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Public invited to weigh in on US-95 project near Parks Road

Aerial view of US-95 near the Parks Road intersection.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the community to learn about and provide feedback on a future project to improve safety and increase mobility on U.S. Highway 95 near Parks Road. Construction is still several years away, but design is starting now. Proposed improvements include:

• Eliminating left turns and median crossing to allow right-in/right-out only access to US-95 from Parks Road.
• Building a new frontage road on the east side of US-95 from Parks Road to Lawrence Road, connecting to the existing dead-end and completing the route to SH-53 and even further south.
• Coordinating with the Lakes Highway District on a separate project as they plan to realign Old Highway 95 to Parks Road.
• Addressing congestion issues around the Bunco Road interchange and also near the Bunco Road/Pope Road intersection caused by surges in traffic to and from the neighboring theme park.

In-Person Meeting
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
4:30-6:30 p.m.

ITD Athol Shed
6303 E. Parks Road
Athol, ID

Feel free to drop in anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to view project displays and talk with members of the design team. Staff will be available to walk you through plans, answer questions, and hear your feedback.

Parents, feel free to bring your children along with you! This is a casual, drop-in event and families are welcome.

For anyone who can’t attend in person, the same information shared at the meeting will be available online starting August 19 through September 5 at US-95: Parks Road | ITD Projects.

This project is currently funded for design and construction beginning in 2031 for approximately $10 million.

Left turn locations being removed as part of Eagle Road safety project

MERIDIAN – Beginning Monday, the Idaho Transportation Department will permanently close three left-turn locations on Eagle Road (State Highway 55) between Interstate 84 and State Highway 44 (State Street) as part of a pilot project to improve safety along the corridor.

The changes are based on traffic safety data and community input gathered during a recent safety study. By reducing conflict points these adjustments are expected to lower crash rates along one of Idaho’s busiest highways.

Left turns will be removed at the following locations:

  • The two-way left turn between Island Woods Drive and the north channel of the Boise River
  • Northbound left-in at Baldcypress Street
  • Southbound U-turn at Bourbon Street near Ustick Road

Later this year, ITD will also install variable speed limit signs between Franklin Road and Chinden Boulevard. These signs will reduce speed limits to 45 mph during peak congestion. Additional improvements will include speed feedback signs and signs warning of stopped traffic at key locations.

“These Highway 55 operational changes reflect a commitment to safety for the more than 50,000 drivers daily, by listening to public feedback and studying crash trends, we’ve identified ways to reduce risk for everyone traveling this 7-mile corridor,” Dan McElhinney, ITD Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer said.

Microsurfacing maintenance

In addition to the safety upgrades, ITD will begin microsurfacing Eagle Road from SH-44 (State Street) in Eagle to I-84 in Meridian on Monday. Microsurfacing is a preventative pavement sealcoal that extends the life of the roadway and reduces the need for more extensive repairs.

Construction will begin at I-84 and progress north to SH-44. All work is expected to be completed by late September.

During construction:

  • All lanes will be open during the day
  • One lane will be open in each direction at night
  • Nighttime work runs from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Drivers may encounter rough surfaces and loose gravel during the day. Please use caution.

“Crews will work one section at a time,” ITD Project Manager Josh Nisson said. “Drivers may see rough surfaces during the day until crews are able to finish that section at night. We appreciate the public’s patience during this project.”

To learn more or sign up for updates:

For real-time travel impacts, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

US-20 traffic to shift as South St. Anthony Interchange nears completion

Road construction with closures and traffic shift on US-20 South St. Anthony interchange.

 

Beginning early this week, traffic on U.S. Highway 20 will be routed onto the newly built overpass bridge at South St. Anthony Exit 344. This marks the final stages of construction on a new full interchange at this location.

North and southbound motorists were previously routed onto the ramps while the overpass bridge was being constructed, with speed limits lowered to 35 mph. Traffic will now move to travel on mainline US-20 at a reduced work zone speed.

