and being unable to proceed past the second page. We recommend that respondents hit the next button at the bottom more than once. If that doesn’t work, we encourage users to sign up to receive a different format of the survey, which will be available the week of Nov. 3. We are working to resolve any technical issues in the meantime.

The Idaho Transportation Department is updating the Idaho Statewide Rail Plan and is asking for public input to help guide the future of rail infrastructure across the state.

The plan evaluates the current condition and performance of Idaho’s rail network, identifies system-wide challenges and opportunities, and outlines strategies to strengthen rail infrastructure. The plan will also explore key topics such as rail safety, grade crossings, and access for rail-served industries that help drive Idaho’s economy.

Unlike other statewide transportation plans, this plan does not allocate funding for specific projects. Instead, it provides a strategic foundation that supports future grant applications and coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration and other partners.

“We want to hear from Idaho communities about how rail infrastructure is working today and what improvements would make the biggest difference in the future,” Freight Program Manager Caleb Forrey said. “Your feedback will help us better understand statewide priorities and shape a plan that reflects Idaho’s needs.”

Railways in Idaho are operated by the private sector, with ITD having shared responsibility for safety at highway-rail crossings. As is the case with public transportation in Idaho, there are no dedicated state funding sources for freight or passenger rail beyond match funds for federally-funded improvements to rail crossings.

The online survey is open through November 12 and takes about five minutes to complete. Feedback collected will be summarized in the final plan, which is expected to be released in spring 2026, and used to guide discussions with communities, railroads, and state and federal partners.

A summary of the rail plan is available at itd.idaho.gov/planning.

Abandoned overpass transforms into wildlife crossing near Osburn

A once-abandoned bridge in Osburn is seeing new life, at least for now, thanks to a creative partnership between local residents, conservation groups, and state agencies, including the Idaho Transportation Department.

The structure, a former overpass across Interstate 90, sat unused for decades after nearby mining development closed off the roadway it once served. The surrounding area, however, remained a busy wildlife corridor. For years, elk, deer, and other animals have been struck trying to cross the freeway in that area, which has one of the highest wildlife collision rates on the interstate between Coeur d’Alene and Montana.

That concern led Osburn resident and truck driver Carl Wilson to champion a community effort to turn the unused bridge into a wildlife overpass. Working with partners including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and several local conservation groups, the community secured grant funding to retrofit the structure with fencing to guide animals safely across the interstate via the abandoned bridge.

While ITD’s role in the project was limited, the agency provided crucial support behind the scenes by granting the necessary permits and helping connect the group with funding resources. A few key staff members in District 1, including former Assistant District Engineer Marvin Fenn and Program Manager Robert Beachler, were instrumental in helping guide the effort to fruition.

“This project really showcases how creative thinking and collaboration can make use of existing infrastructure in new ways,” Beachler said. “It was great to see local initiative and partnerships come together to improve safety for both wildlife and drivers.”

The refurbished bridge officially opened for wildlife use this summer and early reports from Fish and Game trail cameras show whitetail deer already using it, and a nearby underpass, to safely traverse the interstate.

The bridge’s future is limited, but ITD is happy to support the community in putting it to good use for now. Since it no longer serves a transportation purpose and remains ITD-owned, the bridge is scheduled for removal in 2032 as it ages.

“Even temporary or short-term solutions can have meaningful benefits,” said District Engineer Damon Allen. “This project reflects the kind of local collaboration and problem-solving we appreciate being a part of.”

ITD and ISP team up to host free winter driving classes

As winter approaches, the Idaho Transportation Department and the Idaho State Police are teaming up to offer free winter driving classes in the Treasure Valley.

Three sessions are currently scheduled for Oct. 29, Nov. 12, and Nov. 26, beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. Classes will take place in person at ITD’s District Office in Boise at 8150 W Chinden Boulevard.
Last year, ITD and ISP helped more than 170 Treasure Valley residents prepare for winter driving through similar classes. These sessions focus on tips, preparation, and safe driving techniques but do not include hands-on or behind-the-wheel training.

The classes are designed to help drivers prepare for Idaho’s winter conditions covering topics like vehicle readiness, proper equipment, defensive driving techniques, and how to safely share the road with snowplows. Instructors include state troopers and ITD employees who bring firsthand experience from years of working on Idaho’s roads during severe weather.

