Gathering input on Rathdrum Prairie transportation study

Traffic congestion on US-95 in Coeur d'Alene

The Idaho Transportation Department is inviting the public to provide feedback that will help shape the future of roads and highways across the Rathdrum Prairie.

The Rathdrum Prairie Area Transportation Study began with more than 50 ideas for improving travel across Kootenai County. Through earlier rounds of public input and technical review, those concepts have been narrowed to 13 alternatives. These options focus on improving safety, reducing congestion, and keeping traffic moving as the region grows.

Two upcoming public meetings will give community members a chance to see how the alternatives were compared and which ones are recommended to move forward. Feedback from this round will help the study team narrow the list of alternatives even further and shape the recommendations that will guide future projects across the Rathdrum Prairie.

MEETING DETAILS:

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025

4:30 – 7 p.m.

Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce

105 N. 1^st St.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Thursday, Sept 18, 2025

4:30 – 7 p.m.

Q’emiln Park Trailhead Event Center

12201 W. Parkway Dr.

Post Falls, Idaho

Both meetings will be held in an open-house style so people can drop in anytime. Displays will show updates, and staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback. The events are open to everyone, including families.

Those who cannot attend in person can review identical information online from Sept. 17 through Oct. 1 at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rathdrum-prairie-pel

Public invited to review results of SH-16 environmental reevaluation

The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to attend open house meetings to learn about the environmental reevaluation for State Highway 16 between State Highway 44 in Ada County and State Highway 52 in Gem County.

The meetings will provide an update on the study, outline the next steps toward environmental clearance, and share anticipated project phasing and future improvements. Both meetings will present the same information.

In-person open house details:

Monday, Sep. 15 (Eagle)
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (drop in anytime)
Eagle Christian Church, 100 S Short Rd, Eagle
Tuesday, Sep. 16 (Emmett)
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (drop in anytime)
Kenneth Carberry Elementary, 1950 E 12th St, Emmett

The same materials will be available online from Sep. 15 through 29 at sh1644to52.com for those unable to attend in person.

“We encourage the community to attend and learn about the reevaluation results and next steps,” ITD Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said. “We appreciate all the feedback we’ve received from community members, property owners, local agencies and many others throughout this process.”

ITD originally completed an environmental assessment for SH-16 in 2005 to evaluate long-term improvements. The current reevaluation is the first step in advancing the project to final design. This phase ensures the project aligns with current safety, environmental, and community standards. Once complete, the project will move into final design, with construction beginning when design is finalized and funding is secured.

For more information, contact the project team at sh16corridor@itd.idaho.gov or (208) 334-8008, or visit sh1644to52.com.

Nighttime lane closures begin on Long Bridge

Aerial view of the Long Bridge looking north into Sandpoint

Starting next week, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin a six-week project on the Long Bridge to address joints and improve winter maintenance operations. All work on U.S. Highway 95 will take place overnight, with crews setting up traffic control each evening at 7 p.m. and wrapping up by 6 a.m. the following morning.

What drivers can expect:

Lane closures: The bridge will be reduced to one lane at night. Unlike last year, the contractor will limit the work zone to sections of about 1,000–1,500 feet at a time rather than the full length of the bridge. This change is expected to significantly reduce wait times for drivers.
Flagging operations: Crews will alternate traffic through the work zone, but shorter closures should help queues clear more quickly.
Oversize loads: The work zone will be wider than last year, allowing more oversize loads to pass through unimpeded. Most oversize loads will be able to pass, but truckers should check Idaho 511 for specific limitations.
Rolling schedule: The contractor will use a 10-days-on, 4-days-off schedule to complete the project more quickly. This means the contractor will work some weekend nights.

“After a few seasons of working on the Long Bridge, we’ve learned a lot about what works for traffic control,” Project Manager Preston Sochovka said. “We’re listening to the community and using those lessons to fine-tune our approach this year. We’re optimistic these changes will make it easier for drivers with shorter delays and quicker trips across the bridge.”

ITD has also coordinated with the Lake Pend Oreille School District to help families get to varsity home games on time. On those nights, crews will start work later so traffic is not delayed by construction. While not all events can be accommodated, ITD is working with the district to find the best opportunities to lessen impacts and keep Bulldog spirit high and on time.

This project is necessary to address issues discovered after last year’s overlay work regarding raised joint edges created challenges for snowplows. Joints connect sections of the bridge and allow the structure to expand and contract with the weather. Drivers may not notice a big difference, but this will keep snowplows from catching on the joints and help equipment last longer. Crews will remove the raised edges. They will also add a thin layer of epoxy to protect the roadway from precipitation.

