Justin Smith wins Award of Excellence for history series

The hits keep on comin’ for District 5 Public Information Officer Justin Smith, who just last month won an Esto Perpetua award from the State Historical Society for his outstanding work promoting and preserving Idaho history. Last week, Smith won an Award of Excellence from the communications group APEX for the series of Transporter articles detailing the early transportation history in the state.

“Idaho has a rich transportation history stretching from the old Indian footpaths and the Oregon Trail to today’s highways and freeways,” said Smith. “In many ways, transportation history is the history of Idaho. I love our state and am passionate about its past and its people. I’m especially grateful for my job at ITD where I have the opportunity to share in telling ITD’s past as well as work with the many people who are continuing the proud transportation tradition!”

Smith has published a dozen “Early Transportation in Idaho” articles so far.

“I love the stories that Justin shares with us about Idaho transportation history,” said Office of Communication Manager John Tomlinson. “This is just one of the awards he has won for his historical writing this year. His passion for preserving Idaho history benefits us all.”

Blackfoot maintenance shed’s open floor design improves safety

The newly remodeled Blackfoot shed sports a new floor, drains, windows, paint, electrical, and fire suppression, but what really gets foreman Troy Despain excited is the wide-open shop space.

Before the remodel the shed was a tight proposition. Plows backed into their slots with barely inches to spare in front of and behind the vehicles. In addition, there were ceiling support posts that drivers had to gingerly navigate around. One wrong move backing into the shed and thousands of dollars could be lost

Today the shed looks brand new. The depth of the building has been expanded to allow more room in front of and behind the plows. In addition, Despain pushed hard for an open floorplan without the original design’s support posts. “We build spans across gorges, there’s no reason why we couldn’t put in a large beam that removed the necessity of those support pillars.”

While there are a few support posts at the ends and joints between beams, a massive steel beam carries the roof’s weight over the majority of the shop resulting in an open shop floor and improved safety. Despain says the new main beam design will be the standard moving forward for other sheds. “It just makes sense,” he said.

Public invited to review findings and proposed improvements for SH-44 corridor

STAR—The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to attend two upcoming open houses to learn about findings and recommended improvements for the State Highway 44 corridor between Interstate 84 and Star Road.

SH-44 is a key east-west route through Middleton and Star. With continued population growth, traffic volumes and congestion have increased and reinforced the need for a modernized SH-44. This project proposes alternatives to realign SH-44.

These open houses will give the public an opportunity to review the results of the alternatives evaluation and see which proposed recommendations advance into preliminary design and environmental review.

Open house details:

Tuesday, Aug. 26

Middleton Middle School, 511 W Main Street, Middleton

4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime)

Wednesday, Aug. 27

Star Fire Protection District, 11665 W State Street, Ste. B, Star

4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime)

The same materials will be available online from Aug. 26 through Sept. 10 at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh44pel.

“We’ve spent the past two years working with agency partners and local communities to identify practical solutions for this growing corridor,” ITD Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said. “This is the public’s chance to see the alternatives we evaluated and what we’re recommending to move forward.”

This study followed the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process to identify and screen potential transportation improvements. The PEL process is a collaborative approach to decision-making for transportation projects. Used to gather data and input from the community and stakeholders, PEL helps to understand a project’s needs and goals and identify solutions before moving into the detailed analyses required by the National Environmental Policy Act. The project team previously held three rounds of open houses in January, April, and September 2024 to gather feedback from the public.

Construction for this project has not yet been funded.

For more information or assistance, contact the project team at info@idaho44corridor.com or visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh44pel.

Nighttime lane closures on SH-44 begin Friday

EAGLE — Beginning Friday, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin nighttime lane closures on State Highway 44 between Linder Road and State Highway 55 (Eagle Road) for resurfacing.

Resurfacing serves to improve ride quality for drivers and extend the life of the roadway.

