EAST IDAHO— With snowy conditions foreseeably here to stay, the Idaho Transportation Department is committed to keeping motorists safe. In eastern Idaho, maintenance crews are now working around the clock shifts from the Utah to Montana state lines as needed.
These 17 crews across eastern Idaho keep more than 4,300 lane miles of state highways and interstates as clear as possible all winter long. Plowing that amount of roadway means patience and caution from the public are important.
“We have high confidence in our plow teams,” ITD Operations Engineer Jeremie Pettingill said. “Winter driving does take some planning though. Slow down and be aware. Know that we’re prepared and doing the very best we can.”
ITD aims to keep roads bare 70% of the time during storms. The wind conditions in east Idaho often make that unrealistic and are the primary cause of road closures through the winter.
Closures are put in place only when conditions are unsafe. Roads are also only closed as long as necessary. Closures allow operators to be more efficient getting snow cleaned up, braving the elements as they do.
ITD reminds motorists across east Idaho to use common safe winter driving practices:
- Brush and scrape your windows before driving. Starting the defrost in your vehicle well before you leave is very helpful.
- Slow way down! Speed limits are based on ideal conditions and aren’t appropriate during winter weather.
- Maintain substantial distance between yourself and other drivers—don’t follow closely.
- Stay calm and don’t make sudden wheel movements in icy conditions.
- Don’t use cruise control in the winter.
- Obey posted road closure signs and lights—finding a back way to access closed roads is dangerous and delays plow work to get them re-opened! Remember roads are only closed for good reason. Unexpected traffic and crashes significantly delay getting the road re-opened.
- Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle with supplies like water, lights, warm clothes and blankets, etc.
- When you see plows, give them room to work. That means leaving plenty of following distance, not crowding them and letting them lead the way. Last winter, 17 plow strike occurred across Idaho, most often due to drivers attempting to pass.
- Know before you go by checking conditions at 511.idaho.gov or on the Idaho 511 app. Cameras can show you exactly what to expect on certain roadways, and conditions are updated multiple times a day.
As winter sets in the Idaho Transportation Department marks a major milestone for the historic rebuild of the System Interchange in Pocatello, with crews set to shift traffic and open all bridges this weekend.
Beginning tomorrow crews will restripe the new southbound lanes of Interstate 15. Once complete the new southbound lanes will open to traffic. On Sunday crews will also restripe the new northbound lanes of I-15. When this work is complete both northbound and southbound traffic will be on the new mainlines through the project area. This will mean that all the new bridges will be open to traffic. Additionally, the new northbound I-15 to westbound Interstate 86 ramp will also be opened to traffic.
Begun in July of 2022, the project required building eight new bridges while maintaining traffic through the interchange. This necessitated numerous traffic shifts to utilize old and new bridges. With this latest milestone, most of the major traffic shifts will be complete.
However, construction will continue into next summer. A new detour will be put in place for traffic using the Pocatello Creek on-ramp to head west toward Chubbuck. Traffic will be routed through the Northgate Interchange while crews rebuild the old mainline roadway to match the grade of the new road. That work will continue into early spring.
In addition, work will continue on Chubbuck Road which is scheduled to partially open to traffic in late December. Additional work will need to be done next spring to complete the Chubbuck Road segment of the project after the partial opening.
“We’re really excited to finally have all the I-15 traffic moved to the new mainlines,” Project Engineer Greg Roberts said. “We can’t express enough thanks to the community for their patience as we’ve worked through the logistics of such a large project.”
Originally built in the 1960s, the I-86 and I-15 System Interchange is undergoing $112 million of redesign work to improve safety and replace aging infrastructure.
Motorists should carefully follow signs and posted speed limits while traveling through the construction area. With crews working day and night at the System Interchange it is especially important that drivers be alert and travel safely.
Motorists are encouraged to use 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to keep track of project detours. Project details are available on ITD’s projects website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/i-86i-15-system-interchange.
A crash at Exit 216 for Declo has closed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84.
A semi traveling on State Highway 25 over I-84 crashed into the guardrail and is now partly off the bridge and impacting interstate traffic. Idaho Transportation Department workers are on site to assess the scene and will determine how to remove the semi safely.
One lane is closed on SH-25. No detour is posted for the I-84 closure.
Drivers should avoid the area, plan extra time to travel and check 511.idaho.gov for updates.
Work on the new four-lane segment of U.S. Highway 95 between Moscow and Thorn Creek Road will continue as planned into 2025, opening to traffic by the end of that year. Speed restrictions of 45 miles per hour remain in some areas on the existing US-95 as drivers travel near the project through the winter.
While crews have constructed 4.8 miles of the new six-mile highway project including two large bridges over Eid Road since work began in 2022, wetland bridge and retaining wall work is needed on the south end while pavement construction is planned on both connections next year.
The paving operation production rate of the contractor was good this summer but not to the extent ready to consider a partial opening for traffic use.
“Overall, I am impressed with M.A. DeAtley Construction, Inc. and their teams working with ITD on this safety project, helping to expedite restarting the work since we received our new Army Corps permit update in 2023,” District Engineer Doral Hoff said.
