Snake River Crossing Study underway to find solutions for current and future traffic demands

Image of Snake River Canyon in South-central Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is conducting a study to evaluate potential transportation improvements to address congestion and mobility at existing Snake River crossings that connect Twin Falls and Jerome counties.

The study will look at a range of alternatives such as improvements to the existing road network, an additional crossing over the Snake River, new roadway connections, and potential traffic routing. The study will be ongoing through early 2023.

“With tremendous growth in communities on both sides of the canyon, and the unique challenges created by the canyon, effective infrastructure is key to mobility and economic opportunity in the region,” ITD project manager Nathan Jerke said. “The project team is working closely with local jurisdictions and key stakeholders to analyze data with a goal to find a solution that works for the entire region.”

Over the coming months, ITD will work with an executive team made up of local elected officials, a technical committee comprised of roadway and engineering staff, and key stakeholders. These groups will work toward the goal of developing alternatives and proposed actions to reduce congestion and address future transportation needs.

To learn more about the study and to find out about upcoming opportunities for public input, sign up for email updates by visiting itdprojects.org/snakerivercrossing or contact the study team at info@snakerivercrossing.com.

Project starts next week to reduce likelihood of rockfall on US-2 and SH-200

Over the next two months specialized crews will target five locations for rockfall mitigation on two highways near Sandpoint, including U.S. Highway 2 to the west and State Highway 200 to the east.

“At each location, crews will scale the slope, which involves wedging and prying loose rock that has the potential to fall onto the highway,” Project Manager Josh Nisson said. “This project is meant to be proactive, reducing the risk of drivers encountering rocks on the road and bringing it down safely on our own terms.”

The locations to be addressed include:

SH-200 at milepost 41 near Trestle Creek (two sites)
SH-200 at milepost 53 west of Clark Fork
US-2 at milepost 11 between Priest River and Laclede (two sites)

“While they are actively scaling and rocks are falling down towards the highway, we will not let drivers travel underneath,” Nisson said. “They’ll do that for about twenty minutes, let waiting traffic pass through, and then temporarily close the highway again.”

Crews will spend less than two weeks at each location. Drivers should plan for these delays while workers are on site, typically Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Otherwise, all lanes will be open.

Signage at each location will be in place roughly one week before work starts, and drivers are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov for all impacts before they travel.

First widening project begins on SH-53 near Hauser

The first of several projects to add a center left turn lane to most of State Highway 53 from the Washington state line to Rathdrum begins next week.

“SH-53 serves more than 12,000 vehicles a day, including many drivers who commute between Washington and Idaho,” Project Manager Megan Koski said.

Work over the next two years will focus on a two-mile stretch starting near McGuire Road and continuing through Bruss Road, with additional safety improvements included at the Hauser Laker Road intersection. Two lanes will remain open through construction, but starting Monday, Aug. 22, speed limits will be reduced.

“The goal of this project and future ones is to make the highway safer by providing turn lanes for drivers,” Koski said. “Drivers won’t have to be worried about being rear-ended as they wait to turn left off the highway.”

Right turn lanes and lighting will be installed at the intersections of McGuire Road, North Church Road, Bruss Road and Hauser Lake Road. An acceleration lane at Cloverleaf Road will help drivers get up to speed and merge with eastbound traffic.

“This year, crews will add temporary pavement to the south so that we can maintain traffic as we build the base for the expanded road on the north side of the highway,” Koski said. “Then next spring we’ll pave over that base and open the new lane to traffic.”

Other similar projects are scheduled near Rathdrum in 2023 and state line in 2027. A maintenance project in late September will resurface patches within the first two miles near the state line at night to keep it in acceptable conditions until the 2027 project.

Since this project overlaps with future plans to build an interchange at Pleasant View Road in 2028, minimal improvements will be constructed near the intersections of Pleasant View Road and Hauser Lake Road at this time.

The department plans to fund a project at the next opportunity to build similar improvements to the four miles between Bruss Road and Latah Street.

Drivers are encouraged to check live traffic conditions at 511.idaho.gov.

Idaho awarded $30.9M in Federal grants to modernize transportation statewide

Idaho received nearly $30.9M in grant funding August 11 from the Federal government to update, improve and modernize transportation across the Gem State.

