Drivers need to be careful in upcoming storm

RIGBY – With a severe winter storm predicted by the National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/pih/), the Idaho Transportation Department in East Idaho reminds drivers to take precautions in case roads close or motorists become stranded. Extreme cold temperatures, snow, and wind can make for a dangerous combination.

“We do everything we can to keep roads open,” said Bryan Young, D6 Operations Engineer. “However, we also have to consider the safety of the traveling public and our crews.”

ITD asks the public to think ahead and determine whether a trip can be delayed or avoided during winter storms. Check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to learn if roads are closed and to view conditions. If you are driving, be careful to leave extra distance between vehicles, never pass a snowplow on the right, and pay close attention to changing conditions.

Other safety tips include:

Keep survival supplies in your vehicle: blankets, flashlight, water, and food.
Fill your vehicle’s gas tank before leaving.
Be sure your car is well-maintained with fluids at proper levels, tires properly inflated, wipers, brakes, and battery are all in good condition.
Dress appropriately for cold weather: heavy coat, boots, gloves, and have extra socks.
Prepare to self-rescue if your vehicle is stuck by having: a shovel, kitty litter, tire chains.
Inform others of when you are leaving, what route you are taking, and what time you expect to arrive.
Ensure your cell phone is charged before leaving.
If your vehicle becomes stuck, check to be sure the tail pipe is clear so exhaust fumes do not build up in the cabin.
Crack a window to avoid carbon monoxide build-up and only run your vehicle for 10 minutes per hour to keep the cabin warm.

Leading Idaho grant funds snow-removal equipment at Orofino airport

Gov. Brad Little’s Leading Idaho initiative recently helped fund $75,000 in new snow-removal equipment for the Orofino Municipal Airport in north-central Idaho. The newly purchased truck is set up for sanding, deicing, and plowing.

Orofino averages 21.4 inches of snow each winter season. The airport is located about a mile northwest of town, on the south side of the Clearwater River. It is located in a steep canyon, with high-terrain approaches both north and south of the airport.

“This new truck will make a huge impact,” said Ryan Smathers, Orofino City Administrator. “The airport has been basically out of service during major snow events, and this will help us respond in a timely manner.“

“We had to rush to get the runway cleared with a front-end loader for Life Flight to land in winters past. This will help keep the runway open during all types of weather conditions. Having the capability to spray deicer and sand, along with the scoop plow, will be a game-changer.”

Jennifer Schildgen, Airport Planning Manager with the Idaho Division of Aeronautics, agrees.

“The Leading Idaho Initiative has provided airports statewide with greatly needed grant funds to support the Idaho Aviation System,” she stated. “The Orofino Airport’s Snow Removal Equipment project is a wonderful example of how the State is supporting our transportation system.”

ITD is taking another look at potential alternatives for US-20; invites public to give feedback

RIGBY – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites the public to participate in in-person or online meetings in early December for the US-20 corridor between Ashton and SH-87 junction. Meetings are scheduled for the following evenings:

Monday, Dec. 5
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ashton Community
Center and Library
925 Main Street Ashton, ID 83420

Tuesday, Dec. 6
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Island Park EMS Building
4378 County Circle
Island Park, ID 83429

For those who can’t attend in person, an online meeting will be available between Dec. 6-23 at itdprojects.org/projects/us-20-ashton-to-sh-87-jct/.

ITD is taking a second look at alternating passing lanes and other potential roadway improvements as part of the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study initiated in late 2021.

The format of the meetings will be an open house and will include computer stations featuring project mapping. Please plan to attend one of two public meetings anytime from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both in-person as well as the online meeting will all share the same information, and no formal presentation will be given.

Comments on the project are always welcome but can be best utilized if received by Dec. 23, 2022.

The Dos and Don’ts of driving near snow plows

Plow clearing SH-6 near White Pine Campground

Snow has already fallen in the state, so drivers should get ready to drive with plows this winter. Talking about sharing the road with plows is really more of a discussion on what you shouldn’t do.

What shouldn’t you do?

