How to get “Idaho Ready” for winter driving and holiday travel

Boise – With weather getting colder, and holidays on the horizon, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) wants to ensure that all drivers are “Idaho Ready” for winter driving conditions. “Idaho Ready” is ITD’s annual winter safety campaign. The goal is to equip drivers with information and advice so they can safely and confidently navigate Idaho’s roadways, regardless of the forecast.

On Thursday, ITD, Idaho State Police, and law enforcement agencies from several counties gathered for a news conference to drive home the importance of wearing seatbelts and driving to conditions this winter. Nearly 50 law enforcement and safety agencies will participate in extra patrols to keep our roadways safe. Funding for the patrols and overtime work focused on seat belt violations and impaired driving enforcement will be provided by a grant through ITD’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The enforcement campaign will run from November 17, 2022, through January 1, 2023. Click here to download soundbites, video, and a photo from the event.

Safety is ITD’s top priority when preparing for winter weather, both for drivers and for the ITD operators who maintain the roads every day. Across Idaho, hundreds of operators work around the clock to clear snow and keep Idaho’s 13,000 miles of highways safe. However, one of the biggest dangers for these operators is other drivers. Last winter, 11 people crashed into snowplows in Idaho. Most drivers tried to pass snowplows on the right and hit a deployed wing plow. Reminding motorists that the safest place to be when roads are snowy is behind the plow, is just one of the many topics ITD shares with the “Idaho Ready” campaign.

Here are a few more easy tips for winter driving:

Check the road conditions before traveling. Visit 511.idaho.gov, download the Idaho 511 app, or follow @Idaho511 on Twitter. 511 has weather reports, cameras, road closures, and more.
Keep a winter emergency kit in your car and prepare your car for winter driving by checking your windshield wiper fluid, battery, and tires.
When roads are wet or icy, slow down and give yourself more stopping distance. Turn off cruise control and remember, bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze when temperatures drop.
If you do slide, stay calm, brake very gently, and turn your wheel in the direction of the skid. Try not to overcorrect.
Let others know your travel plans, especially if you will be driving through areas with no cell service. Check in when you arrive.
Using a GPS? Review the route before you hit the road in case your GPS tries to take you on unfamiliar or unmaintained back roads.
Beware of drowsy driving! Stop and rest when needed, and plan breaks on long road trips. Rest areas are also mapped on Idaho 511
If your holiday celebrations include alcohol, plan for a sober ride home. Look out for your friends and family and help them get home safely too.
Buckle up, stay engaged behind the wheel, and drive for the conditions this winter.

Watch ITD’s social media channels and website for weekly winter driving tips and best practices:

Facebook- Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)
Twitter- @IdahoITD
YouTube- Idaho Transportation Department
Website- itd.idaho.gov/travel
Idaho 511- 511.idaho.gov, or download the app.

Lighting upgrades next Thursday night to close lanes on the Perrine Bridge

Next Thursday night (Nov. 17), crews will close lanes on the Perrine Bridge to replace overhead lighting. To help lessen impacts to commuters, work will take place after 9:00 p.m.

Work is part of a larger project that is addressing important structures and sections of the highway system throughout the region.

“These new luminaires have an improved design that will extend their life expectancy,” ITD Project Manager John Keifer stated. “We are upgrading multiple lights this year and will continue to address other areas in South-central Idaho with future projects.”

Click here for a photo of the bridge.

While crews are on site, traffic will be reduced to a single lane in either direction.

“We anticipate crews will be able to complete all of the work in one night,” Keifer said.

Motorists are advised to drive engaged and watch for crews and equipment in the area.

Public invited to open house for State Highway 75 improvements in Blaine County

Image of State Highway 75 in Blaine County

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites members of the public to attend a public meeting next Tuesday to review preliminary design plans for segments of State Highway 75 between Bellevue and Timber Way. This project is funded by Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho initiative.

“Our design plans build upon input from stakeholders dating back to 2008, so we’re not starting from scratch but rather updating our previous findings,” ITD Project Manager Mark Campbell stated. “Over the last year, we have refreshed traffic projections and our safety analysis and are currently assessing potential impacts to social and environmental resources.”

