Longtime Controller Dave Tolman named ITD’s Chief Administrative Officer

BOISE – Longtime ITD financial guru Dave Tolman will become the department’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), replacing retiring CAO Char McArthur. Tolman has worked in state government for 32 years, including the last 20 years with ITD as Controller. He will oversee ITD’s Business and Support Management unit, plus Financial Services, Financial Planning and Analysis, and Internal Review.

Tolman has been responsible for financial reporting, revenues, expenditures, payroll, and cost accounting. For the past two decades, Dave has been the finance lead for the GARVEE and TECM bond programs and is knowledgeable in business processes and policies for all ITD programs.

Beyond his role at ITD, Tolman currently serves on the State Controller’s Office Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee, Access Idaho Steering Committee for the State of Idaho, and AASHTO’s standing Committee on Funding and Finance. Nationally, he is well known for his financial acumen and is the sought-after expert in GARVEE bonding activities across the country.

Prior to joining the department, Dave worked for the Idaho Division of Financial Management and the Idaho State Controller’s Office. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Brigham Young University and a Masters of Business Administration from Boise State University.

“Dave is an exceptional leader with unmatched knowledge of state financial management,” said ITD’s new Director, Scott Stokes. “He is also very attentive to the needs of his staff and invests in giving them opportunities to grow.”

Tolman steps in as the new CAO at a crucial time, providing valuable experience and guidance in the investment and utilization of additional funds provided by the Governor and Idaho Legislature to modernize Idaho’s transportation system and help deliver on an unprecedented program.

“I feel fortunate to have a compassionate, supportive, and capable leader like Dave joining ITD’s Executive Team,” said Stokes. “Dave will help guide our decision-making as we navigate the future.”

Tolman is excited about his new role:

“I am excited about the opportunity to serve the department and our customers,” said Tolman. “It’s an exciting time at ITD, as we have an unprecedented opportunity to invest wisely in the state’s vast transportation infrastructure.”

US-93 Between Challis and Salmon to be closed Tuesday for emergency culvert replacement

CHALLIS – On Tuesday, June 7 at 8:00 am the Idaho Transportation Department will be closing US-93 north of Cow Creek Road between Challis and Salmon to replace a collapsed culvert. Work is expected to take approximately four hours. “Unfortunately, due to the nature of the work and the location we’ll have to close the road completely to replace the culvert,” said ITD Area Manager Cody Schmidt. “We’ll do everything we can to finish the repair as quickly as possible since there is no local detour route available.”

Gravel fill has been added to ensure the safety of the public until the repair can be completed. Drivers should slow when approaching the area and follow reduced speed limit signs to avoid windshield damage. Motorists are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app for the latest updates on construction, detours, and road closures.

ITD to hold open house on I-15 planning project between Northgate and Blackfoot

POCATELLO – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is hosting an open house from June 6 – 13 to share information and gather public input about designs to widen I-15 between the Northgate Parkway Interchange (Exit 73) and Blackfoot.

Map of project area with description of anticipated improvements — Download full-resolution PDF

“Most of I-15 was constructed in the 1960s and 1970s and it is aging and nearing capacity in some areas,” said ITD District 5 Engineering Manager Eric Staats. “We are excited to be moving forward with a planning and design process to improve safety and capacity on I-15 between Pocatello and Blackfoot.”

The I-15 Northgate to Blackfoot Project is part of a multi-year planning process to improve I-15 between Pocatello and Idaho Falls.

“This project between the Northgate Interchange and Blackfoot will provide environmental clearance and develop widening options for future projects,” said Staats. “We would like the public’s input on the widening options that are being developed.”

The public is invited to stop by the open house any time between 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8 at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, Chief Targhee Room (777 Bannock Road) in Fort Hall. ITD will be on hand to discuss the project and proposed widening improvement options.

The same information will also be available online at https://itdprojects.org/projects/i-15northgatetoblackfoot/ between June 6 – 13. Participants can review materials online and submit comments.

Elements of this project are being funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of the Leading Idaho TECM Program. To address the state’s rapid growth, the legislature passed a historic transportation revenue package that Governor Little signed as part of his Leading Idaho initiative in May 2021. House Bill 362 raised the percentage of sales tax going towards transportation from 1% to 4.5%, with bonding authority granted to ITD to invest in safety and capacity needs across the state. 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.

