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.

Eastbound lane closure this Friday on I-84 near Declo

This Friday (Oct. 28), crews will close one eastbound lane on I-84 to place concrete barrier along the shoulder. Placement of the barrier is necessary to protect workers during construction of the new Port of Entry (POE) facility east of Declo.

Approximately three miles will be impacted with work taking place between milepost 217 and 2020. Both westbound lanes will remain open.

“This closure is expected to be short in duration,” ITD Project Manager John Keifer said. “We anticipate that work will be completed in one day, but it may extend into Monday if necessary.”

The new POE location on I-84 will facilitate more efficient trucking operations through advanced technology and will meet current federal compliance standards.

Elements of the new facility will include: new on and off ramps, support of utility infrastructure, scales with weigh-in-motion and automated vehicle identification technologies, video equipment, luminaries, signage and operations office buildings.

Drivers are advised to slow down, drive engaged and pay attention to signage in the area. Individuals can also check 511.idaho.gov for more information on road conditions and restrictions throughout the state.

Knife River is the general contractor on this project.

ITD wins safety award in AASHTO President’s competition for third time since 2017, demonstrating commitment

The award was received Oct. 22, by ITD officials, pictured left to right in photo: ITD Chief Engineer Blake Rindlisbacher, D5 District Engineer Todd Hubbard, and Chief Deputy/Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney.

The Statewide Asset Attribute Inventory (SWAAI) program for Idaho highways, an effort spearheaded by D5’s GIS Analyst Nik Sterbentz with collaboration from ITD districts across the Gem State, received the AASHTO President’s Transportation Award in the Safety category Saturday, Oct. 22 at the group’s annual conference. Previously, the components of Idaho’s 12,300-lane-mile state highway system were not inventoried in a convenient, central system. The SWAAI not only solves the current problem, but also sets ITD on a great course for the future.

It marks the third time since 1997 that Idaho has won the safety award from AASHTO (American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials) – the national group that oversees all state departments of transportation across the country. Since safety is one of ITD’s top priorities, the acknowledgement is especially gratifying.

“Winning this award in the Safety category is a great reflection of the constant value that safety is to each of us at ITD, and how each of us can contribute to the advancement of safety wherever it is we serve,” ITD Director Scott Stokes said. “This is who we are.”

The SWAAI program touches on several of ITD’s strategic goals, starting by saving nearly 300,000 personnel data collection hours and helping its planners identify ways to make ITD’s roads safer to drive. ITD can now fulfill many requests quickly and with much less labor, saving taxpayer dollars in the long run – an estimated $3.8 million saved in boots-on-the-ground collection costs alone.

Prior to the project, ITD lacked reliable comprehensive data inventories of key highway assets, including signs, guardrails, ADA ramps, sidewalks, and vertical clearance. Without reliable information, a data-driven approach to decision-making was frequently impossible, resulting in rushed, anecdotal, costly ad hoc solutions.

“It’s an opportunity for ITD to identify and implement numerous new, innovative practices and build on its legacy while proving its willingness to be open to revolutionary new improvements,” Sterbentz (pictured below) said about the SWAAI project.

To view the project, visit: https://swaai-iplan.hub.arcgis.com/