Proposed plans are too extensive to build in one project, so this effort will create shovel-ready projects that can be constructed as soon as funding is identified. Specific design elements under consideration for future projects include widening the highway, improving select intersections, and evaluating pedestrian/bike underpasses and transit pullouts.

The open house will be held in Hailey on Tuesday, November 15, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Community Campus Building at 1050 Fox Acres Road. Individuals are welcome to drop in anytime to review displays, speak with members of the project team, and provide comments on the project.

There will also be a self-guided online meeting option for those who are not able to attend. The online meeting will be available from November 15 to December 15 on the project website at itdprojects.org/projects/timmerman-to-timber-way-project.

“The comments we receive will help us refine potential design solutions,” Campbell said. “We encourage people to find the most convenient way to comment on the preliminary design options we’re presenting.”

The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and critical infrastructure needs today that would otherwise take many years to fund.

For more information on the project, to provide comment, or to reach a member of the project team, please visit the project website, email info@sh75.com, or call (760) 831-6227.

Leading Idaho funds runway improvements to St. Anthony Community Airport

Grant funds in the amount of $1.7M from Gov. Little’s Leading Idaho initiative helped repair and replace sections of badly damaged runway at the small community airport in St. Anthony in October. The funds were used in conjunction with Idaho Airport Aid Program funding to complete the runway reconstruction and eliminate a significant safety hazard.

The consultant who managed the project, T-O Engineers, worked with the City of St. Anthony to help them reconstruct their only paved runway and build a new partial parallel taxiway for additional hangar development. The existing runway pavement was rated in “poor” condition in 2021 and was projected to drop to “very poor” within the next five years. The new partial parallel was constructed to provide access to the runway for existing and future hangars as well as improve safety at the airport.

Aviation Program Manager for T-O Engineers, Jared Norton, reported that the design included utilizing a CRABS (Concrete Recycled Asphalt Base Stabilization) process on existing runway pavement that was still in good condition and could be salvaged, which reduced construction costs and time, while providing a high-strength pavement section.

The project was not without its challenges, Norton said.

“During construction, we encountered unanticipated subsurface conditions that impacted the CRABS process. T-O Engineers worked with the city and contractor Depatco to quickly modify the design and allow the project to continue moving forward on schedule. In the end, the city was able to complete the full project on time and under budget. “

The new runway will better serve the agricultural spraying needs and general aviation operations at the small East Idaho airport.

“The Division of Aeronautics is honored to have the ability to collaborate with airport sponsors to ensure the safety and economic viability of the statewide aviation system,” said Aero’s Airport Planning Manager Jennifer Schildgen (pictured left). “It is wonderful to see project completion and the amazing work being done through partnerships that helps the communities. It is one of the reasons I look forward to work every day.”

Passing lane construction on US-95 to shut down soon

Partly finished highway project on US-95 with snow on the mountains

After the next two weeks, drivers will no longer be slowed by construction to build a passing lane on U.S. Highway 95 between Culdesac and Winchester as the project shuts down for winter.

The original schedule included the opening of a new passing lane for southbound drivers in November, but challenges with environmental resources has delayed completion.

A few months into construction the contractor discovered important sensitive resources within the project limits and stopped all work on that portion of the project.

The Idaho Transportation Department works with the Nez Perce Tribe and other entities on certain projects to avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts to these sensitive resources. On some projects with potential cultural resources, the department hires resource monitors to observe construction activities.

During construction, monitors identified sensitive resources and stopped work in that area until further investigation could be completed, and mitigation could be approved. At this time, the department is still working with the Tribe to finish the investigation, so construction in the area is not yet allowed to proceed.

Then in late August, while the contractor was building a retaining wall near Lapwai Creek, some steelhead trout were stranded and subsequently died. Steelhead trout in the region are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Construction plans were approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), an agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the project was approved for some fish being harmed or killed, though to a lesser extent.

“After the incident this year, we partnered with the Tribe and the NMFS to revise the plan for the remainder of construction. We will also discuss the remainder of work so that the fish are better protected when we resume work,” Resident Engineer Curtis Arnzen said.

