Two-year project starts Monday to reconstruct I-90 near Osburn and Wallace

View from the trees of I-90 toward Wallace

Construction will begin Monday, May 1, to rebuild nearly eight miles of I-90 from the Big Creek Exit to the West Wallace Exit.

Next week crews will begin setting up the work zone, and by May 8, all traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and shifted on to the westbound lanes so the eastbound lanes can be reconstructed this season.

The project includes replacing concrete sections, most of which dates back to the 1970s when I-90 was first built.

“The concrete is old and heavily deteriorated. In the design phase, we compared the cost of repaving with concrete versus rebuilding with asphalt and decided that asphalt was the most economical choice for this section, both for the short-term costs and long-term maintenance,” Project Manager Joey Sprague said.

At the start of construction the eastbound on- and off-ramps at the Silverton Interchange will close for several months. Drivers trying to access eastbound I-90 will need to use either Exit 57 in Osburn or Exit 61 in Wallace.

Once the work near Silverton is complete, the ramps will reopen and Exit 61 will be closed, so drivers will need to detour to Exit 62. Message boards will be posted in advance of any changes in access.

Later this summer, work will also shift about five miles to repave a short section of I-90 near the east end of the Wallace Viaduct.

The project will last two years. Construction in 2024 will include all lanes from the Big Creek Exit to Osburn and the westbound lanes from Osburn to Wallace.

Other work zones are already in place near Fourth of July Pass and in Kellogg.

“We are waiting to reconstruct the section between Big Creek and Osburn until next year after the Kellogg bridges are complete to give drivers a break in work zones,” Sprague said.

Drivers are reminded to check 511.idaho.gov before traveling to plan for delays from construction.

No Boundaries

Winter storms across the country have delayed travel, shuttered schools and overwhelmed crews trying to dig out of the snow.

Just because the snow falls, it doesn’t mean that people are going to stop driving. Idaho is a beautiful place to travel. There are so many roads and so many wonderful places to visit. From Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho to Island Park in the eastern art of the Gem State, people come from all around to relish in the unmatched beauty.

On average, there are approximately 7,000 winter-related crashes each year in Idaho. ITD responds to winter storms as they occur and attempts to clear the roads as the snow begins to fall. Crews are successful in keeping winter roads clear and passable even during the storm a whopping 75% of the time! However, in situations where a storm covers a large area, resources can be stretched beyond available limits.

It’s been a tough winter. We have felt that particularly in East Idaho. With little to no breaks between storms, it has put a strain on our crews.

In the region, winter maintenance has stretched resources far beyond what crews could handle on their own. When the word went out asking for assistance in order to keep the roads clear and safe for the traveling public, the response was tremendous.

Several other ITD districts sprang into action, with each sending people to help during the storm. District 3 (SW Idaho) sent four crew members to pitch in and lend a much-needed helping hand. District 2 (North-Central Idaho) sent a couple crew members to lend a hand with the storm. Four other employees from District 2 came down after the storm to assist with the clean-up process. They came ready for action, with a rotary plow in tow! Pictured above are D2’s Jasun Walker and Jon Rice with their rotary plow.

While ITD crews function primarily within their designated district or boundaries, it is safe to say that when one district needs help, we don’t see boundaries, just possibilities.

Construction is underway to widen I-84 between South Jerome and Twin Falls interchanges

JEROME – As part of Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho Transportation initiative, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has begun a project to widen I-84 between the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) and the Twin Falls Interchange (Exit 173). Construction begins this week on this 2.5-year project.

I-84 serves as a primary interstate route, and traffic counts are expected to increase substantially over the next 20 years. The existing interstate will not be able to accommodate anticipated future traffic volumes. These improvements will increase capacity and improve safety on I-84 to serve South-central Idaho for years to come.

In 2023, motorists should expect:

I-84 will be restricted to one lane in each direction at night. Occasional daytime lane restrictions may be necessary.
- Rolling closures on I-84 will occur this spring/summer for blasting rock in the median.
Traffic shifts will be used throughout construction.
The speed limit on I-84 will be reduced.
400 South Road will be closed intermittently.