ITD acknowledges that this is the third consecutive year of construction on the Long Bridge and understands the frustration that goes along with it.

“We know it’s not easy to keep coming back,” Sochovka said. “But we’ve learned from last year, and this year’s work is about finishing strong and setting the bridge up for long-term performance.”

The bridge has long been a landmark in the community. The current road bridge, built in 1981, underwent a rehabilitation project a few years ago that extended its design life from 75 to 100 years. Next to it the pedestrian bridge, built in 1956 and now closed to vehicles, was reinforced during that same project.

Looking ahead, ITD is studying options to replace the pedestrian bridge with a new two-lane northbound structure that would also include a bike and pedestrian path. In that plan, the 1981 bridge could carry two lanes of southbound traffic. ITD anticipates pursuing federal grants to advance design work for the new bridge, followed by additional funding opportunities for construction.

Drivers are encouraged to plan extra time when traveling through the area at night and check Idaho 511 for the latest updates on restrictions and delays.

UPDATE: Idaho Transportation Department experiencing statewide outage

UPDATE (9/3/25)– The statewide network issues impacting the Idaho Transportation Department and other state agencies have been resolved. Online services and DMV transactions are now fully operational.

A big thank-you to the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services for their hard work in quickly identifying and resolving the issue. We also appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during the outage.

For future updates and information, visit itd.idaho.gov or follow ITD on social media.

—

BOISE (9/2/25) – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is one of several state agencies currently experiencing a statewide network slowdown. This issue is impacting online services and certain transactions across multiple government platforms.

At this time, ITD customers may be unable to:

Access ITD’s online services, including registration renewals and business account management
Complete driver’s license, title, or vehicle registration transactions at county DMV offices

“We understand this outage may be frustrating for our customers and partners,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “We appreciate your patience as the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services works to restore full system functionality.”

Updates will be shared as more information becomes available. Customers can visit itd.idaho.gov or follow ITD on social media for the latest announcements.

Power of Partnership: SH-3 Rescue Paving

When a stretch of State Highway 3 near Clarkia started showing signs it might not last another winter, District 1 and District 2 crews teamed up to hold it together until a full rebuild can happen next year.

Instead of waiting for contractor availability — and paying the steep price that come along with it — our own forces jumped in to pave the section in late July. The move saved thousands, kept the work on schedule, and gave employees from both districts a chance to step up and deliver a high-quality fix before the weather turns.

The partnership was impressive, to say the least! D2 sent 11 trucks and 11 people to haul asphalt from a plant in Lewiston, while D1 fielded 8 trucks and 14 people to haul from Coeur d’Alene and run the paving operation on site.

Together, crews made dozens of trips a day, at times logging up to three round trips per driver. The remote location also gave new employees in training the chance to rack up valuable CDL hours while contributing directly to the project’s success.

Though traffic is light on this rural stretch, a significant number of vehicles are log trucks hauling to and from the mill. This rescue work to keep SH-3 safe wasn’t just about moving people; it’s also about keeping commerce moving in a region of Idaho where logging and trucking are at the heart of the local economy.

The paving crew also got to put their skills to work on a near-new, high-performance paver recently acquired from Ada County. With top-notch operators and a machine built to deliver contractor-level results, the team produced a surface that’s smooth, durable, and ready to carry traffic safely through winter.

“This was a big lift, on a short timeline, but exactly the kind of situation where our internal forces shine,” said District Engineer Damon Allen. “These guys and gals know the road, they know the challenges, and they know how to work together to get it done. I really appreciate District 2 stepping in to help. This kind of collaboration made the project possible and is exactly what makes ITD strong.”

Beyond the road itself, the project highlighted the value of collaboration across districts and how much can be accomplished when employees bring their skills, equipment, and determination together.

Public invited to open house for proposed changes to US-20 west of Idaho Falls

Bus, equipment, commuter and recreational traffic all traveling on US-20 west of Idaho Falls toward the Twin Buttes.

The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting an open house next week to share proposed improvements to U.S. Highway 20 from Idaho Falls to Arco.

US-20 is one of the few highways that run east to west across the entire United States. This section is a vital route for commerce and the 6,000 eastern Idahoans who work at the Idaho National Laboratory.

Originally built in 1950, the roadway requires robust improvements to continue to serve motorists for years to come. The design proposes increasing safety by adding capacity, widening the road to two lanes in each direction starting at Idaho Falls and moving west. Widening will improve safety for freight, agricultural, recreational and commuter traffic where limited passing opportunities and lines of sight now exist.

