Idaho State Highway 55 reopens near Smiths Ferry

Update #9: 12:30 p.m. 12/6/2021

This is a view of the south end of the roadway and rock wall ready and safe for traffic prior to reopening SH-55 north of Smiths Ferry. The picture was taken on Sunday afternoon, December 5. If you look at the other photographs below in this blog and compare to this photo, you can get an idea of the tremendous amount of work crews did to stabilize the hillside.

This photograph was taken on Sunday afternoon, December 5 prior to the reopening of SH-55 north of Smiths Ferry. The picture is a view of the north side of the of the large rock wall buttress crews built to stabilize the slide.

Update #8: 4:35 p.m. 12/5/2021

SMITHS FERRY – Idaho State Highway 55 north of Smiths Ferry will reopen at noon on Monday, December 6. Travelers should be prepared for around 15 minute delays for the rest of the week, while crews continue additional construction activities to prepare the work zone for winter.

Stabilization work has been completed to fortify the hillside after more than 50,000 cubic yards of large boulders and dirt slid onto the roadway on November 18th. Construction crews built a 20-foot tall and 400-foot long rock wall to stabilize the area and are ready to open an interim road around the slide. Geotechnical experts have inspected the slide area and the contractor has completed the repairs to open for winter.

“The Department thanks the traveling public, Valley County residents, and the business community for their support and patience, as our crews worked tirelessly to stabilize this slide,” said ITD Engineering Manager, Jason Brinkman. “We know it’s been a long closure, but we have taken extensive steps to ensure safe travel through the work zone this winter.”

US-95 remains a viable alternate route for travel between Valley County and the Treasure Valley. The public can receive direct project updates by signing up for text or email alerts on the project website, itdprojects.org/id55smithsferry, or visit Idaho 511 before leaving on a trip to learn the latest highway conditions.

Update #7: 3:30 p.m. 11/28/2021

Idaho State Highway 55 between Smiths Ferry and Round Valley Road will remain closed another seven to 10 days depending on weather. Construction crews made significant progress today (Sunday, November 28) shoring up the rockslide area near the Rainbow Bridge about 20 miles south of Cascade, Idaho.

The crews completed construction of a rock structure, known as a buttress, approximately 20 feet tall and 400 feet long to stabilize the base of the slide. The next step is to remove slide debris, install drainage systems above the buttress and widen the roadway to two lanes before the winter.

“We have made very good progress and stabilized the slide area. This allows crews to remove excess rock from the hillside and begin building a two way road around the slide area,” said Jason Brinkman, ITD District 3 Engineering Manager. “Our goal is to finish the work as quickly as possible while also focusing on both the safety of the construction team and the public once the road reopens.”

Until the highway is reopened, travelers can use U.S. Highway 95 as an alternate route.

Crews finished the rock structure, known as a buttress, at the base of the slide on Sunday, November 28, as seen in this picture.

The public can receive direct project updates by signing up for text or email alerts on the project website, itdprojects.org/id55smithsferry, or visit Idaho 511 before leaving on a trip to learn the latest highway conditions.

UPDATE #6: 1:30 P.M. 11/24/2021

Crews are making progress on the rock wall to secure the rockslide on SH-55 near Smiths Ferry. The road is still anticipated to be closed through at least Nov. 29. Please note that US-95 is the alternative route for this closure. For safety, local roads are restricted to non-local drivers.

ITD appreciates your patience and understanding during this holiday weekend as crews work to restore service of the highway. If you do travel for Thanksgiving, remember to check 511 for the latest road conditions, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, and drive well

UPDATE #5: 1:30 P.M. 11/23/2021

Despite winter weather rolling through Idaho, work continues to secure the rockslide on State Highway 55 near Smiths Ferry. The road will remain closed through Thanksgiving weekend, at least November 29. Please plan ahead to use US-95 as the alternate route for your holiday travels. Check 511.idaho.gov for current road conditions.

UPDATE #4: 1:30 P.M. 11/22/2021

State Highway 55 between Smiths Ferry and Round Valley will remain closed through Thanksgiving weekend (at least November 29) as crews work diligently to secure the rockslide area near the Rainbow Bridge, about 20 miles south of Cascade.

Crews began work Sunday on an interim solution to safely open the road for the winter. The plan includes removing boulders and mud from the hillside to construct a rock wall approximately 20 feet tall and 500 feet long. Once the wall is built to reinforce the slope, a temporary road will be constructed around the slide to safely allow traffic.

“We appreciate the patience of the public as we work to reinforce the very large slide area,” said Jason Brinkman, ITD District 3 Engineering Manager. “Our goal is to reopen the highway as soon as possible. This is potentially dangerous work on an unstable slope. We need to take the time to ensure the safety of our construction team and eventually the traveling public once the road is reopened.”