The funding comes through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, which helps urban and rural communities move forward on projects that modernize roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, and intermodal transportation. The Biden-Harris Administration is using RAISE to modernize transportation and make it more affordable, increase safety and strengthen supply chains.

Idaho’s portion is part of more than $2.2B awarded nationwide by the USDOT.

Idaho’s portion includes:

$12,424,000 to the Idaho Transportation Department for Wood River Valley Mobility Corridor Improvements.

This project will improve transit-oriented infrastructure at four intersections with ID-75 in the Wood River Valley Mobility Corridor: Ohio Gulch Road, East Fork Road, South Broadway Run, and Elkhorn Road. The improvements include bus pullouts, bus stops, passenger shelters, a park-n-ride, sidewalks, shared-use pathways, and shared-path tunnels/underpasses.

$8,457,000 to Valley Regional Transit for the State Street Premium Corridor.

This project will construct transit, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities along a six and one-half mile section of State Street/SH 44 from downtown Boise to Bogart Lane. This project will include accessible bus stops, on-route charging, real-time bus arrival displays, ticketing machines, lighting, a multi-use path, wheelchair ramps and access, and bicycle and additional street crossings.

$5,000,000 to the Ada County Highway District for the Access to Opportunity Planning Project.

This will plan and design 12 multimodal transportation projects. The total length of the projects is over 10.5 miles and includes filling in sidewalk gaps, signalizing crossings, implementing ADA accessible pedestrian ramps and signals, building multi-use paths and designated bike facilities, upgrading transit bus stops, and evaluating green stormwater infrastructure to prevent runoff from entering the Boise River.

$5,000,000 to City of Nampa for Reconnecting Accessibility and Improving Safety and Equity

The City of Nampa will receive $5 million for this planning project which will design local and regional connections to benefit residents in the North Nampa Neighborhood. These improvements include sidewalk network expansion and modernization, shared use path construction, pedestrian pathway extension, a new pedestrian bridge, the replacement of an existing vehicular and pedestrian bridge, the modernization of two railroad underpasses, and the study of new transit services. The neighborhood has experienced over 450 crashes in 6 years, which would be reduced by this project. New public transit stops will connect residents in this underserved community to essential services, grocery stores, schools, churches, and parks. The pedestrian bridge will connect the neighborhood to a farmer’s market located on the other side of railroad tracks and will improve ADA access around assisted-living facilities.

The RAISE program is one of several ways communities can secure funding for projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s competitive grant programs.

“ITD is proud to be a sponsor of this incredible opportunity to receive a RAISE grant award for transit enhancements on the Wood River Valley Mobility Corridor,” ITD Public Transportation Manager Ron Duran said. “This grant award looks to bring a fresh perspective to transportation coordination in the state of Idaho.”

“This is a unique collaborative approach, as ITD’s Public Transportation, District 4 and TECM offices all sat at the table with Mountain Rides Transportation Authority to build the vision of this grant application,” said Duran. “This effort highlights what can be accomplished when leaders are willing to think outside the box and work together to find new ways to overcome challenges. This project will increase transportation options and system connectivity.”

Construction begins Sunday night on US-95 near Sagle

US-95_Lakeshore Drive_PH 2 after striping_spring 2022

The Idaho Transportation Department is beginning the second phase of construction on U.S. Highway 95 between Sagle Road and Lakeshore Drive to increase safety for drivers on the highway and reduce delays for drivers turning onto it. Impacts to traffic will begin during the evening hours of Sunday, August 14.

For approximately two weeks, crews will work at night to repave US-95 from Pit Road in Sagle to the Long Bridge. Motorists can expect the following impacts:

Flaggers will control one lane of alternating traffic on US-95 Sunday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Nighttime lane closures will intermittently affect the Long Bridge
Speed limits lowered to 45 mph
Up to 15-minute delays
For live traffic impacts, check 511.idaho.gov

“The highway needs to be resurfaced this fall to avoid severe potholes in the winter,” ITD Project Manager Phil Stout said.

Work during this phase also includes building a U-turn for drivers and installing a signal at Sagle Road.

After the Labor Day weekend, crews will begin building a U-turn as an option for drivers to use when trying to head northbound on US-95 from Lakeshore Drive. The U-turn will be constructed northeast of Bottle Bay Road. Work will take place during the day, and one lane will remain open in each direction.

