BOISE—At least 92* people were killed in crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads, according to preliminary data from the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS). Vehicle crashes caused the majority of fatalities, followed by motorcycle crashes, and crashes involving pedestrians.
The 100 Deadliest Days are the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. During this time more people are out of school or work, on vacations, and celebrating. This increase in traffic can lead to more distracted, aggressive, and impaired driving, making the roads more dangerous.
“Thinking about the gravity of the loss is heartbreaking. Ninety-two people are gone too soon, and families and communities across Idaho are mourning their loved ones,” Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton said. “It’s a solemn reminder of the importance of buckling up, putting down the distractions, and driving sober.”
OHS has compiled a preliminary list* of contributing factors to these fatalities. Please note that the numbers in this list add up to more than 92 because most crashes have more than one contributing factor. For example, a fatal crash could involve both impaired driving and no seat belt or inattention, speeding, and failing to yield, etc.
- No seat belt – 34
- Fail to maintain lane – 20
- Speed – 11
- Alcohol-impaired – 10
- Fail to yield – 10
- Inattention – 9
- Overcorrected – 5
- Drove left of center line – 5
- Improper overtaking – 4
- Wrong side or wrong way – 4
- Drug-impaired – 3
- Asleep, drowsy, or fatigued – 2
- Fail to obey a stop sign – 2
- Distracted in or on the vehicle (GPS, cell phone, etc.) – 2
- Improper lane change – 2
- Tire Defect – 1
Overall, 2023 has been deadlier than 2022. So far this year 168* people have died on Idaho roads, compared to 137 at this time last year. Ninety-two people died during the 100 Deadliest Days this year, compared to 81 last year.
Here is a preliminary breakdown* of fatalities during the 100 Deadliest Days by county:
8 Fatalities
- Ada
- Bonneville
- Idaho
- Kootenai
7 Fatalities
6 Fatalities
4 Fatalities
- Bannock
- Bonner
- Clearwater
- Teton
- Twin Falls
3 Fatalities
2 Fatalities
- Boise
- Cassia
- Jefferson
- Minidoka
- Nez Perce
1 Fatality
- Bear Lake
- Benewah
- Bingham
- Blaine
- Boundary
- Elmore
- Franklin
- Latah
- Lemhi
- Lincoln
- Owyhee
No Fatalities
- Adams
- Butte
- Camas
- Caribou
- Clark
- Custer
- Fremont
- Gem
- Gooding
- Lewis
- Madison
- Oneida
- Power
- Shoshone
- Washington
*All 2023 data is preliminary
Routine repairs on the Perrine Bridge near Twin Falls are now underway as the contractor starts setting up staging areas for equipment and scaffolding to access areas underneath the bridge. Work is not expected to impact traffic at this time.
Maintenance efforts will extend the lifespan of the bridge and include repairing the sidewalks, the railing and cracks. Some of the steel supports will also be painted for protection from weathering.
Lane closures are not expected for a few weeks, but mobilization this week is the beginning of a maintenance project that will last through spring of 2024. Signs on the highway will advertise upcoming closures to give drivers’ time to adjust their commute, and sidewalks on either side of the bridge will remain open for the duration of construction.
ITD schedules routine bridge maintenance projects to ensure the bridge’s longevity for years to come.
“Maintenance now could prevent future closures,” District Engineer Jesse Barrus said. “It’s far more effective to schedule these routine maintenance repairs and plan for it now than address issues later. Our goal is to ensure crews work quickly but safely.”
To learn more about the repairs, visit the project website. Traveler can also stay up to date on traffic impacts at 511.idaho.gov.
LEWISTON — As a reminder, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host an open house for the community to learn more about the U.S. Highway 12 Clearwater Memorial Bridge improvements on Tuesday, September 12 from 2- 7 p.m. PST at the Hells Canyon Grand Hotel. The public will have an opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming deck construction beginning in mid-September.
ITD will share renderings of the bridge improvements and have staff on hand to expand on impacts to the traveling public. The department’s goal is to safely accommodate drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclist during construction.
View one of the renderings.
For more information about the project please visit itdprojects.org/us12memorialbridge.
LEWISTON — Beginning September 14, motorists should expect a new traffic pattern affecting access to the Clearwater River Casino & Lodge at the Aht’Wy Interchange project on U.S. Highway 95.
Motorists can anticipate the following traffic pattern changes:
- East Entrance: This access point will be closed. A temporary east entrance will be available nearby and closer to the casino. Access to and from the temporary east entrance will be open for both directions of travel on US-95.
- West Entrance: Drivers heading southbound on US-95 will not be able to access the plaza at the west entrance. However, this entrance will be accessible for travelers on northbound US-95 to and from the plaza.
To see a revised graphic for access to and from the plaza, please reference this new handout.
Travelers can continue to expect single lanes in each direction and the speed limit remains lowered for safety. As always, please be mindful of construction workers working near the roadway.
Updates on the Aht’Wy Interchange Project can be found by visiting https://itdprojects.org/projects/ahtwyinterchange/.
Download a photo of the work zone.
To get continual updates about weather-related road conditions, road work, commercial vehicle restrictions, road closures, and other travel information please visit 511.idaho.gov, download the free Idaho 511 mobile app or dial 511 on your phone.