For more information, please visit the project website at https://itdprojects.org/projects/i-15northgatetoblackfoot/

Traffic light at US-26 and Woodruff in Idaho Falls being replaced following accident

Workers and truck working on damaged light pole — ITD District 6 employees examine the damaged pole at the intersection of US-26 and Woodruff

IDAHO FALLS – The Idaho Transportation Department is advising drivers to use caution at the intersection of US-26 (North Yellowstone Highway) and North Woodruff Avenue. Following a vehicle collision with a signal pole, ITD will be turning the intersection into a four-way stop until repairs can be completed.

“The vehicle’s impact was bad enough that it moved the signal pole foundation over a foot,” said Wade Allan, District 6 Traffic and Materials Manager. “We’re going to have to repour the foundation along with other significant work to get the light operational again.”

Due to the extent of the repairs needed, there is no estimate yet for when the light will be replaced.

Pavement resurfacing to begin next week on US-93 in Twin Falls

Photo of Blue Lakes and Fillmore Intersection in Twin Falls

Pavement resurfacing on U.S. Highway 93 (Blue Lakes Boulevard) from the Perrine Bridge to Pole Line Road in Twin Falls is scheduled to begin the week of June 6.

The project includes resurfacing and reconstructing pavement, upgrading pedestrian ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and replacing the traffic signal at the intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard and Fillmore Street/Bridgeview Boulevard.

Until construction is complete in mid-summer, the following impacts can be expected:

Work will occur overnight from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. to reduce impacts and congestion during commute hours for residents, businesses, and motorists.
During night work, lane reductions will be in place. All lanes will be open during daytime hours.
Business access will be maintained but may be briefly limited when equipment moves in front of an intersection or driveway.
Construction will be noisy due to operating equipment and back-up alarms.

To learn more about the project and sign up for construction updates, please visit itdprojects.org/us-93improvements.

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.

Restrictions in place next week for inspection of Hansen Bridge on SH-50

Image of under bridge inspection truck (UBIT) Kenny

On Wednesday (June 1) drivers can expect a lane restriction and delays on State Highway 50 across the Hansen Bridge as the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) performs a routine inspection of the structure.

Weather permitting, the inspection is expected to last one day and will include examination of the girders as well as the top and underside of the bridge deck.

“Our crew will be using an under bridge inspection truck, or UBIT, to look at the structure,” ITD inspector Toby Griffin stated. “If high wind conditions occur during our planned inspection date, it will require us to reschedule for another day.”

Crews are expected to begin at 8 a.m. and move from the south end of the structure to the north. While the UBIT is deployed, traffic will be reduced to a single lane. Drivers should watch for flaggers and expect minor delays of up to 10 minutes. There will also be a 12-foot width restriction in effect during work hours.

“The Hansen Bridge is a vital structure in the region and serves as an important connector for motorists each day,” Griffin said. “Inspections and routine maintenance projects play an important role in ensuring the longevity of our bridges throughout the state.”

Motorists are urged to use caution when crossing the bridge and to watch for crew members and equipment. ITD appreciates the patience and cooperation of those driving through the work zone.

$111.9 million Contract Awarded for Pocatello System Interchange

Overhead view of interchange — Westbound traffic from Pocatello Creek Road will pass under I-15 to merge with I-86.

POCATELLO – The Idaho Transportation Department has accepted a $111.9 million winning bid by Sundt-Cannon, a joint venture, to rebuild the I-86/I-15 system interchange at Pocatello. Work is scheduled to begin mid-July and will continue for approximately three years as the interchange undergoes modernization.

The old interchange was built in the mid-1960s and the aging and obsolete bridges need to be replaced. In addition, Pocatello and Chubbuck have grown significantly to the north of I-86 and east of I-15. Through traffic has also increased resulting in more congestion in the interchange.

Currently, a particularly challenging spot for drivers travelling west toward Chubbuck from the Pocatello Creek onramp. “Drivers have just 2,400 feet to move from the right lane to the far left lane to exit to I-86. This results in difficult maneuvers,” said District Engineer Todd Hubbard.

To eliminate this problem the new design will allow through traffic travelling north toward Idaho Falls to remain in a left lane. Motorists entering the freeway northbound from Pocatello Creek can continue north to merge with northbound traffic or they can merge with westbound traffic passing under a bridge to head toward Chubbuck. “This also eliminates traffic merging from the left coming from Chubbuck. That’s important because drivers expect merging traffic to come from the right,” said Co-Project Manager, Zak Johnson.

