SH-39 intersection project completing at American Falls

Work is wrapping up on the new intersection of Pocatello Avenue and State Highway 39 on the northeast side of American Falls. Construction is scheduled to be completed this Friday, minus the installation of a new traffic signal in the spring.

Motorists need to be aware of the new traffic pattern as they drive through the intersection. Traffic on SH- 39 will not need to stop to continue west or east. Traffic entering the intersection from Pocatello Avenue will have a stop sign. Those wishing to travel west on SH-39 will enter the center acceleration lane, speed up to match traffic, and then merge with westbound traffic.

The $3.5 million project redesigned the busy intersection to improve safety and address truck traffic backing up on SH-39 while waiting to turn.

Once the signal is installed next spring, lights will control traffic from all three directions.

For project updates and travel information, drivers can visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.

Repairs to Vineyard Bridge begin Monday

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin repairs on Monday to the Vineyard Bridge over Interstate 84 west of the Kimberly Interchange.

The bridge has been closed to traffic since being damaged last year by a driver hauling equipment that exceeded height restrictions and struck the bridge. Work is expected to be completed by mid-December after which the bridge will reopen to traffic.

The project will replace four girders, which are horizontal support beams for the bridge, and install a new bridge deck over the affected section. The total cost of the work is approximately $605,000. The expense will be reimbursed to ITD by the private entity responsible for the damage.

“We knew it was going to take about a year to get this bridge repaired,” Project Manager Kenny Lively said. “With the bridge being important for some farmers, it is great to be able to get this bridge back up and running.”

For project updates and travel information, drivers can visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.

ITD’s top innovations focus on public service, worker safety

Service and safety were on center stage Wednesday (Oct. 1) during ITD’s annual Best of the Best innovation awards. FY25’s total included $5M in savings and efficiencies, allowing those savings to be re-routed to critical improvements to roads and bridges throughout the state. (ITD Director Scott Stokes kicks off the ceremony in picture above).

Emcee Justin Wuest (pictured at right) from District 1 in Coeur d’Alene and Innovation Stewards from each district statewide discussed this year’s winners and the program overall, which has saved $68M and almost 1M hours since its inception in 2014.

Best of the Best Coordinator Laura Meyer (pictured at left, below) added transitions as the program moved from one category to the next. Winners were selected in five cornerstone categories: Safety, Mobility/Economic Opportunity, Resource Stewardship, Ideal Workplace and Customer Service.

“A huge thank you goes to the ITD Executives, the Innovative Business Practices Team and the Continuous Improvement Team for their support and encouragement, and the promotion of innovation at ITD. None of this would’ve been possible without them!”

“I also want to thank Justin and the Stewards; Drake Tino, Sonna Lynn Fernandez and Roni Pratt; and Jared Tuttle & Axel Quartarone for all of their help to get this across the Finish Line.”

Innovation is transforming the way ITD works—making our jobs safer, streamlining processes, and saving customers (Gem State motorists) both time and money. These categories represent the core pillars of our innovation strategy and align with key departmental priorities.

Mobility/Economic Opportunity: Nordik Move Plow Blades adapt to road surfaces for better snow removal. The blades have proven longer-lasting, quieter, and more cost-effective—earning strong support from operators and improving winter operations.

Resource Stewardship: Idaho’s first RAP sealcoat reuses recycled plantmix, saving costs and resources. Their success earned the project a spot in the national PG3 study to support broader implementation.

Safety: An old wing plow camera was re-purposed to monitor salt levels from inside the cab, improving safety and efficiency. The “Salt Seeing Eye” reduces the need for manual checks and risky climbs onto equipment.

Ideal Workplace: A new ESRI map layer gives ITD crews easy access to property, right of way, and parcel data. Replacing OnX and Mile1, the tool saves $60,000 annually and improves efficiency through iPlan and the ITD Parcel and Milepost Map.

Customer Service: Usingg a host of volunteers, the DMV’s Star Card Pop-up at the Chinden Campus issued over 400 cards in a week, expanding from campus employees to all Idaho residents. With walk-in service and no appointments, it offered a fast, convenient way to get a REAL ID before the May 7, 2025 deadline.

Expect one-lane closures for geotechnical work next week

Roadside view near the bottom of Bear Ridge Grade on SH-3.

Travelers on U.S. Highway 95 and State Highway 3 should plan for flagging operations to be in effect next week as the Idaho Transportation Department conducts valuable geotechnical investigations on these routes. Operations will involve boring into the roadway to allow ITD to plan for resurfacing projects scheduled to be completed next year.

Work on SH-3 will begin on Monday and run from milepost 13 to 18 at the bottom of Bear Ridge Grade. Traffic will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers indicating movement for each direction. Delays are expected to be less than 15 minutes. This work zone will be active for just two days, with exploratory drilling anticipated to be completed on Wednesday.