With this traffic shift, South St. Anthony ramps will be closed as work continues on 400 North under US-20. Workers and equipment will still be present on site, so drivers are urged to stay aware and be cautious.

This project is expected to be substantially complete later this summer, with the ramps and turning movements onto 400 North open then.

Funding for this project is assisted by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) fund. The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to invest in projects in corridors that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy, and positively impact communities across the state for years to come.

Updates on this project and others across Idaho can always be seen on the Idaho 511 app, or at 511.idaho.gov.

I-84 ramp closures at Meridian Interchange begin Saturday

MERIDIAN – The Idaho Transportation Department will close alternating eastbound and westbound ramps at the Interstate 84 Meridian Interchange (Exit 44) overnight from Saturday to Friday as crews apply a hot chip seal to extend the life of the pavement. Through traffic will not be affected.

Ramp closures are scheduled as follows:

  • Saturday and Sunday: Midnight to 5 a.m.
  • Monday through Friday: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

During these hours, Northbound ramps will be closed Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, while Southbound ramps will be closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

ITD is committed to minimizing disruptions during construction while prioritizing the safety of both motorists and crews. Chip seal oil is extremely hot. Drivers are urged to use extra caution in the work zone, stay clear of paving equipment, and follow all posted signs and flaggers’ directions.

Visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55-69maintenance to learn more, sign up for email updates or contact the project team.

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

Single lane opened to traffic on Porterville overpass

A damaged girder under a bridge

The Idaho Transportation Department has installed traffic signals allowing single-lane traffic to pass over the Porterville overpass north of Blackfoot. The overpass was damaged Tuesday evening when it was struck by a backhoe being hauled by a semi on Interstate 15. The collision caused severe damage to one of the concrete girders under the overpass.

ITD has determined it is safe to allow traffic to pass over the undamaged portion of the bridge. The traffic lights will alternate, allowing vehicles to use the single open lane.

In addition, concrete barriers will be put in place to ensure traffic does not pass over the damaged girder.

ITD continues to investigate what will be required to repair the bridge.

Motorists are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov for the latest traffic information and width restrictions.

 

Port of Entry technology keeps Idaho moving

Ports of entry help preserve the well-being and safety of Gem State drivers statewide by safeguarding citizens, fostering economic development, and ensuring the efficient movement of goods and individuals across our borders. POE staffers are committed to maintaining safety and compliance with federal and state regulations for commercial vehicles. Each day, dedicated supervisors, inspectors, and registration teams manage hundreds, often thousands, of vehicle inspections, registrations, and permit requests. Their collective efforts directly support ITD’s mission of promoting safety, mobility, and economic opportunity.

Given the high volume of commercial traffic on Idaho’s roads—totaling millions of vehicles annually—ports are integral to maintaining smooth and secure operations. In addition to visual inspections for damage or missing components, such as safety markers, tire lug nuts, mirrors, placards, exhaust systems, or mud flaps, we utilize advanced electronic screening and weigh-in-motion (WIM) technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Electronic WIM systems effectively identify vehicles that are potentially overweight, over-length, or over-height, streamlining the inspection process. Complementing this system is our tire anomaly detection system—recently recognized with an American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators award—which helps identify tire issues such as worn tread, punctures, insufficient pressure, or mismatched sizes by axle. This technology not only facilitates the identification of suspect vehicles for further inspection, but also allows compliant vehicles to bypass the port, improving traffic flow and reducing operational costs. Industry data indicates that allowing compliant vehicles to remain on the interstate results in approximately $8.68 in cost savings per vehicle, thereby supporting our goal of enhancing mobility.

A key component of our electronic screening process is the Commercial Vehicle Information Exchange Window (CVIEW). This interface enables inspectors to access comprehensive vehicle data—such as registration details, safety records, permits, and driver information—to determine whether a more thorough inspection is necessary. When CVIEW flags potential issues, inspectors have the option to initiate a full inspection.