Funding for this project comes from the Leading Idaho TECM Program. The program allows ITD to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build. Concrete Placing Company is the contractor for this $92.9 million project.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in late fall of 2025. Those who are interested in learning more about the project are invited to visit the project website at itdprojects.org/84jerometotwin or call (208) 391-3735.

Information in Spanish can be found on the project website or by calling (208) 398-3696.

US-95 White Bird Creek Bridge Preservation

WHITE BIRD, IDAHO – The Idaho Transportation Department in District 2 and its partners will be conducting work on the iconic 811 feet long bridge at White Bird Creek at Milepost 223.7 along US-95. The project is federally funded and valued at $3,084,200. This preservation project is anticipated to start late-April/early May and conclude in early August.

Workers from Royal Bridge, Inc., a Florida based contractor who specialize in bridge services, will be sandblasting and repainting the tall bridge with its original soft-yellow color to preserve the historic aesthetic of the bridge.

The piers of the structure are metal, so they will also need to be repainted to be protected from rust. This maintenance is important for safety, preserving state infrastructure, and extending the lifespan of the bridge.

The public should expect minimal traffic delays. Extra caution is encouraged when crews are working on the upper bridge deck and rails.

“White Bird Creek Bridge is one of Idaho Transportation Department’s signature bridges and our goal is to preserve its condition as long as possible. Replacement of the bridge is cost prohibitive. Painting the bridge’s structural steel will help eliminate rust that will eventually reduce the bridge’s lifespan,” said Curtis Arnzen, Resident Engineer.

The White Bird Creek Bridge was completed in 1975 and is an impressive structure at the bottom of the White Bird grade on US-95 and overlooking the city of White Bird below. It stands at approx. 300 feet tall and connects travelers and commerce from across the state.

For more information please visit https://itdprojects.org/projects/us95whitebirdcreek/

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Idahoans value work zone safety

The Idaho Transportation Department is joining states across the country for National Work Zone Awareness Week. The national and state campaigns this week are designed to raise awareness and educate the public about the safety measures we can all take in work zones, and how we are all responsible for work zone safety.

From 2017 to 2021, Idaho saw 3,119 crashes in work zones resulting in 36 deaths, stressing the need for this year’s theme: “You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.”

This special week includes a schedule of activities; everyone is encouraged to go orange for safety on Wednesday and observe a moment of silence on Friday for those who have died in work zones.

“Work zone safety is drivers and highway workers cooperating together to slow down and improve safety,” said Dan McElhinney, Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer for ITD. “ITD employees and contractors design traffic control with signs, cones, beacons or reduced speed limits to help guide vehicles through these hazard zones, knowing we really appreciate drivers being engaged without distractions for success. Let’s all get home safely every day.”

Work zone crashes are preventable. The top three causes of crashes from 2017 to 2021 were following too closely, distracted or inattentive driving and failing to yield.

Drivers should:

Plan ahead – Check 511.idaho.gov before you go to plan your route. Expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible.
Slow down– drive the posted speed limits.
Pay attention– both to workers directing you and surrounding traffic.

Other safety tips and videos are available at itd.idaho.gov/travel.

Nighttime Work Begins at System Interchange

POCATELLO – As temperatures warm motorists will see nighttime work starting up again at the System Interchange project in Pocatello. In addition, there will be short-term detours while girders are placed for the new northbound bridge. As of this morning the east to northbound ramp is closed. Traffic is being diverted south to detour through the Pocatello Creek interchange.

Heavy equipment will be moving earth during the night as contractors rebuild the interchange. The excavated earth will be moved on the large conveyor system the Idaho Transportation Department has been using to limit the need for heavy trucks entering and exiting the Interstate within the work zone.

The massive project requires nearly round-the-clock work during summer months to achieve the goals set by ITD for project completion. During the nighttime work nearby businesses and residents may notice more noise from the heavy equipment moving about the worksite.

Detours necessitated by the placement of girders will be updated on 511.idaho.gov or in the 511 app. While this work continues, weather is major factor for the timing of closures. Motorists are encouraged to keep up-to-date via 511.