Arnzen believes collaboration on this project will improve construction practices for future projects as well.

“Given the environmental challenges of the project, we do not know exactly when construction will begin next year, but we hope to start next July, which is a good time of year for in-water work in Lapwai Creek relating to the protection of threatened fish,” Arnzen said.

This project is part of a corridor-wide plan to finish building an 11-mile passing lane in Culdesac Canyon to provide safer opportunities for drivers to pass.

ITD to show design plans for I-84, Centennial Way to Franklin Road at Caldwell open house

As part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is hosting an open house to share design plans for the future widening of Interstate 84 between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges in Caldwell. All community members are invited to participate in-person or online starting Wednesday, Nov. 9.

The in-person meeting will be held Nov. 9 at the Caldwell Elks Lodge, 1015 N. Kimball Avenue, from 5 – 7 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to review ITD’s design plans, ask questions to the project team, and provide their input. All meeting materials will also be available online at itdprojects.org/i-84-centennial-way-to-franklin-ic, with comments accepted through Nov. 16.

“We are continuing to widen I-84 through Canyon County to reduce congestion and increase safety,” said ITD Project Manager Mark Campbell. “Throughout the process, ITD is committed to engaging with travelers who use this portion of the interstate and we are excited to get this project done together.”

Proposed improvements include:

Widening I-84 to three lanes in each direction
Adding auxiliary lanes between interchanges
Replacing the 10th Avenue Interchange
Adding a traffic signal to the Centennial Way Interchange westbound off-ramp
Building a sound wall along Hannibal Street
Rehabilitating the pedestrian bridge over I-84

Design work on this section of I-84 began in late 2021 and construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2023.

The I-84 corridor projects are expected to improve safety, mobility and economic opportunities in Idaho over the next 20 years. More information is available at itdprojects.org/84corridor.

This project is funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of the Leading Idaho initiative. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build.

Pile driving to begin Thursday at Pocatello

POCATELLO – Beginning Thursday morning work crews at the System Interchange will begin pile driving piers for new bridges. As part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative, the project was fast-tracked partly due to the aging 1960s bridges due for replacement. The new piers will create a stable foundation to protect the structure of the new bridges.

Pile driving uses a hydraulic hammer that forces piers downward through the soil. Unavoidably, the operation creates noise as the hammer falls on the pier. Work for this portion of the project will be conducted during the daytime. However, in the next week or two additional pile driving will be required at Chubbuck Road that will include some nighttime work.

Motorists should carefully follow signs and posted speed limits while travelling through the construction area. With crews working day and night and with the onset of winter it is especially important that drivers be alert and proceed safely through the work area. Drivers are encouraged to check https://511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to keep track of road conditions and construction. Project details are available on ITD’s projects website — https://itdprojects.org/projects/i-86-i-15-system-interchange/

Citizens who wish to receive updates via email can subscribe at this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/g9MMkN9

This project is partially funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build.

Construction crew driving piles with heavy equipment — Pile driving utilizes a hydraulic hammer to place the piles deep below the surface of the ground.

Lisa McClellan named new Idaho DMV Administrator

BOISE – Lisa McClellan, who has been with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) since 2004 and was named the department’s Professional of the Year in February, recently became Idaho’s DMV Administrator. She has broad experience at ITD, having served in management of both the department’s Financial Services and DMV divisions.

As the leader of DMV, she will manage a dedicated team of 244 professionals.

In the DMV, McClellan helped with the transformation of the organization, process improvements, modernization of software, staff development, and county & stakeholder relationships. She has played a crucial leadership role in recent years as ITD modernized DMV software which is now the catalyst for time-saving innovations.

Lisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in business from Lewis Clark State College.

“This is fantastic news for the department and for Idaho,” ITD Director Scott Stokes said. “Lisa is a champion and will do great things, benefiting all Idahoans. Lisa has an aggressive vision that is going to save citizens and businesses time and money through a new generation of DMV service options.”

Lisa is looking forward to new challenges and opportunities.

“I’m excited to lead a courageous team of dedicated DMV professionals who have the customer centered in all we do,” said McClellan. “DMV has come a long way and will continue to be committed to customer service, stakeholders and partners, and the pursuit of innovation!”

