A blast is scheduled tomorrow at 1 p.m. as part of efforts to expand US-95 over Granite Hill north of Athol. All traffic will be stopped during the blast, with delays expected to be under 30 minutes.
Blasting will make room for a new frontage road called Vintage Road to the west and will continue throughout the final season of work, with several blasts possible each month.
Starting in early March, crews will mobilize into the work zone to rebuild US-95 to four lanes over Granite Hill and finish Vintage Road. Additional lanes over Granite Hill will provide better mobility, and frontage roads will improve safety by routing drivers to improved intersections to enter US-95.
Both routes are expected to open by August, though construction is expected to last through October.
Once Vintage Road opens, Homestead Road and Williams Lane will lose direct access to US-95 and will instead use the frontage road to access the highway.
Construction in the area began last spring, with the first season of work producing Mineral Ridge, the road traffic currently travels on through the work zone and what will serve as the frontage road to the east after the project is complete.
Late on Saturday, Jan. 22, a slide occurred just north of Smiths Ferry on Idaho State Highway 55. This slide was in a different section than the previous slide that occurred last fall and was much smaller in scale. We were able to reopen the road less than two days later.
However, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) understands the impacts these closures cause the communities that are dependent on SH-55 being open and operational. While this slide was smaller and allowed crews to clear the road of snow and debris quickly, we had a responsibility to bring in experts to ensure the hillside was stable before we could fully reopen the road. Our team takes these measures out of an extreme abundance of caution because your safety is always our top priority.
Idaho is a unique state; there are only a few major highways that run north/south through our state, which means we are dependent on smaller, mountain highways. We understand SH-55 is such a crucial and high-traffic thoroughfare and is vitally important to the communities of Smiths Ferry, Donnelly, Cascade, McCall and more. We know we have an obligation to be transparent with communities in that area, travelers driving on the road, and the wider public in Idaho.
Our crews worked diligently winterizing the road last year however, there were recommended steps that were not able to be completed prior to shutting down construction. There were plans to drill and insert rods (which can be anywhere from about 10 to 30 feet long) to secure the area where the most recent slide occurred. Part of that process requires grout to be applied to secure those rods, which stabilize the rock on the hillside. When the temperatures get to a certain level, it is impossible for that grout to properly set, so the decision was made to create a buttress in that area because there was a large catchment area surrounding this section of hillside. Knowing the hillside was not fully stabilized, a catchment area and buttress was constructed, ultimately doing its job by containing 99% of the falling rock.
It is important for you to know these areas where slides occurred were still in process of completion. During the next few months, ITD is going to take another look at planned designs for securing these hillsides and put them through another geotechnical review to decide if there are other ideas we can bring to the table to further reinforce these slopes.
We sincerely appreciate the public’s patience and grace throughout this project. ITD’s mission statement is “your safety, your mobility and your economic opportunity.” The statement starts with safety because that is our top priority. We hear your concerns. We take them seriously. We will do whatever we can to keep you and your family, and your communities safe as we work toward completing this project this fall. If anyone has any additional questions, please reach out to the project team at info@ID55smithsferry.com.
Work is expected to begin Tuesday, February 1, on U.S. Highway 93 east of Jerome. Construction of new lanes will begin north of the State Highway 25 intersection, and continue south past 100 S Road (approximately 2 miles). This is part of the ongoing US-93 widening effort, which will see the highway transition from two lanes of travel to four to increase mobility and safety in the area.
“The initial phase of this project will take place over the coming month and involve work off of the highway,” said ITD South-central Idaho Project Manager Kenny Lively. “Once that is complete, crews will transition to the second phase which will involve widening of the roadway.”
Highway work will first include construction of a new southbound lane and center turn lane on the west side of US-93. Then, an additional northbound and center turn lane will be added to the east side of the highway.
Few impacts to traffic are anticipated during the project. Motorists will be able to utilize the existing lanes of travel during the first part of construction and then the newly constructed lanes during the second part of construction.
“Although the manner in which we are widening this section of US-93 will allow for motorists to largely travel without interruption, it’s still important for drivers to use caution and watch for workers and heavy equipment when traveling through the work zone,” stated Lively.
The public is invited to learn more about redesign concepts for the Interstate 84 Burley and Heyburn Interchanges (exits 208 and 211) in the Magic Valley.
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host a public meeting and an online meeting to share plans and gather feedback about interchange improvements.
