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Ada County Highway District and Boise County Road and Bridge snowplow drivers heading into their first winter got to prepare for dealing with snow the season, thanks to ITD’s snowplow simulator.

When ACHD reached out to ask if their crews could train on the simulator, District 3 didn’t hesitate. A handful of employees loaded up the simulator and spent two days walking new plow operators and staff through what it’s really like out there during a storm.

The simulator creates less than ideal driving scenarios, allowing drivers to practice in advance, including navigating heavy traffic, dealing with cars not giving way, and facing white-out conditions. For rookies preparing for their first winter shift, that experience goes a long way toward confidence and safety.

But the day wasn’t all screens and simulations. ACHD’s new operators also got the chance to pick the brain of a few experienced ITD snowplow operators, the kind who have seen a few winters and lived to tell the tale.

District 3 Trainer Jared Gibson said the partnership made sense on multiple levels.

“We already coordinate closely with ACHD every day. This was another chance to connect. Our roads are an ecosystem and keeping them safe is a shared responsibility. We’re all better when we work together,” he said.

ITD crews left feeling proud, not only for helping fellow operators gain valuable skills, but for strengthening the relationship with a key partner who keeps Ada County moving.

A junior snowplow driver gains experience on ITDs snowplow simulator.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to attend an open house to learn about and comment on plans to replace the Priest River Bridge on U.S. Highway 2 next Thursday.

Originally built in 1962, the bridge remains open to traffic but is reaching the end of its expected service life. The foundation is in poor condition and no longer meets modern design standards, making it functionally obsolete and due for full replacement.

At this event, the community can learn about the project’s goals and objectives, review the different replacement design options being considered, ask questions and offer feedback while the project is still in the design phase. All comments gathered during the open house will help shape the final design of the future new Priest River Bridge.

“We make a point to engage the community early enough in design that public feedback can truly make a difference,” Project Manager Randy Durland said. “We know not everyone will have the same vision for the bridge, but hearing from a wide range of voices helps us deliver something that fits Priest River and its people.”

The project, located just east of the city of Priest River, will replace the existing bridge, improve traffic flow, and provide pedestrian access over the river. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in2029-2030 and could last for up to two years, depending on the chosen alternative design.

November Open House
Date: November 6
Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Priest River Event Center, 5399 US-2 Priest River, Idaho

The meeting will be held in an open-house style so people can drop in anytime. This event is open to everyone, including families.

Those who cannot attend in person can review identical information online at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us2-priest-river-bridge-replacement and provide feedback during the official public comment period, open November 6-21, 2025.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close eastbound Interstate 84 before Exit 57 (State Highway 21/Gowen Road) nightly from 7:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sunday through early Wednesday to complete ongoing bridge repairs.

After Wednesday repairs are expected to be complete for the season. Crews will continue to monitor pavement and joint performance throughout the winter.

Crews will pave bridge shoulders and finish joint repairs that began in August. This work will smooth out bumps and improve the transition at the beginning and edge of the bridge.

During the work, all eastbound traffic must exit at Exit 57 and reenter I-84 using the eastbound on-ramp at the same location. Minor delays are expected.

Drivers should plan ahead, follow signs through the work zone, and watch for crews and equipment operating near traffic.

For real-time traffic updates and travel information, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

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. 

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.”

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.

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.