New study taking broader look at Huetter Bypass, traffic flow in CDA area

Development encroaches on Huetter Road and surrounding farmland

A new study is now underway to take a broader look at the Huetter Bypass and traffic flow in the Coeur d’Alene metro area.

“With the rapid growth in the area causing a huge increase in traffic, our existing routes are experiencing low levels of service, and drivers don’t have quick ways to get around,” said Joey Sprague, who will manage the study for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). “With this study we’ll look at the way the local and state routes in the area work as a system, and that starts by evaluating the work that’s already been done so that we can chart a path forward.”

The first phase of the study will review work previously done by the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization on the idea to expand Huetter Road to serve as another north-south freeway connecting I-90 and U.S. Highway 95 north of Hayden.

The study is expected to encompass a larger area between I-90, US-95, State Highway 53 and State Highway 41 to identify the pain points and how to address them given growth in the area. Solutions may include a range of options, like modifying existing routes or building new ones.

“Right now it’s about understanding regional traffic and how it interplays with the original Huetter corridor study, especially since some studies are dated,” Sprague said. “For this first phase of the study, we’re just gathering data. In future phases of the study, we’ll let the data point to options including and beyond the bypass, and once we have vetted some of those ideas, we’ll ask the public to weigh in.”

ITD officially took over planning for the bypass in October and is managing the latest study being conducted by HDR, Inc.

“It took more time than expected to determine the scope of the study and hire a company to do the work, but the study will now officially kick off this month,” Sprague said. “We expect to have more information available on it later this summer.”

Construction to begin in July at Ashton

ASHTON – Beginning July 6 the Idaho Transportation Department will commence work on two projects at Ashton. The first project, at the intersection of US-20 and SH-47 in Ashton, will consist of extensive work to improve safety and traffic flow. The second project will be a pavement overlay along SH-47 beginning near North Fremont High School and continuing to Bear Gulch.

The US-20 / SH-47 intersection project will consist of a stoplight, new curb and sidewalks, storm sewer work, and pavement. Work is scheduled to be completed in October. Traffic patterns will change periodically to allow for construction.

A public meeting will be held on Wednesday June 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ashton City hall for those that wish to discuss construction plans at the intersection and express concerns.

The paving project on SH-47 east of Ashton will last for approximately 15 days. Crews will be microsurfacing the roadway to improve and protect the road surface. During work there will be single lane closures and pilot cars to control traffic flow.

Motorists are asked to watch for workers and equipment, follow all traffic signs and flaggers, and reduce speeds to posted limits. Traffic control and safety devices will be changing often to accommodate construction activities.

Citizens with questions regarding the US-20 / SH-47 intersection can contact HK Contractors at (208) 523-6600.

Those with questions regarding the SH-47 microsurfacing project can call the Idaho Transportation Department District 6 office at (208) 745-7781.

Off State Street since 1961, ITD services moving to Chinden Campus

BOISE – After 61 years at the State Street location, the Idaho Transportation Department is moving to a new location on Chinden Boulevard. By Thursday (June 16), all departmental public services will be housed at the new Chinden campus, at 11311 Chinden Boulevard, Building 8, in a suite of offices purchased by the State of Idaho several years ago to house Idaho’s State Agencies.

Building 8 is a temporary home for most of ITD’s Headquarters employees affected by the flooding at HQ at the turn of 2022. The Idaho Transportation Board, after deeming that it was in the State’s best interest for the old building to not be repaired and to be permanently vacated, recently approved the remodel of Building 3 for the future home of ITD’s employees from Headquarters.

Check out this video of the new location...and this one.

“During all of this transition, ITD has continued to be open for business to serve the citizens of Idaho,” said Chief Administrative Officer Dave Tolman. “Only the location is changing,” he added, “not the high level of service provided.”

I-84 expansion will require extended ramp closures at Franklin Road Interchange in Caldwell this summer

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is nearing a major milestone in the Interstate 84 widening project in Caldwell, bringing extended ramp closures and traffic changes near the Franklin Road Interchange (Exit 29).

Between June and September, each of the ramps at the Franklin Road Interchange will close for six weeks. The closures will allow crews to rebuild the ramps and connect them to new lanes on I-84.

Although exact dates are subject to change due to weather and other factors, ITD expects:

On June 19, the westbound off-ramp will close at 10 p.m. and remain closed for six weeks. Drivers will be detoured to 10th Avenue, where they can turn around and access Franklin Road from eastbound I-84.
On June 26, the eastbound on-ramp will close at 10 p.m. and remain closed for six weeks. Traffic will detour down 21st Avenue to Blaine Street, then west to the 10th Avenue Interchange.
On June 26, Linden Street will close under I-84 at 10 p.m. until late 2022 while crews finish the reconstruction of the underpass.