Those attending the open house will have the chance to comment on these proposed designs, learn the project timelines and see how construction impacts are being mitigated.

Open house details:

Snake River Event Center at the Shilo Inn

780 Lindsay Blvd, Idaho Falls

Thursday, September 4

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

For those unable to attend, an online option will be available September 4-18 at us20arcotoif.com.

“We know this route needs improvements and have been very focused on working towards them,” ITD District Engineer Jason Minzghor said. “We’re excited to get public input on the design and see construction happen in the very near future.”

Construction could begin as early as next summer due to additional funds dedicated to the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation program by Governor Little and the Idaho Legislature earlier this year. This bonding program enhances safety, improves mobility, further strengthens Idaho’s economy and positively impacts communities across the state for years to come.

Delays for US-95 travelers between Moscow and Lewiston this week

Bridge work using heavy equipment on Thorn Creek Bridge over US-95 near Lewiston, Idaho.

Beginning this Wednesday, motorists using U.S. Highway 95 from Lewiston to Moscow will see greater delays at the Thorn Creek work zone as crews pour concrete.

A speed reduction will be in place over the Thorn Creek Bridge that will cause delays of approximately 20 minutes. Delays could be longer during commuting hours. Traffic will be slowed to a strict 5 mph over the structure to ensure vibrations do not impact the curing process for the high-strength concrete. Concrete work is expected to be done on Wednesday, with curing necessary on Thursday and Friday. Restrictions will be in effect, though there may not be active work on site.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and avoid delays by taking State Highway 8 and then the Moscow-Pullman Highway in Washington as an alternate route.

Work at the Thorn Creek Bridge is one of the few remaining steps in completing the new four-lane section from Reisenauer Hill to Moscow. Construction began in 2022 to shift the curving, two-lane highway to the east and expand it to four lanes. The nearly $90 million realignment 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.

Five miles of the new alignment opened to traffic in early July. This last mile is expected to be complete by November.

Traffic updates on this project and others across Idaho can always be seen on the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.

ITD projects face ongoing schedule changes as operator strike continues

Aerial view of I-90 between Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene.

The Idaho Transportation Department is monitoring ongoing impacts to construction projects in North Idaho as the labor strike involving heavy equipment operators in eastern Washington continues.

While laborers remain on-site for some tasks, many projects that depend on operators are experiencing delays or schedule adjustments. ITD is coordinating with contractors, local maintenance crews, and partners to address immediate needs and keep traffic moving safely.

Current project updates include:

Interstate 90, State Highway 41 Interchange: Previously planned traffic shifts onto the new lanes of SH-41 and the new SPUI intersection will be delayed until the strike is resolved. In the meantime, traffic will remain in its current configuration and drivers will continue to use the existing alignment on SH-41. This delay will also affect the schedule to re-open the new westbound off ramp at SH-41 as it cannot be constructed until traffic is shifted over to use the new intersection. ITD maintenance crews are evaluating options to reinforce pavement on existing SH-41 for winter use if needed. At this time, expectations for overall completion of the project remain on track for 2026, though some milestones may shift further into the year.

State Highway 53 Pleasant View Interchange: The temporary signal installed earlier this year remains in place and is working well to safely manage traffic through the intersection. While minor construction activities are occurring, the operator strike is preventing major work, which will delay overall progress. A key concern is coordinating with the railroad to set bridge girders over the tracks. Overhead work requires the railroad to adjust train schedules, which involves extensive planning and coordination. Missing the previously planned work window will affect when this task can be rescheduled after the strike ends.

I-90 Coeur d’Alene River Bridge: Girders for the eastbound bridge have been fabricated, but the operator strike is delaying their delivery and installation. Because girders are a critical step, this setback may force traffic to remain in the current crossover configuration into the winter, creating challenges for plowing and snow removal. Reduced lane widths in this setup would also significantly affect commercial vehicles and oversized loads. Even once girders are in place, much of the remaining work, such as concrete pouring and paving, is weather-dependent, meaning current delays could impact ITD’s ability to complete the bridge before winter. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available to the project team and schedule decisions are made.

I-90 Widening: Work on the project is limited at this time. Although the project officially began last week, the strike came into effect shortly afterward, preventing significant work from getting underway. ITD is evaluating which elements can move forward this year to reduce overall delays, but the delayed start is likely to affect the overall schedule and may impact the anticipated completion timeline.