The courses are open to all drivers but are especially useful for:

New drivers (ages 14–17) including those who are currently enrolled in a driver’s education course
Young drivers with limited winter experience
New residents facing their first winter on Idaho roadways

Each participant must register online in advance.

For details and registration links for classes throughout Idaho go to ITD’s Travel page.

Teen traffic safety week: October 19–25, 2025

Young woman with blonde hair driving a car, both hands on the steering wheel, focused on the road ahead

BOISE — The Idaho Transportation Department and Office of Highway Safety are joining communities statewide to recognize Teen Traffic Safety Week, October 19–25, 2025. The week raises awareness about safe driving habits among teens and their families.

Teen drivers face unique risks on the road and are 2.6 times more likely to be in a crash. OHS encourages families, schools, and organizations to focus on four key safety reminders:

Buckle up: Seat belts save lives. Every trip, every time.
Avoid distractions: Keep phones and other distractions out of reach.
Drive sober: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time.
Practice patience: Teens gain confidence through experience and mentorship.

“Teen drivers are among the most vulnerable on Idaho’s roads,” said Josephine Middleton, Highway Safety Manager. “By educating young drivers and their families, we can reduce crashes and make our roads safer for everyone.”

Middleton adds, “Our children are always watching and learning from us. If we tell our teens not to text and drive but they see us doing it, how much credibility do we really have? The best way to teach safe driving is to model it ourselves.”

OHS promotes safe driving through several initiatives:

Backseat Driver’s Manual: Created with local students, this activity book teaches kids about safe driving and encourages family conversations.
SHIFT Idaho: A statewide platform offering resources, materials, and community involvement opportunities focused on safe teen driving.
Parent-Teen Driving Contracts: Helps families set clear expectations and responsibilities behind the wheel.
Alive at 25: A defensive driving course that teaches young drivers how to make safe, responsible decisions.
Driver Education Partnerships: In collaboration with the Idaho Department of Education and local driving schools, OHS supports quality driver education statewide.

Learn more about these programs and resources.

ITD and ODOT host SH-52 Snake River Bridge replacement open house

Bridge with potholes, seals spans river with greenery on far shore.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to learn about construction plans for a new State Highway 52, Snake River Bridge in Payette during in-person and online public meetings.

The in-person meeting will be held in an open house format with no formal presentation. Representatives from both ITD and the Oregon Department of Transportation will be available to answer questions, share construction plans and gather feedback about upcoming bridge and roadway improvements.

In-person meeting details:

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 22,

Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

Location: Payette City Hall Chambers, 700 Center Ave.

Starting in 2027, ITD and ODOT plan to build a new structure over the Snake River. The project will take about two years to complete. The existing 72-year-old bridge has reached the end of its design life and will be replaced with a bridge that meets current highway standards.

During an initial public meeting in 2023, ITD heard concerns that a full bridge closure would negatively impact livelihoods, safety, and mobility. In response, the project team revised the plan to keep the bridge open during construction.

Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to participate online between Oct. 22 and Nov. 5 at sh52snakeriverbridge.com.

US-95 work starts up again near Riggins on Monday

Picture of a rocky slope by US-95 near Riggins.

Starting Monday crews will resume work on rocky slopes near Riggins on U.S. Highway 95.

South of Riggins at milepost 189 in the vicinity of the Sheep Creek Rest Area, scalers will install reflective prisms on the rock face above the roadway to monitor slope movement and will remove loose rocks for safety.

Intermittent delays of up to 20 minutes between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. are likely for the next week. Flaggers will hold traffic in both directions to keep everyone safe with rocks coming off the slope. Crews will periodically allow one lane of traffic through the work zone.

North of Riggins at milepost 196.5, in the vicinity of “Bull’s Eye Corner,” crews will also close the shoulder and replace damaged signs as part of safety efforts that started last fall.

Rocks may be present in the roadway and motorists should always exercise caution when traveling though this river corridor.

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.

Right-turn lane closure on US-95 in Sagle begins

The Idaho Transportation Department will close the southbound right-turn lane on U.S. Highway 95 at Dufort Road starting at 5 a.m. tomorrow through 5 p.m. on Monday while crews widen it to make it easier and safer for traffic to turn.