Portions of this project are funded as part of Idaho Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho money allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to advance large projects that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy and positively impact communities across the state for years to come.
Travelers are reminded to check for live traffic impacts across the region including this one by visiting 511.idaho.gov, dialing 5-1-1 or downloading the app.
An interim operational plan is now in place at the intersection of State Highway 16 and Substation Road in Emmett, following a crash in October.
On Oct. 16, a large truck collided with the traffic signal at this busy intersection, causing significant damage to both the foundation and the electrical conduit of the signal. As a result, the intersection has now reopened with an interim traffic pattern to ensure safety and mobility until the permanent repairs are made.
Under this interim operational plan, stop signs have been installed to facilitate traffic flow. Drivers can make the following movements:
- Westbound SH-16 to Substation Road (right turn)
- Eastbound SH-16 to Substation Road (left turn)
Drivers on Substation Road can only turn right onto the highway. Those wanting to cross the highway or go left will be detoured to South John Avenue. Rerouting traffic to a signalized intersection is best to mitigate safety risks at the intersection.
The Idaho Transportation Department anticipates that these interim measures will remain in place until late November. This timeframe will allow for the ordering of new parts, as well as the demolition and reconstruction of the foundation, and to restore the electrical connections.
ITD appreciates the public’s patience and encourages drivers to always check their route at 511.idaho.gov.
The Idaho Transportation Department invites the community to attend one of two upcoming public meetings for a study evaluating the state and local roadway system across the Rathdrum Prairie. Input will help develop a range of alternatives for consideration that will improve mobility and connectivity, enhance safety, and address growth.
This study began in 2023, and since that time the public has participated in the screening process by providing input about the environment, growth, and their unique perspective on a variety of community issues. The input provided during the June public meetings has been incorporated into the current transportation alternatives that will be presented at the meetings next week.
ITD will also share more information about the Planning and Environmental Linkages study process and timeline of events.
Identical information will be shared at both meetings, which will be held in an open-house style to allow participants to drop in at their convenience anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to review the information, talk with project staff, and provide feedback
Public Meetings
November 13, 2024
4:30 p.m. -7 p.m.
Lake City Center
1916 N. Lakewood Drive
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
November 14, 2024
4:30 p.m. -7 p.m.
Trailhead Event Center at Q’emiln Park
12361 W. Parkway Drive
Post Falls, ID 83854
For those who are unable to attend in person, an online version of this public meeting, including the same content, will be available from November 15-29 at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rathdrum-prairie-pel.
Recommendations from the PEL study, and public and agency input, may be adopted, or incorporated into future National Environmental Policy Act studies.
The Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho State Police are teaming up to provide a free, informative and engaging winter driving safety class next Thursday as the region prepares for icy roads and adverse weather.
While this course is beneficial for drivers of all ages and skill levels, it is especially geared to young drivers and anyone new to the area who may be preparing for his or her first winter driving season.
Courses will be taught by ISP troopers and ITD operators, covering a wide range of topics from proper vehicle preparation, equipment, road conditions, crashes, and snowplow safety. Participants who attend the course will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible for a 10% discount on a set of new snow tires at the Twin Falls Blue Lakes Les Schwab Tire location.
Thursday, November 14
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Idaho State Police Department
418 W Yakima Ave
Jerome, ID
Seating is limited. Attendees must register online to reserve a seat. Additional courses may be scheduled at a later date.
The Idaho Transportation Department will close the Interstate 84 westbound on- and off-ramps at the 10th Avenue Interchange beginning Monday evening. These nighttime closures will allow crews to work on the storm sewer under 10th Avenue and the westbound ramps.
Here’s what to expect:
- The 10th Avenue westbound on-ramp will close on Monday and Tuesday nights (Nov. 4 & 5) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- The 10th Avenue westbound off-ramp will close on Tuesday and Wednesday nights (Nov. 5 & 6) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Flaggers will direct traffic on 10th Avenue at nighttime under the 10th Avenue bridge from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- During this work motorists will drive on a gravel surface on 10th Avenue.
- Detours will be in place for ramp closures. Click here to view detour maps.
Motorists can expect intermittent local road closures, lane closures and ramp closures throughout the duration of the project. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2027.
For more information about the project and to sign up for updates:
ITD values the safety of crews and motorists. Please use caution when driving through the work zone. To plan your route in advance, visit 511.idaho.gov.
The Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho State Police are teaming up to provide a free, informative and engaging winter driving safety class on Nov. 20 in Lewiston as the region prepares for icy roads and adverse weather.
While this course is beneficial for drivers of all ages and skill levels, it is especially geared to young drivers and anyone new to the area who may be preparing for his or her first winter driving season.
The course will be taught by ISP troopers and ITD operators, covering a wide range of topics from proper vehicle preparation, equipment, road conditions, driving tips, crashes and snowplow safety.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
3 – 4:30 PM
A Neil DeAtley Career Technical Education Center
3201 Cecil Andrus Way
Lewiston, ID 83501
Seating is limited. Attendees should register online.
Additional course may be scheduled at a later date.