Construction will also include a significant change for Chubbuck Road. Currently the road passes over I-15 and has limited accommodation for bicyclists and pedestrians traveling toward the Wellness Complex. The new design makes Chubbuck Road into an underpass with sidewalk and bicycle lanes.

In addition, a north-south bicycle and pedestrian pathway is planned to help facilitate linking Pocatello Creek Road with the Portneuf Wellness Complex. This was designed in coordination with the Greenway Foundation. “Bicycle and pedestrian access to the Highland area was something the community saw as very important,” said Co-Project Manager, Greg Roberts.

The joint venture of Sundt Construction from Utah and Cannon Builders from Blackfoot is currently reviewing the project design and preparing a work schedule. Some equipment may be moved into position prior to the mid-July construction start date.

Motorists are encouraged to watch this I-86/I-15 Interchange overview video to understand how the new design will function. During construction it is important that drivers follow signage, slow down, and exercise caution.

Additional information will be posted as the project progress on the ITD I-86/I-15 System Interchange project page.

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.

Overhead view of new Chubbuck Road underpass — The new design changes Chubbuck Road into an underpass with additional space for pedestrians and bicycle lanes.

Aerial survey to begin this week near Twin Falls

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin aerial surveys this week north of Twin Falls. The surveys are preliminary work related to an upcoming study that will look further into the feasibility of a potential future Snake River crossing in the region.

Surveyors will work at several locations in the area.

Part of the work will require crews to paint ground targets on city streets. The targets will serve as reference points and provide an elevation and location to compare with all gathered survey points.

“Targets will be placed on Bridgeview Boulevard near Sportsman’s Warehouse, Cheney Drive near WinCo, and Candleridge Drive east of Eastland Drive,” explained ITD Project Manager Nathan Jerke. “The paint will not conflict with any other roadway striping and will wear off the road surface over time.”

Short-term lane closures will be in place while crews place the targets on the roadway and complete other minor tasks. No major traffic impacts are anticipated.

Weather permitting, survey work is expected to be complete within two weeks.

Construction underway on State Highway 21 widening project in Boise

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has started construction to widen State Highway 21 between Technology Way and Surprise Way in Boise.

The project began Monday, May 16 and is expected to finish in late July. Planned improvements include a new center turn lane, wider shoulders, and dedicated right turn lanes at the intersections of Grand Forest Drive, Lake Forest Drive, Old Oregon Trail Road, and Surprise Way. An acceleration lane will also be installed for traffic turning onto southbound SH-21 from Surprise Way. When complete, this stretch of highway will feature two 12-foot wide travel lanes, a 14-foot center turn lane, and 6-foot shoulders.

Construction will begin on the south side of the highway. When paving is done, traffic will shift to the new pavement as crews complete paving on the north side of the road.

The anticipated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with work pausing on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and July 5.

Motorists should plan for reduced speeds through the construction zone, traffic shifts, and periodic delays with flaggers directing traffic. Access will be maintained to all neighborhoods throughout the project. ITD and the Idaho State Police urge motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Please plan ahead and visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.

For more information and project updates, visit itdprojects.org.

Bridge replacement underway on State Highway 46 in Gooding County

Work began earlier this week to replace the bridge over Big Wood River at milepost 112.9 on State Highway 46 north of Gooding. Built in 1947, the current structure has reached the end of its service life.

“We will raise the height of the new bridge approximately 3.5 feet,” ITD Project Manager Tom Logan said. “The additional height will allow for more flood water to pass underneath the structure.”

The new bridge will also be both wider and longer to increase mobility and safety.

Initial work will first include setup of traffic control and then demolition of a portion of the old bridge. While work is underway, traffic will be reduced to a single lane. Temporary traffic signals will be in place to direct motorists throughout the duration of the project.

“Drivers can anticipate wait times between two and five minutes when traveling through the area,” Logan stated. “Lane width will also be restricted to 12 foot during construction, and we advise motorists to plan ahead and use caution while traveling through the work zone.”

Short-term closures of SH-46 will also be required for different portions of the project to allow for crews to safely complete various stages of work. When these closures occur, signs will be in place to direct motorists through a detour route. Approximately four closures are anticipated throughout construction.

Cannon Builders of Idaho are the primary contractor on this replacement project that is expected to be complete this fall.