I-90 Fourth of July Pass: ITD is currently evaluating options for traffic control along this section. Barriers and the current traffic configuration could either remain in place or be adjusted, but a final decision will depend on how the strike unfolds over the next week. Leaving traffic as-is may be frustrating for drivers, but may allow for more efficient work later this year and into 2026 once the strike ends. ITD is also reviewing plans to address drainage issues along the corridor. Further updates will be provided as schedule and traffic decisions are finalized.

SH-54 Reconstruction from State Highway 41 to Greystone Road: With major construction paused due to the ongoing operator strike, ITD maintenance crews have performed temporary paving at key approaches near Timberlake High School and 10^th Street in Spirit Lake. This work is critical to maintain safe access and keep traffic moving while larger project elements are on hold. The speed limit in the work zone is currently reduced to 45 mph and is expected to remain in place into winter. Drivers may experience minor disruptions as temporary paving is completed, but ITD crews are working quickly, and temporary detour information will be posted locally. Additional striping adjustments may be made at the eastern end of the work zone to lengthen crossover areas for smoother transitions and improved safety if the strike continues beyond a week or two.

ITD will continue to monitor the situation closely. If the strike extends further into the fall, more projects may face more significant schedule changes. The department will update the public as new information becomes available.

For more details on each project, visit any of ITD’s project webpages at www.itdprojects.idaho.gov.

UPDATE: Gowen Road and portions of I-84 to close nightly beginning Friday for bridge repairs

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department will close Gowen Road nightly beginning Friday as part of a bridge repair project on Interstate 84. These closures are needed to facilitate safe and efficient traffic flow while both eastbound lanes of I-84 are closed at the Gowen Interchange. This project will repair bumps in the roadway caused by settling and rutting at the beginning and end of the bridge.

Road closure schedule:

Saturday and Sunday nights: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Monday through Friday nights: 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Detour routes:

From Gowen Road to I-84 (eastbound or westbound):

Turn right on Eisenman Road, proceed to the Eisenman Interchange, and use on-ramps to access I-84 in either direction.

From Gowen Road to SH-21 or Federal Way:

Turn right on Eisenman Road, proceed to the Eisenman Interchange, access I-84 westbound, exit at the Gowen Interchange, and follow signs to SH-21/Federal Way.

From SH-21/Federal Way to eastbound I-84 or Gowen Road:

Travel east on Federal Way to the Eisenman Interchange. From there, access I-84 westbound or turn west on Eisenman to return to Gowen.

These closures coincide with previously released nightly full closures of eastbound I-84 near the Gowen Interchange. During the closures, eastbound drivers will be detoured off I-84 at the Gowen Road off-ramp and directed back onto the interstate via the on-ramp. The detour will remain within the same interchange, and only minor delays are expected.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted detour signs, and allow extra time when traveling through the area. For the latest updates and traffic conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

How ITD teamwork and ingenuity delivered a safer intersection

When traffic starts backing up at the Banks-Lowman and SH-55 intersection in SW Idaho, especially during the busy summer months, locals feel it and so do ITD crews. For years, temporary flagging operations helped keep things moving, but concerns continued to build around congestion, public safety, and the risks faced by flaggers working in live traffic.

So, District 3 Operations took action. Without dedicated funding but with a deep understanding of the need, the department made a bold decision: build and install a traffic signal in-house.

It was the first time ITD crews had taken on a signal project from start to finish, including design, construction, and installation, and they pulled it off in just 15 months. A similar project delivered through the traditional method would have taken 3-5 years and cost around $1.5 million. By handling it internally, ITD completed the work for under $500,000.

“The crews’ efforts, communication, and coordination were exceptional,” Nestor Fernandez, District 3 Operations Engineer, said. “Each team, whether from our own district or assisting districts, was fully committed and invested in completing their tasks. The seamless collaboration across groups ensured work was completed efficiently and to a high standard.”

That creativity was especially important when it came to phasing the new signal. The intersection didn’t have existing turn lanes, and a single-lane bridge had to be managed without introducing excessive delay. Because the design was handled in-house, the team could think outside the box and the result was a tailored solution that worked.

While some highly specialized elements, like foundation drilling and pole installation, were contracted out, the majority of the project was delivered using state forces. ITD teams from across the agency contributed, and that statewide collaboration proved to be a game-changer.

From navigating environmental requirements to expediting material procurement, every step of the process came with a learning curve. But the result wasn’t just a safer intersection, it was a powerful example of what’s possible when teams work together and think creatively.

“Constructing this project with state forces was a unique and valuable experience for the district,” Nestor added. “The positive, seamless collaboration and communication across all sections, and with the contractors, was a key factor in its success, as was the strong ownership each team took in their role.”

The Banks-Lowman signal project has already made a difference for local residents and travelers alike.