Built in the early 1960s, the interchanges have reached the end of their service lives. ITD is focused on improving safety, mobility, and economic opportunity for all users who travel these important agricultural and industrial routes.
The interchange redesign project is being funded as part of Idaho Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho initiative 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 the Magic Valley and communities across the state for years to come.
The public meeting will be hosted in an open house format with members of the project team on hand to gather input and answer questions.
Date: Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Location: Minidoka County Fire Department – 1120 21st Street, Heyburn, ID
If you’re unable to attend the in-person meeting, please participate online where you can review plans and leave a comment 24 hours a day beginning January 27 to February 10, 2022.
A concerted effort was launched in late December amid a dramatic spike in snowplow strikes around the state.The first vehicle to hit an ITD snowplow came on Dec. 9, and then two more on Dec. 16. When a fourth happened just a few days later along with a couple of incidents where the plow had to run off the road to avoid being hit, the campaign was born. And to personalize it a bit, the caricature “Mr. Snowplow” was created by Justin Smith, the new Public Information Officer (PIO) for districts 5 and 6 (East Idaho).
“We were concerned with what we were seeing on the roads, with four hits in the span of just 10 days, so we began a short-term campaign to raise awareness,” Smith explained. This included multiple social-media posts, press releases, and interviews with local media. A spouse of one of the department’s snowplow drivers wrote the poem “Mr. Snowplow, you are loved” and District 1 & 2 (North & Panhandle Idaho) PIO Megan Jahns posted it just before Christmas. The poem is listed at the bottom of this story.The post went viral, with shares across the country and in Canada. The result of the campaign was a much higher awareness of snowplows and the dangers of passing them. As a result, plow strikes dramatically decreased.
At that point, Smith saw an opportunity.
“I was watching the rapidly growing metrics on the Mr. Snowplow social-media post and noted we were still getting media requests for interviews, handled primarily by District 4 (South-Central Idaho) PIO Jessica Williams. I realized the poem hit an emotional cord with families, bus drivers, truckers, and others. It seemed tome the poem personified the snowplows and really changed how people viewed them – less as an impediment and more as a caring person who worked long hours to keep our roads safe,” Smith said. “I thought that a cartoon version of Mr. Snowplow would help us capitalize on the goodwill of the snowplow campaign. Taking an existing photo and using Photoshop, the snowplow was transformed into a cartoon character and acts as a kind and polite spokesman during our winter safety campaigns.”
“The idea was not to guilt people or try to use scare tactics about danger, but to have a friendly and kind personification. Mr. Snowplow is just a big friendly guy that kindly asks people to drive responsibly,” Smith explained. “Not necessarily a mascot, but more of a spokesman for winter safety. The idea is to make him extremely polite, and gentle so we humanize the plow drivers and help people think of plows as more than just obstacles.”
The entire campaign was innovative for a number of reasons. First, it was a spur-of-the-moment push to address a problem we saw that was a significant safety issue for our drivers and the community. Smith and Jahns worked to immediately get the word out in a way that was more effective than simply saying we had another plow strike. Rather than focus only on traditional media, they used social media as the primary lever to move the public’s perception of snowplows. Jahn’s statewide press release spurred reporters to see the problem as a significant issue, and Smith called local media to let them know we wanted to get the word out about snowplow safety. Newspapers, radio, and television across the state quickly picked up the story and printed or posted stories. There also were numerous comments in broadcast media about snowplow safety when announcers were discussing weather.
The campaign also has spawned Mr. Snowplow coloring pages, and versions of the character that can be modified to fit any specific need, along with a section of white space in the lower left-hand corner where text can be added. Also, Mr. Snowplow was created on a separate layer of Photoshop, so it’s easy to superimpose him on other images.
Here’s the poem mentioned earlier:
Clarissa is the wife of Tim Moon, a five-year veteran with ITD in District 1. She recently authored the poem below as a gift to her husband of 15 years, and the rest of us at ITD sure appreciate her creative messaging. Thank you to everyone who makes our winters safer in Idaho!
Excuse me Mr. Snowplow, please move out of my way.
Don’t you know I’m in a hurry and I’m already running late.
Excuse me Mr. Snowplow, how dare you stop to eat.
My wife is waiting at the restaurant where we plan to meet.
Excuse me Mr. Snowplow, how dare you take a day off.
My street hasn’t been plowed, I’ll call your boss and scoff.
Excuse me Mr. Snowplow, why do you move so slow.