Don’t pass. The road behind a plow is always better than the road in front of a plow. And all the snow, rock and other debris comes out of a plow at a high rate of speed––if you pass and try to drive through all that, the weight of the snow could force your vehicle off the road or break windows.

Of course, that’s assuming you don’t run into the plow while attempting to pass it.

Plows trucks weigh up to 58,000 pounds and sport not one, but two, plows. Everyone is familiar with the plow on the front, which is 12 feet long and takes up a whole lane. People tend to forget about the second, smaller plow positioned on the right side of the truck. It’s called a wing plow.

That’s the one folks run into. When plows are pushing snow, it comes up over the top of the plow and obscures all the lighting and flags. Again, plows weigh up to 14 times the average vehicle, so running into them is going to have an impact.

While not illegal to pass a plow, it’s recommended you never do so on the right side because of the wing plow. Law enforcement can and will cite drivers who act recklessly or carelessly and pass when it isn’t safe.

Operators will often work in pairs, especially on multi-lane roadways like freeways, to get snow pulled from the far left side all the way to the shoulder. Don’t try to pass several plows at once or drive between them.

Plows are large vehicles with blind spots, even when not working in blizzard conditions or pushing snow. Stay out of their blind spots.

If you’re going to pass, it’s important to consider where the snow is going. Our drivers typically push snow to the right, but in some cases, they will push snow into the median.

Sometimes there isn’t room to push snow into the median, or there aren’t enough operators available to tandem plow. You may see a plow working by itself on a freeway, pushing snow into the fast lane on the first lap and then moving it all the way off the roadway on a second pass. There may be enough room to pass safely on the right – but first slow down and observe where the snow coming out of the plow lands on the road before you make your decision.

When in doubt, don’t pass.

What should you do?

Drive for conditions. The posted speed limit is set based on ideal conditions, so in winter you’ll have to slow down. It’s on the driver to determine a safe speed.
Maintain at least a three-second following distance. On slick roads, you’ll need more time to react and stop if necessary.
Move over. Any time emergency vehicles—which include tow trucks—are flashing their lights, you are legally required to slow down and move over into another lane if possible.
Leave early. Giving yourself extra time will make it that much easier to make smart decisions.
Download 511. No need to guess what your route looks like – download the 511 app or visit 511.idaho.gov to see road conditions and if there are any reported crashes.

As you head out on the road this winter, keep these safety tips in mind so that you and our plow drivers can make it home safely.

ICONIC Workforce Development Program Seeks Spring 2023 Applicants for Lewiston

ITD’s workforce development program ICONIC (Idaho Career Opportunities – Next In Construction) is seeking the next batch of construction operators to take part in a month-long training in Lewiston this spring. Heavy equipment operators, cement masons, carpenters, truck drivers and mechanics are some of the main skills that are taught during the course.

Of the 105 class graduates in the past few years, 80% have found careers in the highway construction trades within 45 days of course completion. On average in Idaho, the starting wages in the construction industry is typically around $40,000. Having experience in a construction trade can increase your annual earning by at least 20%.

The Lewiston training course, available to 20 people, will take place from April 17 to May 19. Although the class will be held in Lewiston, enrollment is available to anyone statewide who meets the criteria – at least 18 years of age, having a valid driver’s license, and able to pass a drug test. ITD also offers housing assistance to those coming from out of the region.

For more information, contact ITD’s Office of Civil Rights at civilrights@itd.idaho.gov Call/text to (208) 908-2190. Those interested can also access the program brochure at https://itd.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/OJT-Brouchure-2023.pdf

or apply at https://forms.gle/T8BMtcg7uw8VmTWTA

How to get “Idaho Ready” for winter driving and holiday travel

Boise – With weather getting colder, and holidays on the horizon, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) wants to ensure that all drivers are “Idaho Ready” for winter driving conditions. “Idaho Ready” is ITD’s annual winter safety campaign. The goal is to equip drivers with information and advice so they can safely and confidently navigate Idaho’s roadways, regardless of the forecast.

