Upgrades to US-95 in Bonners Ferry to begin Monday

The final phase of a two-year project will begin Monday, March 6, to extend the three-lane section of U.S. Highway 95 from Alderson Lane to Labrosse Hill Street in Bonners Ferry.

“This project will add wider shoulders, sidewalks and lighting to the highway to make it safer and more in line with features you’d find in city limits,” Project Manager Phil Stout said.

Drivers can generally expect a lane to be open in each direction until construction ends in October. Most work will take place during the day, with some night work and detours possible as intersections and driveways are improved.

Starting next week the intersection at US-95 and Pine Island will be closed for the entire duration of construction so that it can be realigned to lessen the incline on the side street and make it easier to turn on and off the highway. All traffic will be detoured to Mirror Lake Road and Riverside Street, but there may be periods of time as the work allows when local passenger-vehicle traffic will be allowed use the intersection.

“ITD has spent four summers so far building these improvements from the Kootenai River Bridge to Eisenhower Street,” Stout said. “This is the last stretch of a multi-year project.”

Learn more about construction that first began in 2018 at itdprojects.org/us95bonnersferry.

Plans for addressing the pothole problem on Broadway Ave. in Boise

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department is aware of the poor pavement condition on Broadway Avenue in Boise and is working to address the issue. Winter weather has accelerated the roadway surface separating from the pavement underneath, resulting in many large, shallow potholes.

ITD is working to address the pothole problem on an ongoing temporary basis, as well as with a permanent repair planned for this summer. The temporary repairs consist of filling the holes with “cold patch” material, but that has proven challenging as the potholes are shallow enough that the material quickly becomes displaced. None the less, maintenance crews will continue to target those potholes that will hold the patch material.

Permanent repairs will be performed once weather allows later this year. ITD is accepting bids to repave Broadway Avenue from I-84 to Beacon/East Park Boulevard. The project is scheduled to kick off this summer and will ultimately provide drivers with a new, smooth roadway surface.

ITD appreciates the public’s patience and is working diligently to start repaving Broadway Avenue as soon as possible.

Statewide mobilization aims to calm aggressive driving in Idaho

A police car seen from a vehicle's side mirror.

BOISE- The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and law enforcement partners across Idaho are joining forces to educate drivers and stop aggressive driving. From February 26 through March 11, expect to see extra officers focused on stopping dangerous, aggressive driving.

In 2022, preliminary data shows there were 14,002 aggressive driving crashes in Idaho. Last year 39 percent of all fatal crashes involved some form of aggressive driving behavior.

“When you hear the words aggressive driving, the first term that comes to mind for most people is road rage,” said Denise Dinnauer, the Aggressive Driving Program Manager for OHS. “But road rage is a criminal act on the extreme end of a wide array of behaviors. More people engage in aggressive driving than they may realize.”

Examples of aggressive driving include:

Speeding
Tailgating
Driving too fast for conditions
Cutting in front of another driver and then slowing down
Failing to stop for red lights or stop signs
Failing to yield
Weaving in and out of traffic
Changing lanes without signaling
Blocking cars that are attempting to change lanes
Passing a vehicle on the wrong side of the road or on the shoulder
Screaming, honking, or flashing lights
Making hand gestures or facial expressions at other drivers

OHS encourages people to drive engaged and think critically about the effect that impulse, emotion, and impatience can have on their actions behind the wheel.

“We know Idahoans want to do the right thing, but people may not realize when they are slipping into aggressive driving behavior that they are putting lives at risk,” Dinnauer said. “We can all do our part to keep our roads safe and save lives.”

OHS has more aggressive driving prevention materials available at shift-idaho.org/aggressive-driving/.

Canyon County bridge repairs begin in late February

BOISE – Repairs to the Interstate 84 Galloway Road overpass in Canyon County will begin in late February and will include overnight interstate detours for westbound motorists.

The overpass, located between State Highway 44 (Exit 25) and Sand Hollow/Oasis Road (Exit 17), will be fully closed during this work to repair damages due to a large truck hitting the structure.

During some overnight work, westbound I-84 traffic will be detoured off the interstate at SH-44 and up Old Highway 30 to the Sand Hollow/Oasis Road interchange and then back onto I-84.

Advanced notification of those detours will be posted on I-84 near the work zone and on 511.idaho.gov and on the 511 app.

“Safety is our highest priority,” said Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Project Manager Justin Wolf. “Please watch for flaggers and other crews working in the area and follow all posted signs.”

View selected design plans for I-84 Interchanges at Burley and Heyburn

Shoshone – As part of Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho Program, the public is invited to learn more about selected design plans for Interstate 84 (I-84) Burley and Heyburn Interchanges (Exits 208 and 211).

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host a public and online meeting to share plans and gather feedback about interchange improvements.

Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Burley Hampton Inn
560 Hampton Drive, Heyburn, ID

The public meeting will be hosted in an open house format with members of the project team on hand to gather input and answer questions.