Don’t you know I’m just trying to get to my family back at home.
Excuse me Mr. Snowplow, how dare you leave a berm.
Don’t you know I have to take Grandma to get her perm.
Please just take a moment to thank the folks behind the plow.
They sacrifice time with friends and family to clear all the snow.
Without these men and women, traffic would come to a halt.
Just say a little thank you and don’t gripe about the salt.
From the wife of a plowman, things get lonely at home.
Keep us in mind when you want to whine and moan.
In the winter, we spend a lot of time alone.
Next time you see a plowman, give a smile and wave.
Thank them for all the sacrifices that they’ve made.
Excuse me Mr. Snowplow, from your little wife.
Thank you for being a blessing in my life.
I love you Mr. Plowman! ♥
BOISE – Public input is being sought on the action plan to guide Irail grade crossings on Idaho Highways. Through Jan. 21, members of the public are invited to comment at https://arcg.is/1DqS4b or via the QR code posted below.
The action plan identifies, analyzes, and develops solutions to issues affecting safety at approximately 1,400 public, highway-rail grade crossings in Idaho.
US-12 east of Kooskia is now open after crews took care of the aftermath of a storm that brought down trees, triggered an avalanche and deposited more than 2 feet of snow between Thursday and Friday night.
“At times that storm was dumping three inches of snow an hour,” ITD Operations Engineer Jared Hopkins said. “Our operators have tirelessly worked to remove an estimated 150 fallen trees and to clear one avalanche.”
The avalanche reported near milepost 136 was more than 10 feet deep and 30-40 feet wide.
“We also had to bring in heavy equipment to remove several smaller snow slides that had reached the highway and were too big to push with our plows,” Hopkins said.
ITD shut down the highway last Thursday based on avalanche risk, heavy snow and falling trees. Prior to this storm, the last avalanche to reach the highway was in 2008.
“Our avalanche specialists will monitor the corridor through the winter, but it is now safe to reopen with that storm behind us,” Hopkins said. “Drivers should be prepared for narrow lanes and patches of ice and snow as we continue to clean up.”
Operators have also reopened State Highway 64 east of Nezperce, which had been closed since Jan. 3 due to drifted snow.
Drivers should check 511 for updated information before traveling as conditions could change.
Jan. 8 at 4 P.m.:
Avalanche and downed trees extend US-12 closure for several more days
Several downed trees brought down by heavy snow
US-12 east of Kooskia will remain closed for several more days as crews clean up at least one avalanche and downed trees.
An avalanche was reported today at milepost 136 within the zone actively monitored by ITD specialists.
“Our operators are working from the east side, cutting through trees trying to access the rest of the highway, so it’s possible more avalanches may be reported,” ITD Operations Engineer Jared Hopkins said. “We are also still assessing the risk for more avalanches.”
Another release will be sent once more information is available.
Jan. 7 at 4 P.m.:
US-12 closure extended due to continued avalanche risk
Heavy snow brought down a tree
Avalanche danger continues to close US-12 east of Kooskia while specialists monitor conditions and the forecast. The highway will remain closed through the night with another assessment conducted in the morning.
Numerous trees are also blocking the highway, and additional precipitation is expected overnight. Another release will be sent once the highway is determined safe enough to reopen.
The Idaho Transportation Department had announced a closure between Fish Creek (milepost 126) and Saddle Camp Road (milepost 139) at 2 p.m. yesterday based on high risk but heavy snow and falling trees forced an earlier closure for all of US-12 east of Kooskia at 11 a.m.
Jan. 6 at 8 a.m.:
Storm to close US-12 east of Kooskia today, other closures possible
A sign along US-12 warns drivers of avalanche danger
Several miles of U.S. Highway 12 east of Kooskia will close today at 2 p.m. PT due to considerable avalanche risk. Given that the forecast calls for heavy precipitation over the next day, the closure is anticipated to last at least through the night.
The gates at Fish Creek (milepost 126) and Saddle Camp Road (milepost 139) will close, and ITD crews are working with the U.S. Forest Service to notify any recreationists or drivers within the corridor of the impending closure.
Avalanche specialists with ITD will be on site to help local maintenance crews reassess conditions and reopen the highway when it is safe to do so. Another release will be sent once a determination to open the road is made.