Earlier in August, $357,340 in Leading Idaho funds created runway widening improvements at the Nezperce Airport in north-central Idaho. The runway was widened from 30 feet to 50 feet, addressing a width deficiency identified in the 2003 planning study, while also providing a strong, smooth pavement surface that should last 20 years.
Three agricultural crop spraying businesses currently operate out of Nezperce Airport and this project will provide a sound runway for them to continue, while also providing future aviation growth opportunities. The runway widening and overlay will improve safety for the flying public operating out of the facility.
“Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative has provided the Division of Aeronautics the opportunity to provide funding for worthy aviation projects that may have never been accomplished due to funding shortfalls,” Division of Aeronautics’ Jennifer Schildgen said.
“This project is a great example of how the aviation community is working together to provide the safest aviation system possible. The city of Nezperce has waited 17 years for this project and it is a great honor to have been a part of it.”
As part of Governor 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. Construction on this project is 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.
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is looking for a full-time Public Information Officer to serve the South-central Idaho regional office located in Shoshone, Idaho. The district runs from the Idaho State Line to the south, all the way north through the Twin Falls region to the Wood River Valley and the Sun Valley/Ketchum area.
The ideal candidate will have experience in the transportation field or familiarity with transportation issues, and will also be media savvy.
This individual will make a difference daily, and will be part of an award-winning agency, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Idaho through transportation. At ITD, every employee is critical to the mission as we strive to foster an innovative, collaborative workplace where employees can grow and do their best work. This opening is an opportunity to use your media relations, writing, and collaboration skills to promote the department’s mission.
The PIO will join the department’s Office of Communication professionals statewide in telling the story of one of the best transportation departments in the country. Candidates must have strong writing skills, experience interacting with news media, an understanding of how to use social media effectively, and the ability to develop successful outreach campaigns, facilitate public meetings and assist with internal communication.
The position closes Sept. 10.
Here’s the link to the position announcement:https://statecareers.idaho.gov/jobs/13303772-public-information-officer
A new traffic signal will be installed on State Highway 75 at Ohio Gulch Road north of Hailey starting Tuesday. The signal is expected to be fully operational by January.
Crews will first prepare the site for signal pole installation with the majority of work underground. Then they will build the signal by placing the poles and mast arms.
During construction traffic will be reduced to a single lane intermittently as each corner of the intersection is worked on. Motorists will need to plan for delays during the day and are advised to slow down and watch for workers and heavy equipment along the highway.
“We are pleased to begin construction for this much-anticipated traffic signal for the city of Hailey,” District Engineer Jesse Barrus said. “It’s been a long journey to get here, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we start construction and take the needed time to ensure crews work safely while they complete the project.”
Travelers are reminded to know before they go and check 511.idaho.gov for traffic impacts.
BOISE—As Idaho approaches the end of the 100 Deadliest Days, drivers should remember to include a sober ride home in their Labor Day plans. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has partnered with Idaho State Police (ISP) and more than 50 other law enforcement agencies for enhanced DUI patrols this coming holiday weekend. Expect to see more officers on the roads to stop impaired drivers before they cause harm.
“As law enforcement professionals, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The act of impaired driving not only defies the principles we uphold but also endangers the lives we’ve sworn to protect,” said Colonel Kedrick Wills of the Idaho State Police. “This Labor Day weekend, let us all unite in our commitment to safety by making responsible choices. Through intensified patrol and advanced expertise, we are committed to creating an environment free from the dangers of impaired driving.”
According to data gathered by OHS, 110 people were killed as a result of impaired driving crashes last year. That represents more than half of all fatalities in 2022.
Labor Day marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. This year to date 164 people have been killed in crashes on Idaho roads, 89 of those fatalities happened during the 100 Deadliest Days.
Sadly 2023 has been deadlier than 2022 so far. This time last year there were 133 fatalities on Idaho roads, versus 164 this year.
“It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, aggressive driving, and distracted driving,” explained Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “We can help to keep ourselves and others safe by driving engaged, putting down the distractions, driving sober, and always wearing our seatbelts.”
POCATELLO – Aug. 28, 2023 | Southbound drivers on I-15 will be detoured through the interchange ramps at Fort Hall (Exit 80) tonight from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. This will allow crews to operate safely as they work on the bridge beams over the roadway.
The Fort Hall Interchange is undergoing a complete reconstruction to replace the outdated bridge and improve on- and off-ramps. The redesign also allows for the planned three lanes northbound and southbound on I-15. Those wishing to learn more about the project can visit https://itdprojects.org/projects/forthall/
Motorists should exercise caution while travelling through the work zone as traffic patterns will continue to change over the next week to accommodate construction. Drivers can also check 511.idaho.gov or download the 511 app for the last traffic conditions on all state highways and freeways.
Starting Monday morning, August 28th, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin paving a temporary adjacent road, also known as a shoo-fly, as part of ongoing construction for the US95 McArthur Lake project. Paving is expected to last two days, during which time the highway will be reduced to 1 lane in alternating shifts to allow crews to work. Flaggers may also be utilized to assist with traffic flow. Drivers should expect delays throughout daytime commuting hours.
It is anticipated that traffic will shift over to this new section of paved roadway in mid-September to accommodate final construction on the future bridge. The projected final completion date for this project is Fall of 2024.
Motorists should exercise caution while traveling through work zones. Those wishing to receive email updates about the US-95 McArthur lake project can sign up here. Drivers can also check or download the Idaho 511 app for the latest traffic conditions on all state roadways.