If you are unable to attend the in-person meeting, please participate online where you can review plans and leave a comment 24 hours a day beginning March 2 until March 15, 2023.

To learn more about the project, please visit itdprojects.org/projects/i-84-burley-and-heyburninterchanges. For additional information or questions, please call (208) 387-7012 or email stephanie.borders@hdrinc.com.

Information will also be available about other projects in the area, including the SH-27 Burley to Paul rehabilitation project and the I-84 Kasota to Burley reconstruction project.

The interchange redesign project is being funded as part of Idaho Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to advance large projects that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy, and positively impact the Mini-Cassia region and communities across the state for years to come.

Drop-in meeting on Feb. 22 for SH-16 construction

NAMPA – The Idaho Transportation Department will host an informal drop-in meeting near the State Highway 16 construction zone on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Project staff will be on hand to answer questions from 3-6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express at 4104 E. Flamingo Avenue in Nampa.

ITD is extending State Highway 16 between U.S. Highway 20/U.S. Highway 26 and I-84, west of McDermott Road. Drop-in meetings have been held every three months during construction, which began in 2022.

For more information, visit itdprojects.org/sh16corridor.

US-95 between New Meadows and Riggins now open for travel

US-95_between Riggins and New Meadows_burning off propane_February 2023

ITD and many other interagency partners are pleased to announce that the hazardous incident on U.S. Highway 95 between New Meadows and Riggins has been cleared, and the highway is officially back open for travel.

On Thursday morning a propane truck overturned on the highway at milepost 177, rupturing the tank. First responders from multiple agencies worked both day and night to clean up thousands of gallons of propane, which is a highly flammable material, to allow the highway to safely reopen.

The department would like to thank everyone for their patience during the emergency response and wish travelers a safe drive to their final destinations. All travelers should continue to check 511.idaho.gov/ for conditions and closures on state highways and interstates.

February 10 update

US-95 between New Meadows and Riggins closed until further notice

Both lanes of U.S. Highway 95 will remain closed until further notice between New Meadows and Riggins due to a crash involving hazardous materials.

Yesterday around lunchtime a propane truck overturned on US-95 at milepost 177, rupturing the tank. First responders continue to clean up thousands of gallons of propane, which is a highly flammable material.

“This is a developing situation,” District 3 Field Operations Manager Eric Copeland said. “Depending how well recovery of the vehicle and propane goes, the highway could reopen as early as tomorrow or take until early next week.”

The highway is closed between mileposts 161 and 180. Local accesses to residences in the area is being provided, but no detour through the crash site exists.

Drivers should find alternative routes, including through Oregon and Washington, if they need to travel between New Meadows and Riggins at this time, and check 511.idaho.gov for updates. Another update will be sent tomorrow morning.

February 9 update

Extended closure of US-95 expected after crash south of Riggins

Both lanes of U.S. Highway 95 are currently closed south of Riggins due to a crash involving hazardous materials. The closure is expected to be in place until late evening.

Drivers should check 511.idaho.gov for updates.

Construction resumes on US-95 south of Moscow

Drone Shot of Construction from Oct. 17th, 2022

The 2023 construction season began today for U.S. Highway 95 south of Moscow. Work will take place near Eid Road and will include building a rock embankment for the site of the two new bridges and excavation on the north side of Reisenauer Hill. Controlled blasting is expected to resume weekly and continue throughout the spring.

Work in 2023 and 2024 will build two bridges over Eid Road and pave the new set of lanes. Each season of construction will generally occur between April and October.

Last year, earthwork was completed on more than 2.5 miles of the new alignment, putting the project at about 30 percent complete. More than $17 million has been spent so far on the project.

Expanding the highway to four lanes on a new alignment will not only add capacity and reduce travel times but also significantly improve safety.

It is anticipated that drivers will be able to take the new route in fall of 2024.

More project information is available at itdprojects.org/us95thorncreektomoscow.

As part of Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho initiative, the 2021 Idaho Legislature dedicated $126 million of one¬time funds from Idaho’s budget surplus to transportation projects statewide. The funds were split 60/40 between ITD and local jurisdictions. This project is partially paid for with ITD’s portion of the funds that will accelerate projects to replace bridges, restore pavements, and improve mobility in communities across Idaho.

Michael Johnson named new Idaho State Bridge Engineer

Longtime ITD Bridge employee Michael Johnson was named as the new State Bridge Engineer effective Christmas Day 2022. He replaces Matt Farrar in the position, who retired in October after 25 years in the job and 36 years overall at the department.

Johnson most recently served as a Design Group Leader in the Bridge Section. He graduated from Idaho State University in 1991, then began accumulating over 30 years of bridge-design experience. He started his career in ITD’s Engineer-in-Training program, before joining the Bridge Section in April 1992. As an EIT, Johnson spent two years in District 3, six months in HQ Materials, and the remaining time in the Bridge Section.