Work is scheduled to take place overnight during the following hours:

Monday through Friday: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Saturday: 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Sunday: 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Flaggers will be on site to guide traffic through the work zone. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, follow posted signs, and plan ahead.

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

Nighttime closures planned for eastbound I-84 near Gowen Road

BOISE – Starting Friday, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin one week of nighttime closures on eastbound Interstate 84 near Gowen Road. The closures are part of a repair project to fix bumps in the roadway caused by settling and rutting at the beginning and end of the bridge.

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.

The project involves reconstructing approximately 250 feet of the two-lane eastbound approach before the Gowen Bridge, as well as 50 feet beyond it.

Full eastbound closures are scheduled during the following hours, weather permitting:

Monday through Friday: 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

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

Idaho’s historic highway markers get a modern makeover

Travelers along Idaho’s roads and scenic byways will soon see the first of the new Idaho Historic Highway Markers. These refreshed signs combine storytelling with modern technology, offering visitors a more immersive experience and a stronger connection to the communities they pass through.

The initiative combines two projects across three state agencies. The Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho State Historical Society are partnering to update all highway markers with new historical research and signage. In tandem with these efforts, Visit Idaho is developing QR codes to be installed at each marker location, connecting travelers to an app that offers additional content about the site and nearby activities and amenities. The app will also translate to nine other languages. The digital component is funded in part by a $3.2 million federal economic development grant awarded to ITD in 2022.

The goal is to restore the historic markers to spark curiosity about the state’s expansive history and drive interaction with the app to encourage exploration of Idaho’s rural communities, helping increase overnight stays and drive economic impact across Idaho.

“This project aligns perfectly with many of the initiatives Visit Idaho is focused on. Idaho’s diverse and often rural landscape is filled with communities that we know travelers will enjoy once they go beyond the destinations they already know. We’re excited to incorporate the QR codes as an easy, accessible tool to help travelers find more to explore in our beautiful state,” said Natalie Jushinski, tourism manager at Visit Idaho.

Each of the three state agencies plays a distinct role in this multi-year project:

ITD owns and maintains the physical markers and is managing the installation and updated marker designs, which now feature state symbols like the mountain bluebird and the syringa.
Visit Idaho, a division of the Idaho Department of Commerce, is developing the QR codes and web-based app connecting travelers to information to explore more in the area.
ISHS is responsible for the historical content for the markers, and their historians are updating the text on each marker to amplify understanding of the significance of each site.

The project not only enhances the travel experience but also supports rural tourism and local economies by encouraging deeper exploration. The revitalized markers and digital information provide new opportunities for education, storytelling and visitor engagement for all travelers—both residents and visitors.

“We are grateful to be a part of the Historical Highway Marker program, which continues to create a powerful sense of place for Idahoans. These markers share the stories that make the Gem State truly unique — stories that have been updated and thoroughly researched at a local level, deepening our understanding of Idaho’s vibrant history,” said Janet Gallimore, executive director at ISHS. “They remind us of where we’ve been, connect us to one another, and strengthen the sense of community that defines our state.”

All updated markers and QR codes in ITD’s District 1 in North Idaho are expected to be installed by the end of 2025, with no impact on traffic. The remaining markers and QR codes will be installed in phases by district through 2027.

“We are excited to partner with others to ensure that these roadside displays reflect the beauty and rich history of Idaho,” said Mike Johnson, the division administrator for engineering services at ITD.

I-84 nighttime closure Wednesday at the Karcher Interchange

NAMPA – Interstate 84 will be closed in both directions under the Karcher Interchange Wednesday night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. This closure will allow crews to safely pour the concrete that will support the third westbound lane on Karcher Road (State Highway 55).

To follow the westbound detour:

Exit I-84 at the Northside Interchange (Exit 35).
Travel north on Northside Boulevard.
Turn left onto Karcher Road.
Travel west until you reach the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp.
Use the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp to merge back onto westbound I-84.