Drivers will still be able to turn right onto Dufort Road, but they will do so from the southbound through lane. Because of this, ITD reminds all drivers to use extra caution. Through traffic should be prepared to slow for turning vehicles, and drivers entering the highway from Dufort Road should watch closely for oncoming traffic.

A reduced speed limit of 45 mph will be in place through the work zone on US-95.

This safety improvement follows consultation with regional agencies and law enforcement, who identified widening the turn lane as a quick, low-cost fix to help reduce crashes. The added width will shift turning traffic so it no longer blocks the view of oncoming traffic. This will improve sight distance for drivers on Dufort Road trying to turn onto US-95 and reduce the risk of collisions.

An interchange is planned for this intersection as part of the environmental re-evaluation of the Sagle corridor and ITD’s Proposed Action between Dufort Road and Lakeshore Drive. However, there is no funding for design or construction of that large-scale, long-term improvement at this time. As an added safety enhancement, Bonner County also recently installed flashing stop signs on Dufort Road.

Friendly reminder: time is running out to name an Idaho snowplow!

Snowplow positioned outside a school with the name "Antisnowcial" on the blade.

BOISE – There’s still time for Idaho students to help name one of ITD’s hard-working snowplows! The Idaho Transportation Department’s 2nd annual ‘Name a Snowplow’ contest is open through the end of October.

Classrooms in grades 6–12 can team up to submit creative snowplow names and learn about winter driving safety along the way.

“Our snowplow drivers are thrilled to see students getting involved in this fun, educational opportunity that also highlights the importance of winter driving safety,” said Scott Stokes, Director of ITD.

Two plows in each of ITD’s six regions will receive student-chosen names, voted on by ITD employees. The winning names will be displayed right on the plows, and each winning classroom will get a special visit from “their” snowplow and driver for a winter safety presentation.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this fun Idaho tradition in the making!

Teachers of grades 6–12 can submit entries or ask questions by emailing itdcommunication@itd.idaho.gov.

See full contest rules and view last year’s winners.

Reckless driving in Carey construction zone risking safety of workers, other drivers

The Idaho Transportation Department is reminding drivers to plan ahead for delays on U.S. Highway 93 near Carey after roadway workers and equipment were nearly struck in the last two weeks by impatient drivers trying to pass in the work zone.

Crews are resurfacing US-93 to make it smoother and easier to drive. To complete the improvements, traffic has been reduced to a single lane with a pilot car and flaggers to guide drivers during the day. At night traffic relies on temporary signals. Impacts are expected to last until the end of September.

ITD has witnessed numerous incidents of drivers illegally trying to pass other vehicles and the pilot car. Some drivers have nearly struck flaggers and equipment.

“Our biggest concern is the risk to workers and other drivers in the work zone; the pilot car is intended to show traffic the path to follow and the appropriate speed to go,” District Engineer Jesse Barrus said. “Even beyond that, this could undo progress that’s been made, which means construction could go longer than needed.”

Drivers need to plan an extra 10 – 15 minutes to their commute times. Delays like this are shared via the 511 app or 511.idaho.gov so that drivers can plan ahead and know before they go.

Four-lane section of US-95 south of Moscow fully open

View of the new pavement near the southern section on the US-95 Thorn Creek to Moscow route.

Starting Sunday drivers will be able to take all six miles of the new four-lane section of U.S. Highway 95 from Reisenauer Hill to Moscow.

Drivers had only been able to travel the first five miles that opened in early July as crews needed to finish work at the Thorn Creek Bridge. With the bridge now complete, drivers can experience the route with minimal delays. Some construction will continue over the next several weeks as crews finish installing permanent barrier, signs, delineators and rumble strips.

Construction of this nearly $90 million realignment began in 2022 to shift the curving, two-lane highway to the east and expand it to four lanes. The new route was funded partially by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho program and was designed to be safer with a flatter grade, fewer curves and better access control.

“We are honored and pleased to provide this much-needed expansion to the region,” District Engineer Doral Hoff said. “Completing this last portion between Lewiston and Moscow gives drivers a safer and more efficient route.”

The project first began in 1999 when the Idaho Transportation Department started efforts to expand all of US-95 to four lanes from the top of Lewiston Hill to Moscow. This six-mile segment was the last to be improved, with most of the corridor undergoing construction in the early 2000s.