ITD set to begin replacement of I-90 bridges near Cataldo in late June

View of the bridges on I-90 over the Coeur d'Alene river near Cataldo

The Idaho Transportation Department is set to begin construction in late June to replace both the east and westbound bridges over the Coeur d’Alene River on Interstate 90 near milepost 40 in Cataldo. The current bridges were originally built in 1964 and have reached the end of their service lives.

This summer crews will build crossovers and a temporary bridge over the river to allow crews and equipment safe access to the work zone. Crossovers are sections of temporary pavement that will allow traffic to cross over from one side of the freeway to the other during different phases of construction.

This summer while traveling through the area drivers should expect lane reductions with I-90 being reduced to one lane in each direction. Traffic will remain separated by the median in 2024. In addition, drivers will encounter speed reductions and lane width restrictions through the work zone as well.

Floaters, anglers, and boaters will be affected throughout construction by intermittent access and use restrictions of the Coeur d’Alene river near the work area. More detailed information regarding river access will be available through locally posted signage, as well as on ITD’s project webpage.

“Getting these crossovers built by fall will allow us to hit the ground running next spring with demolition work and allow us to get one of the bridges fully reconstructed to have it open in time for winter,” Project Manager Steve Nettleton said.

This project will be completed in two phases over the course of three years, with one bridge being fully replaced in 2025 and in the other 2026.

Starting in spring of 2025 both lanes of traffic will be shifted onto the westbound bridge allowing for the demolition and reconstruction of the eastbound structure. All lanes on both bridges will be open for winter travel.

The following spring, in 2026, this process will be repeated. Traffic will shift onto the newly constructed eastbound bridge, allowing for the demolition and replacement of the westbound structure.

Ongoing information will be available on the ITD project website. Real-time traffic impacts and updates for this work zone will be available at Idaho 511, either online or through the app on any smart device.

Users are also encouraged to sign up for email updates to stay in the know about key information, project milestones and significant upcoming impacts.

Watch a short video about this project.

Idaho DMV offers online tracking for license plates

Idahoans who order new license plates can now track their plate through the shipping process. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has added plate tracking to the DMV’s online portal.

“Customers are used to tracking their online orders, so it was natural to add that feature to our online portal,” explained DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan. “This was also a case where we could provide better service and save money.”

In addition to package tracking, the DMV’s new plate mailing system saves taxpayer dollars on postage. Previously equal amounts of postage were applied to all packages regardless of distance to save on labor. The new automated system applies the correct amount of postage based on destination and has address validation, which prevents mailing plates to incorrect or non-existent addresses. The DMV anticipates saving $100,000 a year on postage.

To track a plate, customers must sign in or create their DMV online account at www.dmv.idaho.gov. Navigate to the “Garage” and select the vehicle the plate was ordered for. There will be an option to “Track plate order” in the vehicle services menu.

After clicking that button, the customer will see the date that the order was mailed, a tracking number, and a link to track the package through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). If the plate has not been mailed yet there will not be tracking information available.

License plates typically take 4-6 weeks to manufacture and ship.

The DMV’s website, www.dmv.idaho.gov, is a one-stop-shop for everything DMV. Over a dozen transactions can be completed online, from a change of address to registration renewals. Text and email notifications are also available. Customers searching the web should be wary of imitation and scam websites claiming to offer DMV services. The safest option is always to type www.dmv.idaho.gov directly into your browser bar. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to dmv.idaho.gov.

Drivers urged to plan ahead as several projects set to kick off on SH-55

SH-55 between Horseshoe Bend and Avimor.

Idaho drivers are urged to plan ahead when traveling north of Eagle this summer as the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is advancing several projects along State Highway 55. These projects include lane closures and reduced speeds in various locations between Eagle and New Meadows.

“Each of these projects is intended to improve traffic flow and safety along this regional route. We look forward to a safer, smoother State Highway 55 after these projects are complete,” District 3 Engineer Jason Brinkman said.

