EAST IDAHO – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is asking for input on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The 2023-2029 ITIP is a seven-year master plan of the state’s transportation improvement projects. Everyone is encouraged to participate starting in July.
Projects can range from large-scale interstate improvements to smaller projects like the installation of a new guardrail. In all, the draft ITIP includes projects in all 44 counties and all modes of transportation. Projects were selected based on technical data, as well as input from local officials and residents.
A complete breakdown of the draft plan can be found at itd.idaho.gov/funding.
A few of the major projects in East Idaho include:
- I-15 Northgate to Fort Hall Widening – Widen the interstate to three lanes in both North and South directions, including replacement of outdated structures, drainage facilities, and interchange merge/diverge improvements.
- US-20 Chester to Ashton Widening – This project will build a 4-lane divided highway with the addition of 2 new interchanges.
- Blackfoot West Bridge Street bridge replacement – Replace the aging West Bridge Street Bridge over the Snake River in Blackfoot.
- Chubbuck, Widening Park Lawn to Siphon Road – To provide additional capacity along Yellowstone Avenue between Park Lawn and Siphon. It will also allow for the addition of a traffic signal at the intersection of Yellowstone Avenue and Siphon Road.
- A2 Highway improvements – This project will improve the A2 Highway in Clark County by widening the roadway, fixing soft spots, adding additional base and paving the roadway. This will include the replacement of culverts, and other minor drainage improvements.
- SH-33 Teton County intersection improvements – This project will improve intersections and add turn lanes on SH33 from milepost 138.70 to milepost 149.40.
- US-93 Pahsimeroi River bridge replacement – This project will replace the Pahsimeroi River bridge on US-93 in Custer County.
Comments will be taken from July 1-31 and can be e-mailed to ITDcommunication@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to:ITIP – Comments
Attn: Office of Communication
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
Paper copies of the ITIP will be provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department (208) 334-8119.
All comments will be reviewed, incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate, and responses will be sent in September once the comment period has ended.
After approval by the Idaho Transportation Board in September, the ITIP will then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency in October.
ITD is asking for input on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The 2023-2029 ITIP is a seven-year master plan of the state’s transportation improvement projects. Everyone is encouraged to participate starting in July.
Projects can range from large-scale interstate improvements to smaller projects like the installation of a new guardrail. In all, the draft ITIP includes projects in all 44 counties and all modes of transportation. Projects were selected based on technical data, as well as input from local officials and residents.
A complete breakdown of the draft plan can be found at itd.idaho.gov/funding.
Projects newly funded in North Central Idaho with this update include:
- Resurfacing U.S. Highway 12 from Greer to Kamiah in 2024.
- Extending the northbound passing lane on U.S. Highway 95 over Crooks Hill north of Viola in 2029.
- Modifying curves and adding guardrail to US-95 from Rapid River to Riggins in 2029.
Construction originally planned for this summer on US-12 between Orofino and Greer has been combined with a 2023 project to repave State Highway 11 from the top of Greer Grade to Weippe. Both projects will be jointly advertised this fall, with some construction possible before winter.
Comments will be taken from July 1-31 and can be e-mailed to ITDcommunication@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to:
ITIP – Comments
Attn: Office of Communication
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
Paper copies of the ITIP will be provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department (208) 334-8119.
All comments will be reviewed, incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate, and responses will be sent in September once the comment period has ended.
After approval by the Idaho Transportation Board in September, the ITIP will then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency in October.
ITD is asking for input on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The 2023-2029 ITIP is a seven-year master plan of the state’s transportation improvement projects. Everyone is encouraged to participate starting in July.
Projects can range from large-scale interstate improvements to smaller projects like the installation of a new guardrail. In all, the draft ITIP includes projects in all 44 counties and all modes of transportation. Projects were selected based on technical data, as well as input from local officials and residents.
A complete breakdown of the draft plan can be found at itd.idaho.gov/funding.
Projects newly funded in North Idaho with this update include:
- Resurfacing U.S. Highway 95 from Bonners Ferry to Three Mile Junction in 2029.