On Thursday, ITD, Idaho State Police, and law enforcement agencies from several counties gathered for a news conference to drive home the importance of wearing seatbelts and driving to conditions this winter. Nearly 50 law enforcement and safety agencies will participate in extra patrols to keep our roadways safe. Funding for the patrols and overtime work focused on seat belt violations and impaired driving enforcement will be provided by a grant through ITD’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The enforcement campaign will run from November 17, 2022, through January 1, 2023. Click here to download soundbites, video, and a photo from the event.

Safety is ITD’s top priority when preparing for winter weather, both for drivers and for the ITD operators who maintain the roads every day. Across Idaho, hundreds of operators work around the clock to clear snow and keep Idaho’s 13,000 miles of highways safe. However, one of the biggest dangers for these operators is other drivers. Last winter, 11 people crashed into snowplows in Idaho. Most drivers tried to pass snowplows on the right and hit a deployed wing plow. Reminding motorists that the safest place to be when roads are snowy is behind the plow, is just one of the many topics ITD shares with the “Idaho Ready” campaign.

Here are a few more easy tips for winter driving:

Check the road conditions before traveling. Visit 511.idaho.gov, download the Idaho 511 app, or follow @Idaho511 on Twitter. 511 has weather reports, cameras, road closures, and more.
Keep a winter emergency kit in your car and prepare your car for winter driving by checking your windshield wiper fluid, battery, and tires.
When roads are wet or icy, slow down and give yourself more stopping distance. Turn off cruise control and remember, bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze when temperatures drop.
If you do slide, stay calm, brake very gently, and turn your wheel in the direction of the skid. Try not to overcorrect.
Let others know your travel plans, especially if you will be driving through areas with no cell service. Check in when you arrive.
Using a GPS? Review the route before you hit the road in case your GPS tries to take you on unfamiliar or unmaintained back roads.
Beware of drowsy driving! Stop and rest when needed, and plan breaks on long road trips. Rest areas are also mapped on Idaho 511
If your holiday celebrations include alcohol, plan for a sober ride home. Look out for your friends and family and help them get home safely too.
Buckle up, stay engaged behind the wheel, and drive for the conditions this winter.

Watch ITD’s social media channels and website for weekly winter driving tips and best practices:

Facebook- Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)
Twitter- @IdahoITD
YouTube- Idaho Transportation Department
Website- itd.idaho.gov/travel
Idaho 511- 511.idaho.gov, or download the app.

Lighting upgrades next Thursday night to close lanes on the Perrine Bridge

Next Thursday night (Nov. 17), crews will close lanes on the Perrine Bridge to replace overhead lighting. To help lessen impacts to commuters, work will take place after 9:00 p.m.

Work is part of a larger project that is addressing important structures and sections of the highway system throughout the region.

“These new luminaires have an improved design that will extend their life expectancy,” ITD Project Manager John Keifer stated. “We are upgrading multiple lights this year and will continue to address other areas in South-central Idaho with future projects.”

Click here for a photo of the bridge.

While crews are on site, traffic will be reduced to a single lane in either direction.

“We anticipate crews will be able to complete all of the work in one night,” Keifer said.

Motorists are advised to drive engaged and watch for crews and equipment in the area.

Public invited to open house for State Highway 75 improvements in Blaine County

Image of State Highway 75 in Blaine County

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites members of the public to attend a public meeting next Tuesday to review preliminary design plans for segments of State Highway 75 between Bellevue and Timber Way. This project is funded by Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho initiative.

“Our design plans build upon input from stakeholders dating back to 2008, so we’re not starting from scratch but rather updating our previous findings,” ITD Project Manager Mark Campbell stated. “Over the last year, we have refreshed traffic projections and our safety analysis and are currently assessing potential impacts to social and environmental resources.”

Proposed plans are too extensive to build in one project, so this effort will create shovel-ready projects that can be constructed as soon as funding is identified. Specific design elements under consideration for future projects include widening the highway, improving select intersections, and evaluating pedestrian/bike underpasses and transit pullouts.

The open house will be held in Hailey on Tuesday, November 15, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Community Campus Building at 1050 Fox Acres Road. Individuals are welcome to drop in anytime to review displays, speak with members of the project team, and provide comments on the project.