“Due to long lead times on some key materials, parts of the project will likely not be finished until the spring, including opening up the U-turn for traffic,” Stout said.

Sagle Road improvements are planned to start in mid-October. Drivers on US-95 will not be able to turn east onto Sagle Road, and westbound drivers on Sagle Road will not be able access the highway. Instead, they will be temporarily detoured to Monarch Road for up to one month.

“Our goal is to have the detour in place only as long as necessary, so we have put an incentive in the contract to encourage that work to be completed early,” Stout said.

Work this year will realign the intersection, add turning lanes and prepare for signal installation next spring.

Improvements and anticipated impacts during construction were presented at an open house held in April.

Visit the website at itdprojects.org/us95lakeshoredrive to sign up for construction updates and for more information.

Chubbuck Road overpass to close Wednesday

CHUBBUCK – On Wednesday August 10th the Chubbuck Road overpass will be closed over I-15 to facilitate demolition of the overpass. As part of the “Leading Idaho” program’s I-86/I-15 System Interchange rebuild, the Chubbuck Road crossing will be converted from an overpass to an underpass.

Due to the amount of traffic on I-15, construction of the new underpass will occur in stages while the rest of the project progresses. As such, the new underpass is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2024.

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.

The Chubbuck Road detour will take motorists through the Northgate Interchange.

The new design changes Chubbuck Road into an underpass with additional space for pedestrians and bicycle lanes.

“Leading Idaho” funds used for critical runway improvement in Malad

Idaho Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” funding initiative paved the way recently for badly needed runway improvements at the Malad City Airport.

Leading Idaho funding supplied 100% of project costs, to the tune of $1.6M.

The project began in September 2021 and finished in late July. It was managed by local airport officials and Idaho’s Division of Aeronautics. The airfield at Malad City is one of 48 community airports statewide that are managed by Aero, which is part of the Idaho Transportation Department.

Malad’s City Airport was at the top of the list for funding due to a runway that only scored a 37 (of 100) in the most recent Pavement Condition Index (PCI) – a rating that translated to “Very Poor.” The PCI is the primary rating tool to determine the level of pavement distress and subsequent need for improvement.

The Malad City Airport is just the first of many small community airports across the state that will utilize these Leading Idaho funds to tackle needed repairs.

“A huge thank you to Governor Little for his Leading Idaho Grant and for the State of Idaho Aeronautics for trusting in Oneida County – Malad Airport with the grant funds to rebuild our runway,” said Malad City Airport Office Manager Roxanne Albretsen. “We are beyond grateful and will maintain and keep it in beautiful condition for years to come!”

Airport Board member Mike Hess, in comments made to the local newspaper, The Idaho Enterprise, said the biggest beneficiaries of the runway improvement would include “Life Flight first and foremost; saving lives as Malad relies on medical transport in many life-threatening cases.”

Without a well-maintained runway, critical patients must be taken by ambulance to the nearest trauma center, which can often make a significant difference in their medical intervention.

Hess continued, “Firefighting would be next. Almost every year the Forest Service will set up a fire-fighting base there.”

This year’s fire season has not been as extreme as last year’s, but the recent Lemhi County and Yosemite fires suggest the season may have quite a few surprises left, especially as high temperatures and winds are in the forecast for much of August.

Hess also mentioned some less-visible benefits. “Each year, Agricultural spray planes base their operations at the airport for the local agricultural community. There were over 2,200 landings here last year. Many of these will take the Courtesy Car into town and buy lottery tickets and a meal. Many people fly in for other business purposes and/or family visits. Many visitors are flying cross-country and stop to purchase gas, which benefits the county.

The Idaho Department of Commerce has indicated that having a community with rail service, freeway access and an airport are three of the most important considerations new businesses look for when selecting a site.”

As part of Governor Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative, the 2021 Idaho Legislature dedicated $126 million of one-time funds from Idaho’s budget surplus to transportation projects statewide. The funds were split 60/40 between ITD and local jurisdictions. Construction on this project is paid for with ITD’s portion of the funds that will accelerate projects to replace bridges, restore pavements, and improve mobility in communities across Idaho.