The projects include:

Little Goose Creek Bridge (Construction: June 2024 – late 2024)

ITD will begin replacing the Little Goose Creek Bridge today along SH-55 near Last Chance Campground in New Meadows. SH-55 will be reduced to one lane in the area with flaggers and a traffic signal during construction. Drivers should expect delays. Learn more and sign up for construction updates on the project website.

SH-55 Smiths Ferry to New Meadows chip seal (Construction: July 2024 – fall 2024)

This July ITD will start applying a chip seal to several areas of SH-55 between Smiths Ferry and New Meadows. This project will extend the life of the pavement. The highway will be reduced to one lane with pilot cars where crews are working. Drivers should expect delays. In order to see where crews are working, travelers should sign up for updates on the project website.

Rainbow Bridge (Design: 2024-2026)

ITD is currently conducting soil and rock sampling in the area of the Rainbow Bridge for a project to build a new bridge over the North Fork of the Payette River in Valley County. Drivers can expect 15-minute delays on weekdays in June. To learn more about the project visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rainbowbridge.

SH-55 DMS Sign (Construction: fall 2024)

ITD will install a dynamic message sign on SH-55 between Round Valley and Cascade. The new message board will notify motorists of detours or incidents along SH-55. Minimal delays expected. Any traffic impacts during the installation will be posted at 511.idaho.gov.

SH-55 Banks-Lowman Road Intersection (summer 2024)

Flaggers will direct traffic at the Banks-Lowman intersection on all Sundays in July. The project team is planning to install an interim traffic signal at the busy intersection later this year.

SH-55 Fleming Creek Bridge Replacement (Construction: fall 2024 – late 2025)

This fall ITD will begin replacing the Fleming Creek Bridge on SH-55 approximately four miles south of Banks. SH-55 will be reduced to one lane in the work zone with speed limit reductions during the week. Details will be posted to itdprojects.idaho.gov later this summer.

SH-55 State Street to Horseshoe Bend Rehabilitation (Construction: fall 2023 – fall 2024)

ITD is milling and resurfacing SH-55 between State Street in Eagle and Horseshoe Bend. Work is expected to be complete this fall. Details are available on the project website. Drivers are encouraged to slow down in the work zone as there have been too many close calls with flaggers.

It’s important for motorists to plan ahead this summer by checking traffic impacts on their route at 511.idaho.gov.

The Idaho Transportation Department is advancing several projects this summer along State Highway 55 north of Boise.

Thanks to new innovation, ITD will chip seal 100 lane miles in the heart of Treasure Valley with minimal impact to drivers

New innovation allows ITD to do 100-lane-miles of hot chip seal in heart of Boise area. Crews are beginning work on Broadway Avenue tomorrow, followed by State Street between State Highway 16 and Linder Road, and Chinden Boulevard. Work is weather dependent and can change. The project is expected to finish late summer of this year.

The Idaho Transportation Department is applying a hot chip seal to more than 100-lane-miles in the heart of Boise with minimal impact to drivers, as the work will all be done at night. This new innovative approach to chip sealing highlights ITD’s dedication to embracing new technologies that lessen impacts to users.

Unlike a regular chip seal, the hot chip seal on this project allows all work to be conducted at night. Traditional chip seal uses oil heated to around 150 degrees that can be applied during daytime high temperatures. Hot chip seal requires oil to be heated to 300 degrees so it can be applied during nighttime lows. Another key advantage is that drivers can use the roadway within 30 minutes of chip sealing, compared to the 24-hour wait required by regular chip seals. This high-temperature process not only extends the pavement’s service life but also minimizes disruptions to businesses and motorists.

Crews are beginning work on Broadway Avenue tomorrow, followed by State Street between State Highway 16 and Linder Road, and Chinden Boulevard. Work is weather dependent and can change. The project is expected to finish late summer of this year.

During construction motorists can expect:

Work on one section of road at a time
Nighttime work from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Access to residences and businesses will be maintained at all times
Lane closures, with at least one lane open in each direction
Shifting traffic patterns
Flaggers in the roadway
Speed limits reduced

In anticipation of this project, last summer ITD applied the first ever hot chip seal on two miles of State Highway 21 to ensure results could be replicated in a busier environment. These projects are the first in the state to use this process.