Once these two ramps re-open in late July, the other two ramps will close until early September. In addition to the extended closures, motorists can expect occasional nighttime lane restrictions on I-84 and ramps in the area. To request email or text updates about upcoming closures, text 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422.

“We have been working with our engineers and community leaders since 2020 to determine the best way to deliver this complex project while keeping traffic moving,” said Shawna King, ITD Design/Construction Engineer. “We ask motorists to be patient this summer and drive safely. We will keep everyone informed and look for every opportunity to expedite the process.”

ITD is expanding I-84 to three lanes in each direction between the Franklin Road Interchange in Caldwell and the Karcher Interchange in Nampa. Traffic will be shifted to the newest lanes in the I-84 median in June, allowing crews to begin rebuilding the existing outside lanes.

Construction on I-84 in Caldwell will be complete in 2023. For more information, visit itdprojects.org/84corridor, email 84corridor@itd.idaho.gov or call (208) 334-8002.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFDfu_fZnc4

ITD to share plans tomorrow to widen I-84 between South Jerome and Twin Falls interchanges

View of Interstate 84 near Jerome, Idaho.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is holding an in-person meeting tomorrow (June 14) to share plans for widening Interstate 84 from the South Jerome Interchange to the Twin Falls Interchange. The meeting will be held at Con Paulos Chevrolet in Jerome from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held in open-house format and provide members of the public an opportunity to review design plans and provide input. If individuals are unable to participate at the in-person meeting, a self-guided online meeting option will be available from June 14 until June 28 at itdprojects.org/84jerometotwin.

The interstate serves as a major corridor through South-central Idaho and beyond, with traffic counts expected to double over the next 20 years. The purpose of this project is to increase capacity and improve safety. Once funding has been confirmed, construction may start as early as 2023.

“Widening this section of I-84 will allow us to proactively address capacity and safety needs between Jerome and Twin Falls,” said ITD Engineering Manager Crystal Craig. “We are advancing this project to construction as soon as possible and plan to keep the public involved through each phase.”

This design project is 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 funding will be identified at the time that the project is ready to advertise for construction bids.

For more information on the project or to request updates, visit the project website at itdprojects.org/84jerometotwin or text 84JTF to 866-483-8422.

US-95 south of Lapwai reopened following repairs to flood damage

June 15 update

Both lanes of U.S. Highway 95 south of Lapwai at milepost 296 are now open following repairs to damage caused by flooding earlier this week.

Floodwaters from Lapwai Creek first began eroding the northbound lane on Monday morning, and the Idaho Transportation Department reduced traffic to one lane. Repairs began later that day, with crews bringing in rock to replace what was lost and prevent further damage.

“We are happy to return US-95 to normal condition,” Operations Engineer Jared Hopkins said.

Traffic impacts and highway conditions are available 24/7 on 511.idaho.gov.

June 14 2022 update

US-95 south of Lapwai remains partially closed due to flood damage

Lapwai Creek flooding and washing out US-95

One lane of U.S. Highway 95 remains closed south of Lapwai at milepost 296 due to flood damage.

“With floodwaters receding and drier days in the forecast, we feel we are past the emergency,” Operations Engineer Jared Hopkins said. “Yesterday, we rushed to get an excavator on scene to start placing large boulders against the bank to save what remained of the northbound lane of US-95. In one spot, it had washed away to the center.”

Watch a video of the flooded creek.

Watch a video of traffic moving around the damaged section.

Crews aim to finish placing rock and reopen both lanes of the highway by the end of the week.

“We are working hard to have two lanes open with an asphalt surface as soon as we can,” Hopkins said. “Then we’ll start focusing on more permanent repairs later this summer.”

Water over the roadway has also been reported on State Highway 6 between Potlatch and Deary. Before traveling drivers should check conditions on their routes at 511.idaho.gov.

June 13 2022

Flooding closes one lane of US-95 south of Lapwai, more rain in the forecast

Flooding washes away shoulder on US-95 and closes a lane

Earlier this morning, the Idaho Transportation Department closed one lane of U.S. Highway 95 four miles south of Lapwai at milepost 296 due to flooding.

“Flooding of Lapwai Creek has washed away the shoulder next to the northbound lane and may be undermining the highway,” Operations Engineer Jared Hopkins said. “Closing that portion of the roadway is necessary to ensure safety.”

More rain is expected today and tonight.

“Until the rain stops and the creek drops, there’s nothing we can do except monitor the flooding and close the highway if necessary,” Hopkins said. “We want to put drivers on notice that we may need to shut it down.”

Before traveling drivers should check conditions on this highway and others at 511.idaho.gov.

Construction begins next week on SH-27 near Burley

Work on State Highway 27 is expected to begin Monday (June 13). Construction will restore the highway from the north end of Burley to Interstate 84 (milepost 22.7 – 24.1) and improve the functionality of the roadway.