To follow the eastbound detour:

Exit I-84 using the Karcher Interchange eastbound off-ramp (Exit 33).
Cross Karcher Road.
Use the eastbound on-ramp to merge back onto I-84.

Click here to view the detour maps.

These improvements are part of a larger effort to improve traffic flow and safety in the area.

Project improvements include:

Adding a free running right-hand turn at the westbound off-ramp
Paving a third westbound lane on Karcher Road from the westbound off-ramp to Sundance Road
Reinforcing the Karcher Interchange and Indian Creek Bridges to support the new lane
Updating signal equipment and adding a pedestrian flashing beacon at the eastbound on-ramp
Building a separated mixed-use path on the north side of Karcher Road

The I-84, Karcher Interchange project will enhance safety and reduce congestion at the interchange and along Karcher Road in Nampa. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.

Stay informed by signing up for email and text alerts by texting 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcheric. For questions, contact the project team at (208) 334-8002.

More information can be found at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcherich.

Temporary speed limit reduction on US-95 for Sunset Fire response

The Idaho Transportation Department will temporarily reduce the speed limit on U.S. Highway 95 to 55 mph between Granite Hill and Blacktail Road to support firefighting efforts and public safety during the Sunset Fire response north of Athol.

Fire crews are staging equipment in the area, and evacuations are taking place as part of the emergency response. Idaho State Police will have troopers patrolling the area to make sure drivers follow the reduced speed limits, helping ensure the safety and efficiency of fire operations.

Drivers should follow all posted signs, slow down, and use caution when traveling through the area.

For the latest travel and traffic conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.

ITD monitoring North Idaho project impacts amid regional operator strike

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

The Idaho Transportation Department is aware of the operator strike in eastern Washington and we are assessing potential impacts to projects in North Idaho. Projects that involve operator work—such as the State Highway 53 Pleasant View Interchange, Interstate 90/State Highway 41 Interchange, I-90 expansion project, and the I-90 Coeur d’Alene River Bridges—are likely to experience the most significant delays and schedule impacts if the work stoppage continues.

It is too early to determine the exact scope or duration of those impacts, but our project teams are in close contact with contractors to evaluate schedules and explore mitigation options.

The Idaho Transportation Department is not involved in the labor negotiations and cannot speak to those discussions. Questions about the strike itself should be directed to the union representatives.

Drive sober or get pulled over — Idaho celebrates the heroes who make it home safely

Blonde woman driving car, she is sober and attentive.

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is joining law enforcement agencies across the state for the 2025 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, running August 15 through September 1. The effort focuses on preventing impaired driving ahead of Labor Day, one of the deadliest times on Idaho roads.

The numbers are sobering. In 2024, impaired driving claimed 86 lives in Idaho. That’s 36% of all traffic fatalities in Idaho which is the equivalent of losing over three Idahoans every week to a preventable cause.

Nationwide, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for about 30% of all crash fatalities. In 2023 alone, 12,429 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes. That’s one person every 42 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“These aren’t just statistics,” said Josephine Middleton, ITD Highway Safety Manager. “Every number is a person; someone’s family member, friend, or coworker. This campaign is about more than the legal consequences of driving impaired. It’s about saving lives. If you’re impaired, don’t drive. It’s that simple.”

While these numbers are a stark reminder of what’s at stake, OHS also wants to highlight the everyday heroes who help prevent tragedy. The designated drivers, the friends who call a rideshare, and the people who plan ahead before their first drink. Every sober ride home is a life protected, a crash prevented, and a family kept whole.

ITD urges all Idahoans to join the movement to end impaired driving by following these simple steps:

Use a sober driver, rideshare, or taxi.
Never let friends drive impaired.
Have a plan before the first drink.

Enforcement will be visible, and the message remains clear: Drive sober or get pulled over. But the ultimate goal is not to write tickets. It’s to make sure everyone makes it home safely.

For more information, visit shift-idaho.org.