The same storm is also affecting several other highways in the region. U.S. Highway 95 south of Moscow is experiencing blowing and drifting snow and could close if conditions worsen. State Highway 64* from Nezperce (milepost 0) to Four Corners (milepost 8) remains closed due to drifting snow. Tomorrow forecasted wind speeds could also create dangerous conditions for drivers on US-95 between Grangeville and Cottonwood, which may result in a closure.
Drivers should use 511.idaho.gov to stay updated on road closures and conditions.
*CORRECTION: SH-64 was closed east of Nezperce for several miles. SH-162 is the highway that connects with Four Corners and closed Jan. 3 from 1 – 7 p.m.
Repairs to a section of railroad east of Jerome will reduce traffic to one lane on U.S. Highway 93 where it crosses the roadway near 300 South Road. These repairs were expected to occur last week but have been rescheduled to tomorrow (Jan. 11).
Additional railroad repairs will also occur in Twin Falls to a section of railroad that crosses State Highway 74/Shoshone Street South near Minidoka Avenue. Repairs in this area will take place on Thursday (Jan. 13).
“We are coordinating with Eastern Idaho Railroad to complete this work which will help maintain functionality of the tracks and signal,” said ITD District Manager Jesse Barrus.
Motorists are advised to slow down and watch for signs and flaggers that will direct drivers through the work zones.
Repairs for each area are expected to be completed in one day
Dependent on weather, crews are expected to begin a week-long inspection of the Perrine Bridge starting Friday, January 7. During the inspection, crews will walk the arch, use an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and deploy ITD’s under-bridge inspection truck (UBIT) along the bridge deck.
Short duration (15 minute) single lane closures will occur each day in the left northbound lane to allow workers to access and exit the lower half of the structure. Traffic will also be reduced to one lane in either direction Jan. 7 and Jan. 8 while crew members utilize the inspection truck.
Work with the UBIT will occur during non-peak hours to help lessen traffic congestion through the area and is expected to follow the below schedule:
– Northbound Right Lane Closure: Jan. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Southbound Right Lane Closure: Jan. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Drivers may consider using an alternate route between the hours listed above.
In addition to traffic impacts, base jumping may be subject to restrictions during portions of the inspection. ITD will provide personnel to coordinate with inspection crews and jumpers during regulated periods.
“The Perrine Bridge is a vital structure in the region and serves as a connector for thousands of motorists each day,” said ITD Bridge Inspector Amy Bower. “Inspections and routine maintenance projects play an important role in ensuring the bridge’s longevity for many years to come.”
Drivers are urged to exercise caution and patience near the work zone and watch for crew members and equipment. ITD appreciates the cooperation of those driving through the area.
With snow in the forecast for several regions in the state, the Idaho Transportation Department would like to remind drivers how to travel with plows on the road.
In just the last two weeks, there have been four incidents of drivers striking plows and two incidents of drivers forcing them off the road. This compares to eight plow strikes recorded last year. Most of the collisions have occurred after other drivers tried passing plows on the right.
Drivers should be aware that most ITD trucks have two plows: one on the front, and one that extends from the right side known as a wing plow. Lights alert drivers to the presence of wing plows, but during storms those lights and the wing plows can be obscured by plumes of snow.
So far this winter, plows have been struck in nearly every region of the state:
On Dec. 9, a plow was hit on Interstate 90 near the Rose Lake exit when a driver tried to pass on the right.
On Dec. 14, a plow on U.S. Highway 95 near Moscow was forced off the road to avoid hitting a vehicle that had lost control and was in the opposing lane.*
On Dec. 16, a plow was hit on U.S. Highway 20 near Ashton and on Interstate 84 near Twin Falls. Both incidents involved drivers trying to pass on the right. That same night a plow on US-95 near Winchester was forced off the road to avoid hitting a vehicle that had lost control and was in the opposing lane.
The latest plow strike occurred this morning on I-90 near Osburn. Another vehicle attempted to pass the plow on the right, collided with the wing and forced the plow off the road. The driver then fled the scene. The Idaho State Police are investigating the incident.
To date no one has been injured. However, plows must be checked for any damage before being put back into service, which stretches resources thin with a direct impact to driving conditions.
“This time of year drivers need to take their time and never pass a plow on the right,” said Jerry Wilson, the operations engineer for North Idaho. “Let’s all get home safely.”
Know before you go and check 511.idaho.gov for road conditions before traveling. For winter driving tips, visit itd.idaho.gov/travel.
*Post updated Dec. 23 to reflect that this near-collision occurred on Dec. 17 on Palouse River Drive near the Moscow shed.