Johnson then took a hiatus from ITD to lead a bridge section for a consulting firm (HDR) from 2003 until July 2018. He returned to ITD a month later to get more opportunities to design bridges in Idaho and spend more time with his wife, Kim.

“I needed a better work/life balance,” Johnson explained.

He and Kim have two grown sons — Zak (an engineer for ITD in District 5) and Parker. In addition to working as an engineer, he served 12 years in the U.S. Army reserves (1990-2002), rising to the rank of Captain, and has coached high school football for the last 13 years. He has been coaching football at Nampa Christian High School since 2010, and is currently the varsity Special Teams Coordinator, Receivers Coach, and assistant the Offensive Coach.

“With my new position, I may need to give up some of those duties, but I am fortunate to be able to continue coaching,” Johnson explained.

Mike’s hobbies include mountain biking, running, coaching, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his family.

Johnson answered a few questions for this article:

Q: What are the goals and challenges you anticipate for this new position?
A: Goals:

“The ITD Bridge Section Staff is excellent, and I am honored to be a part of this team. I want to give the staff the opportunity to work on the projects that interest them. We have some exciting project opportunities coming up in the next few years, including the Rainbow Bridge replacement. Giving our section the opportunity to work on this project and other high profile projects is exciting to me.

I also want to continue to integrate the Bridge Design with the Bridge Asset Management Section. In the past, these sections have worked mostly independently, even though these sections are both in Bridge. Over the past few years, we have been cross training staff to give the staff well rounded experience. Load-rating staff has been given the opportunity to design bridge projects, and design staff has been helping with load ratings. I want to get to the point where staff can seamlessly help the other group if there is a need.

Matt was well-known in the national bridge community — I want to continue ITD’s presence. I have been fortunate to gain important contacts with some of the leaders in the bridge industry through my work on a AASHTOWare Task Force and working with AASHTO Committee of Bridges and Structures. I want to continue to participate on the national level, as well as giving other ITD Bridge staff the same opportunities to work on national committees.”

Challenges:
“I have big shoes to fill. Matt Farrar has been the State Bridge Engineer for over 25 years. His experience will be missed. He was well-known throughout the state and national bridge engineering community. Changing the face of ITD Bridge Section from Matt Farrar to Mike Johnson may take time.”

Johnson said the opportunity to help shape a new ITD Bridge section drove him to apply for the job.

Q: What made you want to tackle this new job?
A: “I enjoy mentoring younger staff. As the State Bridge Engineer, I will be in a position to provide mentorship to young engineers and technicians, and provide opportunities and resources for them to grow and succeed.

Also, this position gives me the opportunity to influence the direction of the bridge industry in Idaho and nationwide.“

ITD Chief Highway Engineer Blake Rindlisbacher, who will supervise Johnson’s new position, is also excited about the announcement.

“I’m excited to welcome Mike to his new role as State Bridge Engineer. Mike started his career with ITD over 30 years ago, when he was a part of ITD’s Engineer in Training program alongside (Division of Highways Construction & Operations Administrator) Dave Kuisti and I. He then worked as a consulting engineer for a number of years before returning to ITD. We are fortunate to have Mike on our team, and I’m confident that Idaho will continue to deliver a high quality bridge program under his leadership.”

Construction continues in Kellogg to replace two I-90 overpasses

Aerial shot of finished construction last year

Next week the Idaho Transportation Department will start the final construction season to improve safety by replacing the Interstate 90 overpasses at Division Street and Elizabeth Park Road in Kellogg.

Crews will first complete work to improve drainage throughout the work zone. After several weeks, crews will move onto replacing the westbound bridges, including full demolition and reconstruction. The final construction activities will include repaving both streets under the overpasses.

Construction is anticipated to start Monday, February 6, at which time traffic on I-90 will be restricted to one lane in each direction at all times through October.

Motorists should plan for the following impacts:

Division Street:

Both lanes will be open under the I-90 overpass with periodic closures as needed.
On-street parking under the overpass will not be allowed.
Sidewalks will be closed under I-90 with a signed pedestrian detour.

Elizabeth Park Road:

Drivers can expect one-way alternating traffic controlled by temporary traffic signals on Elizabeth Park Road under I-90.
In addition to the daily construction schedule, Elizabeth Park Road will be closed for several nights as crews complete work. Digital message boards will provide warnings at least one week in advance of any road closures.

In 2022 crews replaced the eastbound bridges and widened the eastbound on-ramp at Division Street.

The bridges date back to the 1960s. For up-to-date information on this project, please visit itdprojects.org/i90divisionelizabeth.

Construction will also begin later this spring in the Osburn area. Over the next two years, ITD will resurface I-90 from the Big Creek Exit to West Wallace Exit. This year crews will replace concrete with asphalt between Osburn and Wallace, and next year they will work between Big Creek and Wallace. Drivers can expect one lane closure in each direction on I-90 at all times during each construction season.

Travelers should check 511.idaho.gov to learn about traffic impacts.