Rock scaling to begin Wednesday on SH-75 south of Challis

Geotechnical crew scaling the rockface — Geotechnical crew scaling a rockface

RIGBY – Beginning Wednesday the Idaho Transportation Department will be scaling rock on SH-75 between Challis and Clayton. Rock scaling is the safe removal of loose rock from the face of a mountain or hill to ensure it does not fall on the roadway.

Contractor Rock Supremacy will be working at four different sites over the next two weeks. Work will occur Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The four sites are:

MP 231.45 to 231.52 Site one: ~1-days
MP 231.66 to 231.75 Site two: ~3-days
MP 235.05 to 235.24 Site three: ~3-days
MP 236.67 to 236.76 Site four: ~4-days

During operations motorists should expect up to 20-minute delays. Drivers are encouraged to check road conditions on 511.idaho.gov

Idaho wins national workforce award for ICONIC effort

BOISE – Idaho’s Workforce Development program, spearheaded by ITD’s Civil Rights section, recently won a national award for the effort from the U.S. DOT’s Federal Highway Administration. Idaho was one of only three states to win the State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) award. Idaho’s award was the Idaho Career Opportunities – Next in Construction (ICONIC) training program, held in multiple locations in the Gem State in 2022.

The award was given Oct. 23 during the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) conference in Orlando, Florida.

The ICONIC program was developed to meet a specific need: Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in the country and has been for several years. This growth has brought a need to rapidly update and improve infrastructure, but the state faced the challenge of finding qualified labor to perform the work. Specifically, skilled heavy equipment operators, carpenters, truck drivers, and concrete/cement masons.

To address the problem, ITD’s Office of Civil Rights, in partnership with the Idaho Workforce Development Council, Idaho Associated General Contractors, Idaho Native American Tribes, Baker Technical Institute, College of Eastern Idaho, and local highway construction contractors, implemented the ICONIC program.

“This program could not have been successful without established partnerships,” ITD Civil Rights Manager Jessika Phillips said.

Although the program has been in existence for a few years, the 2022 version was different in that courses were offered in each corner of the state (Idaho Falls in March/April, Boise in April/May & Coeur d’Alene in June/July). Having multiple locations allowed students to stay close to home and their families during training. The 2022 program also added hands-on training in multiple trades: heavy equipment operating and concrete cement masonry.

One of the most successful participant locations in 2022 was the ICONIC program delivered to residents in Idaho Falls between March 21 and April 22. Over five weeks and 200+ hours, students received certifications in OSHA-10, forklift, Hazardous Waste Operations Emergency Response, flagging, and first-aid/CPR during in-the-field sessions. Classroom instruction included reading blueprints, construction-applied math, confined spaces, trenching and shoring, securing loads, pre-trip and chains checks, and honing career soft skills.

Students removed, formed, poured, and finished a concrete sidewalk at the Blackfoot Rest Area in partnership with District 5 and District 6 staff. Students replaced old, cracked and damaged concrete to create a sidewalk that is now level and free of obstructions for the traveling public accessing the restroom facilities. Students also learned how to operate loaders, dozers, excavators, and skid steers utilizing simulators and getting behind-the-wheel in a land lab.

Students networked with contractors on multiple occasions and had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills during Contractor Day. Many students have found employment this way and still work for the contractor to this day.

Fifteen students graduated from this program in 2022.

In the past, female participation has been around 10-15% and minority participation hovered around 20%. During this installment of the program, 40% of those who participated were female and 60% were minorities. Women made up only 11% of the construction industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 study, while minorities (especially non-Latino/non-Hispanics) are also vastly under-represented.

Eleven of the fifteen graduates were employed in the highway construction industry within 30 days of graduation. More than half of the students have applied to the Idaho Launch Program through the Idaho Workforce Development Council for funding to complete their Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDLs) during the winter-shutdown period this coming fall/winter.

The future for the ICONIC program includes “continuing to build partnerships, seek funding, and grow the program to focus on additional trades within the construction industry and lead the way in equity, safety, mobility, and economic opportunity,” said Phillips.