Construction & Materials Streamlines Support Through AI

In a move to bridge gaps, simplify processes, and improve efficiency, Mike Copeland from ITD’s Construction & Materials division has introduced an innovative AI chatbot to help employees navigate the complex web of manuals and resources. With approximately 17 years of field experience throughout his career, Mike knows firsthand how challenging it can be to find clear, quick answers in a sea of technical documents.

The chatbot, powered by advanced AI language models, is designed to make information access effortless. Instead of digging through lengthy manuals, employees can now type in a question, and the chatbot provides concise answers along with direct links to the original sources. This ensures accuracy while saving time—especially useful for repetitive questions that arise daily.

“With so much turnover and the constant evolution of processes, it’s easy to feel disconnected or overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information,” Mike explains. “This tool changes that. It’s like having a knowledgeable assistant who’s always ready to help.” Another exciting feature that’s in the works is making the chatbot multi-modal so that it can process images and videos.

Although the chatbot is live, its availability hasn’t reached every corner of ITD just yet. As more employees learn about this resource, the benefits will grow. By cutting down on repetitive tasks and freeing up time previously spent searching for answers, the Construction & Materials team as well as other teams throughout ITD, can focus more on critical projects and creative problem-solving.

Mike’s project is also a testament to ITD’s willingness to adapt and evolve with technology. “The pace of AI development is fast, but we’re doing everything we can to stay ahead. Tools like this help us work smarter, not harder,” Mike adds.

The chatbot represents more than just a tech tool—it’s a step toward empowering ITD employees with resources that make their work more efficient and enjoyable. As Mike and the team continue refining the AI, ITD is paving the way for a future where innovation and teamwork drive success.

Bridging Gaps: How Jeremy K. Wickard is Transforming Public Service

When Jeremy K. Wickard joined the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) in July 2019, he brought with him a wealth of experience, including time as an IT technician at state prisons. That role taught him the importance of addressing disconnects in communication—a lesson he carried into his work at ITD. Inspired by an off-hand suggestion from a manager who said, “You should have your own tracker” to capture public feedback, Jeremy set out to make ITD services more accessible and efficient for Idahoans.

The result was the Public Issue Tracker (PIT), a powerful tool designed to log and resolve public concerns. Launched officially in December 2024, the PIT is powered by Microsoft’s Power Apps and enables ITD’s DMV contact center to capture and track issues ranging from navigating the ITD portal to understanding all DMV offered services. “I wanted to provide clearer communication and actionable feedback,” Jeremy explained. “Not everyone speaks the language of statutes and codes, so this helps us meet people where they are.”

A Collaborative Effort
Jeremy credits much of the PIT’s success to his collaboration with Nicole Long, a colleague and DMV Program Specialist whose innovative thinking helped fill critical gaps during development. “Working with Nicole has been a blessing. Her ability to think outside the box is amazing. Without her efforts, this tool would not be what we need it to be. And she is willing to improve it as we learn of other gaps,” Jeremy said. Together, they created a system that empowers the public to resolve issues with confidence while improving efficiency for ITD’s contact center.

Improving Service, One Call at a Time
The PIT has been a game changer for ITD’s DMV contact center, which fields over 900 calls daily. With just 13 agents handling this volume, the tracker ensures faster, more accurate responses, leading to performance metrics that exceed expectations. Beyond improving day-to-day operations, Jeremy envisions the contact center evolving to include virtual communication tools like chat to better serve the public.

Looking Ahead
Despite its early success, the PIT is still evolving. Jeremy and his team are determining how best to expand its use, weighing whether it should remain within the DMV or become part of ITD’s broader innovation framework. “This is about more than resolving issues—it’s about fostering trust and creating a better experience for Idahoans,” Jeremy said.

As ITD continues to enhance its public services, Jeremy’s work with the Public Issue Tracker is a shining example of innovation and collaboration making a tangible difference for the people of Idaho.

Huge shout-out to all the members of the DMV contact center who had a hand in creating the Public Issue Tracker: Carly Mazurek, Cindy Francke, Jennifer Barraza, Karina Simental-Smith, Keenan Wallace, Lisa Helton, Lori Rowell, Melanie Metzger, Michelle Radford, Olga Nosalskaya, Scott Cates, and Theresa Thomas.