Escape ramps and turnouts in this vicinity of SH-3 will be closed while work is underway. A traffic control crew will notify truckers at the brake check area on the top of the grade.

One lane will also be closed on US-95 beginning next Wednesday from milepost 241 to 251 near Grangeville in the Johnston Road area. These efforts are expected to be completed by Friday.

The work schedule is subject to weather conditions and may change. Updates and information on these work zones and others across Idaho can always be found on the Idaho 511 app or by visiting 511.idaho.gov.

SH-21 to close north of Grandjean tomorrow due to increased rainfall

A highway is partially covered in mud and debris from a recent slide. A blue car is stuck in the muddy roadway while a worker in a high-visibility jacket looks on from the side. The scene is surrounded by burned trees and forested hills under an overcast sky.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close State Highway 21 north of Grandjean tomorrow as additional rain enters the area to address ongoing safety hazards caused by recent landslides.

Though a closure was initially scheduled for Oct. 7, anticipated increased rainfall will continue to destabilize the area, triggering additional mudslides that threaten motorists and ITD crews. To protect the public and allow for emergency repairs, the highway will close with the storm’s arrival tomorrow. Crews expect to reopen the road by Wednesday. The area is experiencing increased slope instability due to burn scars left by the Wapiti Fire.

During the closure, crews will complete the previously scheduled emergency repairs caused by the August 2025 landslide, which plugged an existing culvert and diverted Canyon Creek to the east side of the highway. The creek is now flowing along the shoulder and eroding the road. Installing a new six-foot culvert across both lanes will restore the creek to its natural channel and protect the roadway from further erosion.

For updates on traffic conditions and closures visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 mobile app.

Idaho students invited to ‘Name a Snowplow’ again this fall

Two ITD snowplows. One has been digitally altered to say "Winning Name Here" on the front of the plow.

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department is excited to announce the 2nd annual ‘Name a Snowplow’ contest! The program invites Idaho students to submit creative names for ITD snowplows and learn about winter driving safety at the same time.

Beginning October 1, 6-12 grade classrooms across Idaho can work with their teachers to submit name ideas. Entries will be accepted throughout October, and the winning names will be announced by the end of the year.

“Our snowplow drivers are thrilled to see students getting involved in this fun, educational opportunity that also highlights the importance of winter driving safety,” said Scott Stokes, Director of ITD.

Two snowplows in each of ITD’s six regions will receive student-chosen names through voting by ITD employees. Winning names will appear directly on the plows, and each winning classroom will get a visit from “their” snowplow and driver for a winter safety presentation. Local news media will also be invited to attend these plow-naming events.

The contest is designed to help teachers introduce winter driving safety messages to students, some of whom may soon be in driver’s education classes. Adding distinctive names to plows also encourages all motorists to notice and be patient around these essential winter vehicles.

A big thank-you to the Department of Education for supporting this fun and educational opportunity.
See full contest rules.

Teachers 6-12 interested in having their class participate, contact: itdcommunication@itd.idaho.gov

View last year’s winners.

Name a Snowplow

After a successful pilot last year, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is naming more snowplows this winter season! Name A Snowplow is a fun way to spread awareness about snowplow safety, foster a sense of ownership among the community, and teach future drivers how to be safe when driving near snowplows. This year we are expanding the eligible grade ranges to all 6th through 12th grade classrooms.

We are asking Idaho students and their teachers to come up with names as a class and submit them by October 31, 2025. Instructions and the form to submit names are below.

Contest Rules:

Eligibility

Open to 6th through 12th grade classrooms.
Classrooms must be located in Idaho.
Teachers can download a presentation about snowplow safety to share with their classrooms.
- PowerPoint Presentation (PPT)
- Presentation speaker notes (PDF)

Submission Guidelines

One name per classroom.
Names must be appropriate | MAX 15 characters (including spaces).
Submit name via Microsoft Form (Please only submit if you are a teacher or homeschool parent).

*If the same name is submitted by multiple classrooms, only the first entry received will be considered.

Selection Process

Names must be submitted by October 31.
ITD employees will vote on submissions in November.
12 winning names will be selected—two from each of ITD’s six districts. Winners will be announced before the end of the year.
Winning classrooms will receive recognition and a special visit from the snowplow bearing its chosen name. Media will be invited to cover the event.

Additional Information

Classrooms are free to conduct their own internal voting to select their submission.
Submissions that do not meet the criteria will be disqualified.
By submitting a snowplow name, you grant ITD all rights to use, display and publish the name for promotional purposes.

Timeline

Classrooms submit names October 1 to 31, 2025.
ITD Employees vote on names in November 2025.
Winners announced December 2025.
Plow visits with winning classrooms December 2025 through February 2026.

Interested in participating?

If you have a child in middle or high school, ask if his or her classroom is submitting a name and share this page with the teacher.
Help spread the word on social media.
Talk to your kids, friends, or family about snowplow safety. Visit the Idaho Ready page for winter safety information.