“This summer, crews will reconstruct portions of the highway and resurface SH-27 throughout the project limits,” ITD Project Manager Brock Dillé said.

Work is expected to occur Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. While construction is underway, lane reductions will be in place with signs and flaggers present to direct motorists. On- and off-ramps will temporarily close at Exit 208.

“Motorists are advised to utilize Exit 201 or Exit 211 for access to Burley during ramp closures,” stated Dillé. “No more than two ramps will be closed at the same time, and closures will not exceed eight days.”

Signs will be in place on SH-27 and I-84 to notify motorists during closures. Drivers should plan extra time when traveling through the area.

“This will be the first of several upcoming projects we have planned for the region over the coming years,” explained Dillé. “This project, along with future projects in the area, will increase mobility and improve the highway for users.”

Idaho Materials and Construction is the prime contractor on this project that is expected to be complete in August.

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. 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.

US-30 project to begin next week on Heyburn Bridge

Work is expected to begin Monday (June 13) on the U.S. Highway 30 Heyburn Bridge over the Snake River. In the coming weeks, crews will apply a sealing treatment to the driving surface to extend the life of the bridge.

“Besides protecting the surface from water and other elements, bridge joints that allow the bridge to expand and contract with the weather will also be replaced as part of this project,” ITD Project Manager Bruce Christensen said.

Construction is expected to occur Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Occasional work may occur on Saturdays as needed.

While work is underway, lane restrictions will be in place. Adjustments to the traffic signal on the north side of the bridge may also be needed during construction.

“We will work with our contractor to make adjustments to our work schedule and traffic control as necessary,” Christensen stated.

Motorists are advised to slow down, watch for signs and use caution when traveling through the area. Drivers should plan ahead and expect delays.

Cannon Builders is the prime contractor on this project that is expected to be complete this summer.

US-95 project in North Idaho named regional winner in America’s Transportation Awards

A project on U.S. Highway 95 in North Idaho was recently named the western regional winner of the America’s Transportation Awards announced Tuesday (June 7). Sponsored by AASHTO, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the America’s Transportation Awards competition was created to showcase tremendous projects.

Work from 2019 through 2021 addressed skyrocketing growth in Coeur d’Alene and Hayden by adjusting signal spacing as well as access and capacity at intersections. Several intersections on US-95 lacked basic turn lanes to separate turning traffic from through traffic. To maximize mobility at these intersections – some of which were seeing 50,000 vehicles a day, nearly rivaling traffic counts on the interstate—ITD added eight turn lanes to six intersections.

“Adjusting the signals so that they were spaced one-half mile apart allows us to better manage traffic with what we already had and without building costly features like bypasses or interchanges,” Project Manager Carrie Ann Hewitt said. “Once we update the signal technology this fall, we expect to see even more seconds saving traveling through the corridor. Seconds may not sound like much, but throughout the corridor they add up.”

Other improvements included rebuilding the shared-use path to the east of the highway and placing noise walls near Carriage Court and Hayden Pines.

This project was also awarded the Excellence in Construction Partnering Award from the Idaho Transportation Department and Associated General Contractors of Idaho in December 2021. The high-priority project united many stakeholders in the area, bringing together the cities of Coeur d’Alene and Hayden, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the state in a shared goal of optimizing the congested US-95 corridor in the heart of the City of Coeur d’Alene and the City of Hayden. Changes were partially funded by a $5.1 million federal grant with match money from ITD and both cities.

As a regional winner, the project will be considered for inclusion into the competition’s “Top 12,” which will be announced Sept. 7. These 12 projects compete for two top prizes — the Grand Prize, chosen by an independent panel of judges, and the People’s Choice Award, determined by the public through online voting. Both awards carry a $10,000 cash prize to support a transportation-related scholarship or charitable cause. The winning project will be announced at the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Orlando this October.

Preliminary work underway to expand US-95 south of Moscow

Traffic on US-95 entering Moscow from the south

Preliminary work to expand U.S. Highway 95 on a new alignment from Thorn Creek Road to Moscow began last week, with crews mobilizing into the middle segment and beginning survey.

The project will transform 6.5 miles of US-95, shifting it less than a mile to the east and expanding it from two to four lanes, enhancing safety for all users. Work this year will include earthwork and two new bridges over Eid Road.

Only some of the construction will be visible from the highway. Drivers should expect contractors’ vehicles and equipment near Zeitler Road throughout the next several months.

“This is the last two-lane section between Moscow and Lewiston,” ITD Project Manager Howard Cooley said. “The new route will tie in at Reisenauer Hill and be safer by featuring flatter grades, fewer approaches and less severe curves.”

Map of new alignment next to existing US-95

US-95 is Idaho’s only north-south continuous highway, connecting travelers and commerce across the state.