ITD to host open house next week on US-30 Business Loop in Burley

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to an open house on Thursday, February 6, to comment on preliminary design features to improve traffic flow on the U.S. Highway 30 Business Loop.

The open house will be from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Burley Council Chambers located at 1401 Overland Avenue. Staff will be available to provide information and answer questions about the project.

Improvements are planned for US-30 between the intersections of Parke Avenue and Airport Road. In 2024, ITD completed the preliminary design for the US-30 Business Loop, which will include:

New pavement throughout the corridor
ADA accessible pedestrian curb ramps at each intersection
Updates to the existing traffic signals at each intersection within the project area

“These changes will make it easier and safer for people who drive and walk in Burley,” Project Manager Brent Brumfield said. “In working with local property owners, we have also identified the removal of unused or underutilized driveways to reduce the number of conflict points and increase safety for all users.”

Information will also be available online at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us-30-burley-business-loop.

Comments will be accepted online until March 6.

US-26 Clark Hill Rest Area bathrooms to close through February

The stone building containing bathroom facilities at Clark Hill Rest Area along US-26 between Ririe and Swan Valley.

Bathroom facilities at the Clark Hill Rest Area along U.S. Highway 26 between Ririe and Swan Valley will close beginning Monday through February 28 for the Idaho Transportation Department to make repairs and upgrades to the facility.

This popular rest area at milepost 357 features a view of the South Fork of the Snake River. The parking lot and scenic overlook will remain open, with the buildings themselves out of service as repairs, deep cleaning and painting are completed in preparation for the busy summer months.

The closure will be noted and updates can be found on the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov. The nearest rest area/public bathrooms can be found at Hilltop gas station in Ririe.

ITD to host open house on Jan. 29 for potential changes to US-95 near Riggins

The Idaho Transportation Department will host an open house to discuss and gather feedback on potential changes to U.S. Highway 95 between the Rapid River Bridge and Riggins. The review process aims to enhance safety and reduce crashes.

The in-person open house is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. MST at the Riggins Community Center at 121 Lodge Street. Community members are encouraged to drop by anytime to learn about the project, share input, and ask questions directly with ITD representatives and project team members.

For those unable to attend, ITD will also host an online meeting from Jan. 29 to Feb. 12 at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/95-rapidrivertoriggins. The online meeting will include the same information shared at the open house and offer an opportunity to submit comments and questions.

“Community feedback is essential to ensuring this project meets local needs,” ITD Project Manager Jole Wells said. “By enhancing safety and reducing crashes, we aim to improve travel for everyone using this corridor.”

For more information, visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/95-rapidrivertoriggins.

Lower speed limits take effect on SH-48 east of Rigby

ITD and City of Rigby crews work roadside on SH-48 in preparation for furthering a 45 mph speed zone east of Rigby that takes effect next week.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) on Thursday will be extending the limits of a lower 45 mph speed limit zone on SH-48 about two miles east of US-20 to Road 4200 East.

ITD crews along with the city of Rigby are placing multiple new signs, including driver speed feedback signs, all in an effort to improve safety along this stretch of SH-48. Motorists should watch for the updated signs and orange caution flags.

These changes are a result of several working group meetings conducted over the past months with the ITD Chief Operations Officer and district managers, Jefferson County Commissioners, the city of Rigby and local legislators. The group is focused on enhancing traffic relief, long-term planning discussions and near-term highway solutions for the local community.

Road conditions and status for SH-48 and all major Idaho roads can be found by using the Idaho 511 app, or visiting 511.idaho.gov.

Traffic signal upgrades have begun in the Magic and Wood River Valleys

The Idaho Transportation Department has begun upgrading traffic signals throughout the Magic Valley and Wood River Valley.

Initial work will integrate and upgrade wiring on specific signals. Replacement of signal poles, upgrading cabinets, and detection will then take place.

Wiring improvement on the signals at the intersections of SH-75 and Saddle Road, Hospital Road, and East Fork Road is ongoing and will occur at night between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. with no flagging or lane closures until January 24. Drivers should stay aware of crews working in the areas.