Last year’s names:

The Berminator
Big Snowplowski
Alpha Storm One
Plowabunga!
Clearapathra
NoMoreMr.IceGuy
Plowasaurus Rex
Darth Blader
Snow Daddy
Snow Ranger
Antisnowcial
POW POW KA PLOW

ITD and ISP to host free winter driving classes for the community

As snow season approaches, the Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho State Police are once again teaming up to offer free winter driving safety classes inNorth Idaho. The first one of the year is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon at the ISP District Office in Coeur d’Alene.

These annual classes have become a community tradition, giving drivers of all ages the knowledge and confidence to handle icy roads and unpredictable weather. Courses are taught by state troopers and ITD operators and cover everything from vehicle preparation and proper equipment to crash response, road conditions, and snowplow safety.

“North Idaho winters can be challenging, but preparation makes all the difference,” said Daryl Rise, a plow operator. “These classes are a great way for drivers, especially teens and new residents, to build safe driving habits before winter conditions hit.”

While these classes are open to everyone of all ages and skill levels, they are especially valuable for:

New drivers, ages 14–17, including those preparing to start driver’s education in the next year
Young drivers with limited winter driving experience
New residents facing their first Idaho winter

Registration & Schedule
Several classes are currently scheduled on Saturdays in Coeur d’Alene through mid-December, with additional sessions being added statewide.

Anyone interested should check the ITD website for the most current dates, times and locations as new classes may be added. Registration is required for each participant, and a full list of classes with registration links can be found at:

ITD’s Travel web page

Participants who complete a class will also receive a coupon for 10 percent off a new set of snow tires at any Les Schwab Tires store location in North Idaho. ITD and ISP extend a special thank you to Les Schwab stores for valuing driver safety and supporting these efforts through their partnership.

Motorists can expect traffic changes next week on SH-16 near SH-44

The Idaho Transportation Department will shift traffic and reduce State Highway 16 to one lane in each direction between the Boise River Bridge and State Highway 44 on Sunday. These traffic changes will allow crews to prepare and place concrete for SH-16 and build the northbound off-ramp for the new interchange.

Motorists can expect:

Northbound SH-16 traffic will be shifted onto the southbound lanes.
All lanes of SH-16 will be open at the intersection with normal traffic operations
The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph.

Motorists are advised to use caution and plan extra time when traveling through the area.

“This is a challenging work zone, and we are actively looking at ways to improve traffic flow through the area,” said Styles Salek, ITD Design and Construction Engineer. “The new layout next week will allow us to complete the next two phases of construction. This helps our crews work more efficiently and reduces the number of traffic shifts during construction.”

The SH-16/SH-44 Interchange began construction in August 2025 and is part of the long-term vision for SH-16. When complete in 2027, SH-16 will be a limited-access freeway between I-84 and SH-44. Motorists will use interchanges to enter or exit the highway at I-84, Franklin Road, Ustick Road, US-20/26 and SH-44. The interchange project is $55 million.

Motorists are encouraged to text HIGHWAY16 to 1-866-483-8422 for email or text alerts. For maps and details about the project, please visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor.

New tool helps drive truck-parking solutions

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)’s Carbon-Reduction Program encourages state DOTs to pursue projects and strategies that lower transportation-related emissions. With a significant shortage of safe and reliable truck parking statewide, ITD decided to use the funding to address this need.

Collaboration by ITD’s Planning team, GIS team and the Federal Highway Administration developed a tool to bring together data, maps, and analysis to help the department evaluate potential truck-parking projects across the state highway system.

“The Truck Parking Demand Tool provides information for stakeholders and ITD staff to evaluate existing and propose new projects to expand our truck-parking network,” explained Abby Peterson, ITD Senior Planner.

The tool helps staff and partners:

Identify areas of demand.
Look at options for adding spaces.
Show the economic and environmental benefits of potential projects.

The tool also provides an easy-to-use, data-driven resource to identify truck-parking needs, analyze options, and make informed decisions.

It was most recently used to identify needs and fund improvements at the Bliss Rest Area in southern Idaho, shown at left.

“For communities, more available parking cuts down on unnecessary idling and emissions from trucks circling in search of spaces, directly supporting cleaner air and healthier environments,” Peterson said. “For the freight industry, efficient access to safe parking reduces delays, keeps goods moving, and strengthens supply chain reliability.”

Key ITD personnel involved in the development of the tool include Abby Peterson (Planning), Will Thoman (GIS), Freight Manager Caleb Forrey, ITD’s Planning and GIS teams, and FHWA Division staff. Pictured at right are Forrey, Peterson and Thoman.

The issue of truck parking has been in the news several times recently:

Inside America’s $100 Billion Truck Parking Crisis

New FHWA Chief Under Pressure to Fix Truck Parking