Motorists should exercise additional care at night to keep everyone safe. ITD asks motorists to keep their eyes on the road, slow down, obey signs, and be patient with other drivers.

The System Interchange project is part of Governor Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative that pays for shovel-ready projects to move forward without delay.

Construction resumes next week on I-90 near Fourth of July Pass

Paving machine during construction in 2022

Construction will resume Monday on I-90 to resurface four miles east of Fourth of July Pass.

Crews will start preparing for all traffic to run on the eastbound set of lanes by adjusting striping and placing signage. During the first week of construction, drivers can expect one lane to be closed in the eastbound direction while crews are working.

More significant impacts will start the last week of April when all traffic will be shifted onto the eastbound set of lanes so that work can begin on the westbound set of lanes. Only one lane in each direction will be open. Repairs are expected to start first on westbound I-90 and then transition to installing new concrete barrier in the median to prevent head on-crashes.

Eastbound I-90 was the focus of work in 2022. The project is expected to be complete in October.

Travelers are encouraged to be aware of other work zones on I-90, like bridge replacements in Kellogg, and are advised to check 511.idaho.gov before driving.

Construction starts Monday to upgrade intersection at SH-53 and Ramsey Road

overhead view of the intersection of SH-53 and Ramsey. Orange cones can be observed along one edge of new pavement. The traffic lights are strung at a 45-degree angle across the intersection

Construction is expected to start Monday, April 17, to upgrade the intersection at State Highway 53 and Ramsey Road east of Rathdrum.

Crews will add right and left turn lanes on both roadways and will replace the existing temporary signal with a permanent one. Work is scheduled to take place through September with the highway reduced to one lane in each direction.

“Impacts will be fairly similar to what they are now,” Project Manager Megan Koski said. “Drivers will just need to plan extra time to get through the work zone.”

The existing temporary signal was installed in 2019 to help with congestion while traffic was detoured during the construction of the new interchange at SH-53 and US-95.

Traffic impacts at this work zone and another on SH-53 near Hauser are available at 511.idaho.gov.

Idaho’s new driver’s license and ID card are here

BOISE— Idaho has a new driver’s license design. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) launched the new cards today. All new cards, renewals, and replacements will have the new design.

“The new license showcases some of Idaho’s best features,” said DMV administrator Lisa McClellan. “Idaho’s state bird, the mountain bluebird, is featured prominently. Idahoans will also notice the Sawtooth Mountains and the Idaho Statehouse.”

The Idaho DMV is releasing a new card to keep up with evolving technology and prevent counterfeiters. It is standard practice to update license designs and security features periodically. The last time Idaho changed its license was in 2016.

Licenses with the old design will remain valid until the expiration date that is printed on the card. You don’t need to do anything until it is time to renew your license. Then you can renew online, if eligible, at dmv.idaho.gov or at a local DMV. The fee you pay for a license will not change when the new design goes live.

The new design will appear not just on driver’s licenses but on other state-issued cards as well, including identification cards, instruction permits, and concealed weapons cards. For more information, check out the “Frequently Asked Questions” on our website.

DMV.idaho.gov is a one-stop-shop for everything DMV. There are over a dozen transactions that can be completed online, everything from a change of address to registration and driver’s license renewals. Skip the Trip, save time, and go online to DMV.idaho.gov.

SH-36 closed due to mud slides

POCATELLO – At approximately 6:30 pm on Tuesday a mud slide necessitated the closure of SH-36 between Ovid and Preston. Continued warming temperatures resulted in two more slides in the area. As of 2:30 pm Wednesday the highway remains closed north of Mink Creek.

ITD crews are working to clear ditch and culverts to help the spring runoff waters move away from the highway. However, the safety of the travelling public is the primary concern and the road will remain closed until engineers are confident the roadway is safe.

To travel between Preston and Montpelier motorists can detour via SH-34 and US-30.

As Idaho enters the late spring, this winter’s heavy precipitation in the Franklin, Caribou, and Bear Lake Counties presents a significant chance of flooding. Motorists need to be aware of local conditions and not drive through water running over the roadways.

To get the latest updates on road conditions and closures, please check 511.idaho.gov or download the 511 app.