Those who are interested in learning more about the project are encouraged to sign up for email updates by visiting itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/adachipseal.

ITD working towards solutions for summer traffic at SH-55, Banks-Lowman Intersection

This is the intersection of SH-55 and Banks Lowman Road.

As Idaho’s population continues to grow, the strain on its mountainous highways becomes increasingly apparent during the summer months, particularly at the intersection of State Highway 55 and Banks Lowman Road. To tackle this, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is implementing short-term measures while working on a long-term solution.

ITD is advancing a plan to install an interim traffic signal this year at the SH-55, Banks Lowman Road intersection. Currently, the project team is engaged in material testing, environmental work, site design and stakeholder collaboration.

In tandem with the temporary signal, ITD will begin designing a comprehensive intersection plan during the next few years. The design process will include bridge widening and road expansion to accommodate a final signal for increasing traffic demands. There is currently no funding for construction.

Until the interim signal is operational later this year, flagging at the intersection will occur during peak travel periods this summer beginning on Father’s Day. The 2024 flagging season is as follows:

Father’s Day
All Sundays in July
First Sunday in August
Second Sunday in August
Labor Day

ITD encourages those who travel on the weekends along this corridor to always plan ahead. Consider leaving earlier or later to avoid the heaviest travel times and make sure to check 511.idaho.gov before you go.

Alternatives for US-20 east of Ashton to be evaluated in screening process next week

US-20 running through part of the Island Park area

The Idaho Transportation Department will host a meeting Tuesday, June 18, with community officials, federal and state agencies, and technical staff as planned to evaluate alternatives as a part of the ongoing Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study for U.S. Highway 20 between Ashton and the State Highway 87 junction.

ITD initiated a preliminary environmental study and public engagement process in 2021 to examine ways to make US-20 a safer roadway and reliable connection to adjacent communities, Yellowstone National Park, and the region. During development of a PEL study, alternatives undergo three levels of screening based on a range of criteria, including safety, traffic, capacity, and multiple environmental factors. Screening is done in concert with local communities before seeking federal approval to begin an environmental impact study on a smaller number of recommended alternatives. This screening meeting is the third in the three-year process.

An open house will be held this fall to present the findings of the screening and to gather public comments. The Idaho Transportation Board will consider options to move forward to the environmental impacts study phase at a meeting later this year. For more information about the project and the PEL process, please visit the project websites at us20ashtonto87.com and itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us-20-ashton-to-sh-87-jct.

Drivers asked to slow down in work zone on SH-55 after too many “close calls”

ITD is asking drivers to slow down and watch for construction crews on State Highway 55 (SH-55) south of Horseshoe Bend due to recent dangerous driver behavior in the area.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is asking drivers to slow down and watch for construction crews on State Highway 55 south of Horseshoe Bend due to recent dangerous driver behavior in the area.

“There have been a couple of close calls in the work zone with drivers ignoring the flagging crews and the posted speed limit. Safety is our highest priority, so we really need people driving in the area to pay attention,” Project Manager JD Lewelling said.

Ongoing work includes milling and resurfacing the roadway for a smoother driving experience. Safety improvements include replacing guardrail, as needed, throughout the project area.

Construction activity is currently focused on the highway approximately four miles north of Avimor to just south of the Payette River Bridge in Horseshoe Bend. The project also includes constructing a bridge to convey both vehicle and pedestrian traffic under SH-55 at the north end of Avimor. This work is being funded by Avimor.

ADA improvements at SH-55 intersections with Hill Road, Floating Feather Road, and Beacon Light Road will be completed later this summer.

Construction is expected to be complete by this fall.

To stay updated on the project or sign up for construction updates, please visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/SH-55-StateStreetToHorseshoeBend.

ITD making changes to ensure detour routes for the Teton Pass stay open

Cars traveling along Idaho State Highway 31, part of the detour route while Wyoming Highway 22 over Teton Pass is closed.