- Resurfacing State Highway 53 from the state line to Hauser Lake Road in 2024 to keep conditions acceptable until more robust repairs and expansion in 2027.
Other changes include:
- Resurfacing of I-90 between Osburn and Wallace was advanced four years for construction in 2023. Download a photo.
- Widening of U.S. Highway 2 underneath a railroad overpass in Sandpoint was moved up to 2023 from 2026.
- The project to expand U.S. Highway 95 south of Coeur d’Alene and modify access at the Lincoln Way/Walnut Avenue intersection was rescheduled for construction in 2024 rather than 2026.
- Resurfacing State Highway 54 from State Highway 41 to U.S. Highway 95 is now funded for 2024 instead of 2027.
Comments will be taken from July 1-31 and can be e-mailed to ITDcommunication@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to:
ITIP – Comments
Attn: Office of Communication
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
Paper copies of the ITIP will be provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department (208) 334-8119.
All comments will be reviewed, incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate, and responses will be sent in September once the comment period has ended.
After approval by the Idaho Transportation Board in September, the ITIP will then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency in October.
Work will begin on State Highway 200 between Pack River and Trestle Creek after the Fourth of July holiday. Crews will replace guardrail and concrete barrier near the Pack River Bridge and apply a chipseal.
The project is expected to take six weeks to complete. Guardrail replacement may require a lane closure, and temporary signals will be used to control traffic at the bridge in late July. Traffic will be reduced to one lane when crews are on site applying the chipseal.
Chipsealing is a cost-effective way to extend the life of pavement. The process involves spraying a sticky slurry on the pavement, placing rock chips on it and compressing them into place. This creates a seal that protects the pavement from water intrusion and weathering.
Drivers should be prepared for delays up to 15 minutes and check 511.idaho.gov for impacts from this project and others.
As part of Governor Brad 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. 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.
Operations within the ongoing work zone on U.S. Highway 95 in Bonners Ferry will shift shortly after the Fourth of July holiday as crews begin paving the southbound lane.
All work this season will focus on building a three-lane section featuring wider shoulders and sidewalks on both sides between Eisenhower Street and Alderson Lane. Since construction began in April, crews have been able to place base, curb, gutter, and sidewalks for the southbound lane for the expanded highway, begin work on the proposed stormwater pond, and start light installation.
During one week of paving, traffic is expected to continue to have a lane in each direction but will be periodically stopped to allow trucks to enter and exit the work zone.
Once paving in that direction is complete, crews will shift to the middle of the highway and work at night. Drivers can expect the highway to be reduced to one lane at night for about one month. Two lanes will be open during the day when crews are not working. Wide loads more than 11 feet wide will not be allowed during the day; between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. loads up to 13 feet wide will be allowed. Loads more than 13 feet wide will need to find an alternate route during this stage.
In mid-August, crews plan to resume daytime work to focus on the northbound lane. This phase of the two-year project is expected to end in October.
The city of Bonners Ferry has elected to landscape sections between the curb and the sidewalks with decorative rock, rather than grass as used in previous phases, due to the unforeseen extremely high maintenance costs. Property owners or individuals interested in “adopting” the section in front of their property and agreeing to maintain the grassy area, if constructed, should contact the city at (208) 267-3105 by the end of July. Sections that have been adopted for maintenance may be landscaped with grass rather than rock if a maintenance agreement can be signed.
Construction from 2018 to 2020 built similar improvements from the Kootenai River Bridge to Alderson Lane. Learn more about this project at itdprojects.org/us95bonnersferry.
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is making improvements to State Highway 45 between the State Highway 78 junction in Walters Ferry and Deer Flat Road in Nampa. Construction on the 13-mile stretch of road will begin Monday, June 27. All work is expected to be complete by early September.
Construction plans include replacing the bridge deck at Mora Canal, resurfacing the pavement between the SH-78 junction in Walters Ferry and Deer Flat Road in Nampa, and widening the turning radius on SH-45 at Missouri Avenue and at Patterson Avenue. This project will extend the life of SH-45.