Recently, new Port of Entry Program Manager Frank DeCarvalho (pictured right) visited the East Boise and Declo ports. He remarked, “I am highly impressed with our inspectors and their effective use of electronic-screening technology to manage vehicle flow through our busy ports. The training they receive and their dedication are essential to fulfilling our mission while providing excellent customer service.”

While these technological tools provide powerful data-driven insights, it’s important to recognize the continued value of traditional visual inspections. These in-person checks remain a critical component of the inspection process, offering opportunities not only to identify issues that may not be captured electronically but also to engage directly with drivers. These face-to-face interactions often serve as educational moments, helping drivers better understand compliance requirements and maintain safer vehicles on the road.

Construction begins Monday night on I-184 Flying Wye flyover and westbound I-84

Highway overhead bridge close up of significant damage.
BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction Monday to repair significant barrier damage on the Interstate 184 Flying Wye flyover and westbound Interstate 84.

The damage was caused by a recent crash and presents a safety hazard to motorists. Contractors will restore the bridge barriers, which are designed to contain vehicles during collisions, protecting both traffic on the flyover and traffic below on I-84.

Drivers should expect:

  • Intermittent nighttime two-lane closures on westbound I-84
  • A single-lane closure on the flyover for approximately two weeks
  • Reduced speeds in the work zones

Motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time, and drive with caution through the work zone. For real-time traffic updates and road conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

US-20 delays and slower speeds starting next week for INL paving operations

Graphic map of US-20 west of Idaho Falls indicating traffic movement changes near the junction of US-20, US-26 at the INL entrance.

 

The Idaho Transportation Department is partnering with the Idaho National Laboratory to alert motorists of changes to their commute beginning next week.

Starting Monday, paving operations within the INL site will limit usual turning movements at the Puzzle, the junction of US-20, US-26 and INL. During morning and overnight hours, traffic will be able to make right turns only off US-20 into the site.

From 4 to 6:30 p.m. traffic at the Puzzle will be restricted to outbound only movement, with no inbound turns allowed.

Speed will be reduced to 50 mph on US-20 near and through the Puzzle while this work is completed.

Both inbound and outbound site traffic will be able to access US-20 from an alternative route at West Portland Avenue, Gate Three, one mile west of the Puzzle. No dedicated turning lane exists on US-20 at this intersection, so motorists are urged to be alert and slow down.

Flaggers will be present as needed when INL paving work is near the intersections of US-20 or US-26. Traffic control signs and lower speed limits will not be in effect when work is not actively ongoing along these roadways.

INL paving operations are expected to be complete and traffic running as usual by late September.

INL employees should refer to internal communication regarding effects to their commute on roads within the site. Effects to US-20 and US-26 will be noted on the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.

Massacre Rocks rest stop to close next week

Beginning Monday, the Interstate 86 westbound rest stop west of American Falls will be closed for maintenance. Crews will be repainting and landscaping. Work will continue until Monday, August 18.

ITD closing SH-46 at railroad crossing in Buhl for repairs next week

The Idaho Transportation Department is shutting down State Highway 46 (Clear Lakes Road) at the railroad crossing in Buhl from Monday through Aug. 16. ITD will repair the asphalt and replace the tracks near the SH-46/US 30 intersection.

  • North and southbound traffic on SH-46 can detour using Elm Street.
  • Westbound truck traffic is advised to take Broadway Avenue.
  • Eastbound truck traffic is advised to take N 1600 E to Sawtooth.

Please watch for detour signs as you navigate through the area.

This project was not initially planned to happen this year, but additional funding and recognition of the public need allowed ITD to quickly get these repairs planned and underway.

With average daily crossing of more than 3,000 vehicles, it is important to give yourself extra time to get through the detours and drive safely.

For up-to-date traffic information check 511.idaho.gov.