Limited services available at the I-90 Huetter Rest Area until further notice

Drone shot of both exits for the Huetter Rest Area between Post Falls and CDA

September 6, 2022 update

Rest area reopened today

Today services at the Huetter Rest Area were restored through a temporary cleaning contract. The department will continue to pursue a long-term cleaning contract. The status of rest areas can always be checked at 511.idaho.gov.

August 2, 2022 update

Limited services available at the I-90 Huetter Rest Area until further notice

Limited services will be available until further notice at the Huetter Rest Area on I-90 between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene.

At the eastbound rest area commercial vehicles may stop at the Port of Entry and travelers with watercraft like kayaks and boats must stop for inspection by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

No services are available at the westbound rest area.

“Back in late June, we had to terminate our contract with the cleaning company,” Operations Engineer Ryan Hawkins said. “The restroom and grounds were not being maintained per the standards of the contract and were posing a health risk.”

The Idaho Transportation Department has hired another contractor to perform a deep clean of the facilities and will solicit a new contractor for continued, ongoing maintenance.

“In the past, we have not had many companies interested in providing this service, so we are not sure when we will be able to fully restore operations,” Hawkins said. “In the meantime, we encourage travelers to stop in Post Falls or Coeur d’Alene.”

Rest area closures and traffic impacts across the state may be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov.

Construction begins next week on the I-90/SH-41 interchange

Aerial photo of the I-90 ID-41 interchange in 2020

POST FALLS – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is beginning work to replace and upgrade the interchange at Interstate 90 and State Highway 41 in Post Falls, with impacts to traffic beginning Monday, August 1.

Construction will be underway until the summer of 2025. Over the next four seasons work will generally shift from I-90 to SH-41 and then to Seltice Way. To learn about the full range of improvements and how to use the future interchange, watch this video.

“The beginning of this project is a significant milestone for ITD and the surrounding area,” said Shannon Stein, ITD project manager. “Once finished, the reconstructed interchange will improve safety, increase capacity, provide better connectivity to SH-41 and position I-90 for future expansion.”

In 2022, crews will work along I-90, begin reconstructing ramps and begin building the new eastbound bridges. Motorists can expect the following impacts:

Two 12-foot lanes of I-90 will be open during the day. Shoulders will be reduced to 2 feet.
Speed limits will be lowered to 55 mph on I-90 and 25 mph on SH-41 and Seltice Way.
Intermittent lane restrictions will occur on I-90 at night (8 p.m. to 5 a.m.). During special events, night work will begin at 10 p.m. Initial efforts include primarily night work.
Live traffic impacts will be available for individuals to check at 511.idaho.gov.

Construction may be noisy at times and require nighttime lighting or additional closures or delays on roads in the project area.

“It will be important to plan extra time when traveling around the interchange. ITD will communicate regularly throughout construction with those who live, work and commute in this area,” Stein said.

The best way to stay informed is to sign up for email updates by visiting itdprojects.org/i90sh41ic or by calling 866-774-4454.

The $78 million interchange reconstruction is beginning one year earlier than expected, thanks in part to Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds through Governor Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative. This deliberate investment of TECM funds allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and construct critical infrastructure sooner in Post Falls.

Garwood Bridge over US-95 to open to traffic by end of July

View from the ground of workers preparing to open the overpass for US-95 at Garwood Road to traffic

Construction of the new Garwood Bridge is nearing completion, with a tentative date for the bridge to open to traffic next Friday, July 29. The overpass allows for seamless north-south travel on US-95 and a safer crossing over the railroad. Completion of the bridge represents the conclusion of a multi-year project that began in summer of 2019 to improve the safety and efficiency of the US-95 corridor.

The project began with construction of a new single-point urban interchange at the junction of US-95 and ID-53. The interchange increased efficiency and safety of traffic flow by directing traffic through a single centralized signal. This interchange opened in November 2020 and is the first of its kind in North Idaho.

As a result of the two new structures, the project was able to remove two at-grade signals along US-95, so the last signal heading north from Coeur d’Alene is now at Lancaster Road.

A temporary signal that was installed at the intersection of ID-53 and Ramsey Road to accommodate detour traffic and will be replaced by a permanent signal through a separate project next year.

ITD would like to thank drivers for their patience during construction and reminds everyone to check https://511.idaho.gov for traffic impacts from other ongoing projects before traveling.