Idaho Transportation Department maintenance workers from St. Anthony, Driggs, and Ashton have switched schedules to provide around-the-clock coverage for detours established after the closure of Wyoming State Highway 22 over Teton Pass on June 8.

Drivers are being routed to Idaho State Highway 31 over Pine Creek Pass to Swan Valley, U.S. Highway 26 to Alpine, and US-89 toward Hoback Junction. Crews start the day at 3 a.m. ahead of most commuter traffic. Already these efforts have taken care of roadkill, found and moved an overturned car, and alerted farmers of escaped livestock on the road.

“We’re trying to keep the road and the public safe as best we can with increased traffic,” Operations Foreman Lucas Richins said. “We need people to be on their toes, watching for all the signs, driving patiently and planning extra time to travel due to the congestion.”

Digital message boards are in place at all intersections and areas needed in advance of the detour route. All drivers should be on the lookout for these digital signs that will be updated frequently.

In addition, ITD is staying in coordination with Idaho State Police to help minimize response times to accidents. Drivers should be aware that speed trailers and increased ISP patrols will be in effect.

Guardrail repair and fiber installation efforts along SH-31 have been completed or paused to eliminate any traffic delays.

“We’re doing everything we can to try and make this situation as good as it can be,” said Bryan Young, the acting District Engineer.

Stay up to date on status of the Teton Pass detour routes by visiting 511.idaho.gov, calling 5-1-1 or downloading the app. Travelers can also refer to the Wyoming Department of Transportation Media Kit for daily updates.

Overnight closures set to begin tonight for ramp paving on I-84 and I-184

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin the first of three ramp closures tonight along Interstate 84 and Interstate 184 to resurface damaged pavement. These closures are necessary for the safety of the paving crew.

To minimize traffic impacts, ITD will conduct nighttime paving on all the ramps. Each closure will begin at 8 p.m. and will reopen to traffic the following day by 5:30 a.m. Traffic control measures will be in place prior to any closures. The scheduled ramp closures, which are weather dependent, are as follows:

June 10: I-84 Garrity Boulevard eastbound on-ramp (Exit 38)
June 11: I-84 Garrity Boulevard westbound off-ramp (Exit 38)
June 12: I-184 Franklin-Milwaukee outbound ramp (Exit 1A)

“A typical pothole patch can last for months to a year. The work we do with this paver will last more than three years. This not only reduces the need for frequent repairs, but also lessens the impact on drivers,” New Meadows Mechanic Randy Smith said.

Drivers are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 system by phone, online, or through the app for updated closure information.

Graphic showing ramp that is closed — ITD will begin the first of three ramp closures tonight along Interstate 84 and Interstate 184 to resurface damaged pavement. These closures are necessary for the safety of our paving crew.

ITD assists WYDOT as travelers must detour with closure of Teton Pass

ITD crews and equipment assist WYDOT during initial stages of the landslide that caused the catastrophic failure and closure of the Teton Pass.

With the catastrophic failure of Wyoming State Highway 22 over Teton Pass, the Idaho Transportation Department is cautioning Idaho drivers and tourists they must detour in order to access Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Teton Pass closure will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. ITD crews and equipment were on scene helping the Wyoming Department of Transportation when the road failed and will continue to assist as needed.

“They called immediately, we started on our side and they started on theirs,” ITD Operations Foreman Lucas Richins said. “It was a good team effort. We’re here to support on our side however we can to make it less strenuous.”

Richins said that seven ITD dump trucks hauled 80-90 loads of material from the massive landslide on Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8. The loads were taken to a turnout a few miles away until it’s determined what will happen with reconstruction and cleanup efforts.

Travelers should use State Highway 31 to U.S. Highway 26 and then turn left in Alpine onto U.S. Highway 89 toward Hoback Junction. This route means drivers should plan an additional 30-75 minutes of travel time.

ITD has placed and will continually update digital message boards along east Idaho roads warning travelers of this closure well in advance so alternate routes can be taken. SH-31 will also be monitored daily to assess effects and needs with added road usage.

Stay up to date on this closure and other road information by dialing 5-1-1, visiting 511.idaho.gov, or accessing the 511 app.