Other signals slated for upgrades through the end of February are:

US-30 and Kimberly Road in Kimberly
Idaho Street and Main in Wendell
US-26 and SH-46 in Gooding
SH-24 and 100 West in Rupert
SH-24 and 100 South in Rupert
Main and Hiland in Burley
Overland and 16th in Burley
US-30 and Bedke in Burley
Overland and 21st in Burley
Overland and 3^rd North in Burley
Overland and 7th North in Burley
US-30 and 7th in Heyburn

Drivers should expect some delays while work is being done.

Crews will return to the three signals on SH-75 at the end of February to further upgrade cabinets and continue testing and detection. During that time, flaggers and temporary lane closures are expected to be present between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weeknights barring any weather concerns.

For up-to-date information on road closures go to 511.idaho.gov.

Weekend closures on SH-55 in Canyon County

Drone picture of Farmway Road and State Highway 55.

Sections of State Highway 55 between Farmway Road and Middleton Road will be closed beginning this Friday. The weekend closures will continue until March as part of the SH-55 widening project.

Each weekend, full closures will begin on Friday at 10 p.m. and continue until Monday at 5 a.m. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Large vehicles traveling to Nampa and Caldwell should use alternate routes, including U.S. Highway 95 and State Highways 19, 78, and 45.

“The canal under-crossings need to be replaced to support the wider highway and this work must be completed before spring while irrigation canals and lines are empty,” ITD Project Manager Justin Wolf said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding.”

For more information about the SH-55: Farmway to Middleton widening project, please visit https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55farmway, or call 208-477-1379.

To receive text alerts about these weekend closures, text 55FARMWAY to 866-483-8422.

ITD partnering with Jefferson County to make immediate and future traffic improvements

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) chief operations officer with district managers joined local state legislators and Jefferson County commissioners in November and December meetings as a working group to enhance traffic relief discussions to bring new improvements to local communities over the next ten years.

Amidst increasing traffic and growth statewide, ITD has been meeting with interested local officials to share long-range regional planning concepts and discuss the near-term highway solutions to partner on addressing traffic and safety concerns. At the recent council meetings, the working group outlined how ITD and county staff will team together to add a signal on SH-48 at Road 4000 East within two years to address school traffic congestion issues. The group agreed on the benefits of extending the limits of a lower 45 mph speed limit zone on SH-48 about two miles east of US-20 to Road 4200 East, in coordination with law enforcement to enhance safety for drivers approaching the new signal.

The signal installation design will be led by Jefferson County in partnership with city, ITD and school district officials. It will be jointly funded and should be ready for starting construction in the fall of 2025 or by spring 2026. Engineers expect the new signal to operate similar to the SH-48 and 3800 East signal near Rigby Middle School.

“I’m impressed with the quick progress in our recent meetings due to the strong local partnerships with our ITD District 6 team,” said ITD Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney. “We appreciated the leadership of Representatives Furniss and Raymond who joined us with county commissioners to define concerns and discuss solutions, looking ahead for timely traffic improvements to help our communities.”

Other discussion topics included regional needs for future traffic congestion relief on SH-48, improvements on US-20 at County Line Road and on US-20 a possible overcrossing at Road 200 as the region continues to grow in population. These planning discussions will continue in monthly meetings with ITD and local partners in 2025.

DMV reminds Idahoans to add “Next of Kin” to online account

The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is encouraging all Idahoans to update their DMV profiles by adding a primary next of kin. This small step ensures that law enforcement or emergency services can quickly contact your loved ones in the event of an accident or emergency.

Over 124,465 Idahoans have already opted into this feature—don’t wait to join them! You can skip the trip to the DMV and make the update online in just a few steps.

Visit dmv.idaho.gov, click on “Log in to DMV online account,” and follow the instructions to add your primary next of kin. For added peace of mind, you can also include a secondary next of kin.

Currently, adding a next of kin is optional. However, starting July 1st, DMV representatives will ask customers to designate a primary and/or secondary contact or choose to opt out altogether. “Updating this information in your DMV profile is a small but important step that can make a big difference in a time of crisis,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “We encourage every Idahoan to take a moment to ensure their loved ones can be contacted when it matters most.”

For more information or assistance with your DMV online account, visit dmv.idaho.gov or contact DMV customer service at 208-584-4343.

Skip the trip. Stay prepared. Update your next of kin today!