Motorists should expect the following traffic impacts this summer:
- Work will take place during the day and night.
- One lane of SH-45 will be open with flaggers directing traffic. Please plan for delays up to 15 minutes.
- The speed limit will be reduced.
- Drivers can expect an uneven road surface and bumps when entering SH-45.
- Access to and from homes and businesses may be closed for up to one hour. ITD will notify those affected prior to closures.
Work will temporarily pause over the Independence Day holiday weekend. For more information about the project visit itdprojects.org/45repaving.
ITD and the Idaho State Police advise motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.
Weather permitting, on Monday (June 27) the Idaho Transportation Department will begin sealcoating multiple portions of roadway throughout the region to preserve the pavement.
“Throughout the next month, we will sealcoat approximately 82 miles of highway,” said ITD Engineering Manager Travis Hitchcock. “The sealcoat will both protect the surface of the roadway and provide better traction for drivers.”
Work will occur on five highways in the South-central Idaho region:
- State Highway 24 (milepost 32 – 68)
• State Highway 25 (milepost 5 – 18)
• State Highway 46 (milepost 111 – 130)
• State Highway 50 (milepost 5 – 8)
• U.S. Highway 26 (milepost 139 – 150)
While work is underway, roadways will be reduced to a single lane. Both lanes will be open to traffic outside of working hours.
Motorists should anticipate short delays and watch for the presence of flaggers and pilot cars during the day.
Sealcoating is a surface treatment that takes place during the summer months and involves applying a layer of oil and rock chips to the roadway. The process requires hot temperatures and dry weather for chips to properly adhere to the oil.
Chips placed during sealcoats have the potential to cause windshield damage so drivers are cautioned to slow down and pay attention to reduced speeds and no-passing zones throughout the work area.
Geneva Rock Products Inc. is the primary contractor on this project which is expected to be complete by the end of July.
IDAHO FALLS – The Idaho Transportation Department is beginning two projects today along US-26 east of Idaho Falls. The first project consists of adding a 3-mile passing lane at Antelope Flat. The second project will add turning lanes into the rest area at the bottom of Clark Hill. Both jobs will take until October to complete.
While construction is underway at Antelope Flat there will be lane closures with flaggers to control traffic. For the Clark Hill project, ITD will keep one lane in each direction open.
Motorists are reminded to follow posted speed limits, obey flaggers, and drive cautiously through work areas.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead for temporary daytime lane reductions on Blue Lakes Boulevard this week as part of the continuing pavement rehabilitation project in Twin Falls.
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and its contractor, Idaho Materials & Construction, will be working 24 hour shifts to safely reopen all lanes of traffic from the Perrine Bridge to Pole Line Road. Unforeseen issues with stormwater drainage in the construction zone are requiring temporary daytime closures.
“Safety is our top priority, and ITD is working closely with IMC to reopen lanes during the day, and continue work during overnight hours as planned,” said ITD Resident Engineer Seth Helms. “ITD appreciates commuters for their patience during this important work.”
For the latest traffic updates, please visit 511.idaho.gov or call 511.
To learn more about this project and sign up for construction updates, please visit itdprojects.org/us-93improvements.
As summer travel increases to Idaho’s mountain destinations, ITD’s Southwest Idaho office will also increase flagging resources at the busy State Highway 55 and Banks-Lowman Road intersection in Banks. ITD will flag traffic on the eight weekends expected to have the highest number of travelers due to local events and holidays. These weekends were selected in cooperation with a community working group involving Boise and Valley County community members.
- Sunday, June 19
- Independence Day, Monday, July 4
- All remaining Sundays in July: 10, 17, 24, and 31
- Sunday, August 7
- Labor Day, Monday, September 5
Plan ahead for any road trip by checking 511.idaho.gov for the latest road conditions, and itdprojects.org for road construction work happening across the state. ITD asks drivers to please do your part to keep roads safe and prevent crashes. Slow down, drive engaged, and always buckle up.