There will also be a self-guided online meeting option for those who are not able to attend. The online meeting will be available from November 15 to December 15 on the project website at itdprojects.org/projects/timmerman-to-timber-way-project.

“The comments we receive will help us refine potential design solutions,” Campbell said. “We encourage people to find the most convenient way to comment on the preliminary design options we’re presenting.”

The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and critical infrastructure needs today that would otherwise take many years to fund.

For more information on the project, to provide comment, or to reach a member of the project team, please visit the project website, email info@sh75.com, or call (760) 831-6227.

Leading Idaho funds runway improvements to St. Anthony Community Airport

Grant funds in the amount of $1.7M from Gov. Little’s Leading Idaho initiative helped repair and replace sections of badly damaged runway at the small community airport in St. Anthony in October. The funds were used in conjunction with Idaho Airport Aid Program funding to complete the runway reconstruction and eliminate a significant safety hazard.

The consultant who managed the project, T-O Engineers, worked with the City of St. Anthony to help them reconstruct their only paved runway and build a new partial parallel taxiway for additional hangar development. The existing runway pavement was rated in “poor” condition in 2021 and was projected to drop to “very poor” within the next five years. The new partial parallel was constructed to provide access to the runway for existing and future hangars as well as improve safety at the airport.

Aviation Program Manager for T-O Engineers, Jared Norton, reported that the design included utilizing a CRABS (Concrete Recycled Asphalt Base Stabilization) process on existing runway pavement that was still in good condition and could be salvaged, which reduced construction costs and time, while providing a high-strength pavement section.

The project was not without its challenges, Norton said.

“During construction, we encountered unanticipated subsurface conditions that impacted the CRABS process. T-O Engineers worked with the city and contractor Depatco to quickly modify the design and allow the project to continue moving forward on schedule. In the end, the city was able to complete the full project on time and under budget. “

The new runway will better serve the agricultural spraying needs and general aviation operations at the small East Idaho airport.

“The Division of Aeronautics is honored to have the ability to collaborate with airport sponsors to ensure the safety and economic viability of the statewide aviation system,” said Aero’s Airport Planning Manager Jennifer Schildgen (pictured left). “It is wonderful to see project completion and the amazing work being done through partnerships that helps the communities. It is one of the reasons I look forward to work every day.”

Passing lane construction on US-95 to shut down soon

Partly finished highway project on US-95 with snow on the mountains

After the next two weeks, drivers will no longer be slowed by construction to build a passing lane on U.S. Highway 95 between Culdesac and Winchester as the project shuts down for winter.

The original schedule included the opening of a new passing lane for southbound drivers in November, but challenges with environmental resources has delayed completion.

A few months into construction the contractor discovered important sensitive resources within the project limits and stopped all work on that portion of the project.

The Idaho Transportation Department works with the Nez Perce Tribe and other entities on certain projects to avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts to these sensitive resources. On some projects with potential cultural resources, the department hires resource monitors to observe construction activities.

During construction, monitors identified sensitive resources and stopped work in that area until further investigation could be completed, and mitigation could be approved. At this time, the department is still working with the Tribe to finish the investigation, so construction in the area is not yet allowed to proceed.

Then in late August, while the contractor was building a retaining wall near Lapwai Creek, some steelhead trout were stranded and subsequently died. Steelhead trout in the region are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Construction plans were approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), an agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the project was approved for some fish being harmed or killed, though to a lesser extent.

“After the incident this year, we partnered with the Tribe and the NMFS to revise the plan for the remainder of construction. We will also discuss the remainder of work so that the fish are better protected when we resume work,” Resident Engineer Curtis Arnzen said.

Arnzen believes collaboration on this project will improve construction practices for future projects as well.

“Given the environmental challenges of the project, we do not know exactly when construction will begin next year, but we hope to start next July, which is a good time of year for in-water work in Lapwai Creek relating to the protection of threatened fish,” Arnzen said.

This project is part of a corridor-wide plan to finish building an 11-mile passing lane in Culdesac Canyon to provide safer opportunities for drivers to pass.