Until the highway is reopened, travelers can use U.S. Highway 95 as an alternate route. A long-term plan for the rockslide area will be determined over the coming months. The immediate focus is to secure the slope before winter.

The slide is estimated to have brought down 30,000-50,000 cubic yards of material and debris. It measures nearly 200 feet from the top of the slide to the roadway and is approximately 250 feet wide along the bottom.

update #3: 4:00 p.m. 11/19/2021

ID-55 between Smiths Ferry and Round Valley Road will remain closed through the Thanksgiving weekend following a large rockslide that occurred on Thursday (Nov. 18) afternoon.

Geotechnical experts are onsite evaluating the safety and stability of the slope, along with determining how much material needs to be removed. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) recommends holiday travelers make plans to use U.S. 95 as an alternate route. The rockslide occurred during a scheduled road closure and no one was injured.

Construction crews are expected to begin clearing the road later this weekend. Crews will remove the large amount of material as quickly and safely as possible, weather permitting. ITD will provide regular updates of progress in clearing the road and evaluating the safety of the slope prior to the road reopening.

For regular updates drivers can check Idaho 511 or the project website at itdprojects.org/id55smithsferry.

UPDATE #2: 10:30 A.M. 11/19/2021

ID-55 near Smiths Ferry remains closed in both directions while experts assess the slide. ITD is working diligently to safely open the road to traffic and will provide an update late this afternoon, Nov. 19, so travelers can make appropriate plans.

“We understand the inconvenience closing down the road causes, but our objective is to ensure the corridor is safe for travel,” said Jason Brinkman, ITD District 3 Engineering Manager. “These decisions are not taken lightly. We appreciate the public’s continued patience as we work to clear the debris and reopen the road safely.”

ITD continues to advise motorists to use U.S. 95 as an alternate route.

UPDATE #1: 3:50 P.M. 11/18/2021

ID-55 will be closed in both directions at least until tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 19, while crews assess the slide. Use U.S. 95 as alternate route.

ORIGINAL POST: 2:45 P.M. 11/18/2021

ID-55 will be closed in both directions until further notice, due to a rockslide. Please use U.S. 95 as alternate route. Updates will be posted on this blog as well as on the project website. You can also sign up for email and text alerts.

PHONE: (833)913-ID55
EMAIL: info@ID55smithsferry.com
ONLINE: itdprojects.org/id55smithsferry

Public invited to view design plans for the I-84 South Jerome Interchange

Graphic illustration of I-84 South Jerome Interchange

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is hosting a public meeting to present final design plans for the reconstruction of the Interstate 84 South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168). The meeting will be held in open house format on December 9 and will feature displays illustrating the new design.

The public is invited to attend anytime between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Jerome City Council Chambers located at 100 East Avenue A in Jerome. Members of the project team will be on-hand to answer questions and accept comments during this time.

For individuals who are not able to attend the open house in person, a self-guided online meeting option will be available between December 9 and December 30 at itdprojects.org/projects/i-84-south-jerome-interchange.

Originally built in 1966, the current interchange has reached its life expectancy and is in need of replacement. ITD has been working with stakeholders and engaging the public since 2017 to develop a design that will meet the needs of the community and accommodate future growth in the area.

Construction on the interchange is scheduled to begin in Fall 2023.

If individuals have questions or comments about the project and are unable to attend the in-person or self-guided online meetings, contact ITD Project Manager Nathan Jerke at (208) 886-7809 or nathan.jerke@itd.idaho.gov.

ACE Academy helps turn Nathan Johnson’s aviation interest into passion

We often don’t realize the impact our actions can have on others. Complementing a stranger, giving friendly advice and other seemingly insignificant things can change the trajectory of a person’s day. Those kindnesses can sometimes change the path of someone’s life as well.

Dan Conner, ITD Airport Manager with the Division of Aeronautics, was lucky to experience this when a friend’s son had an interest in aviation.

“We were sitting around a campfire on a hunting trip in 2019 when I learned that my friend’s son, Nathan, was interested in a career in aviation,” said Conner. “I recommended that he enroll in the ACE Academy to learn more about what he can do in the industry.”

Nathan attended the the Division of Aeronautics’ ACE Academy that year. That experience turned his interest into passion.

“I received Nathan’s high school graduation announcement this past June and learned that he is attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to continue his education,” said Conner.

Nathan’s father, Brett Johnson, said that Nathan still talks about what he learned in the ACE Academy.

The ACE Academy is held in Boise early each summer. For more information about the program or to apply, please contact tim.steffen@itd.idaho.gov or call 208 334-8780.

Nathan (second from right) at the 2019 ACE Academy.

Expect lane closures on Interstate 84 between Jerome and Twin Falls for the next month

View of Interstate 84 near Jerome, Idaho.

The Idaho Transportation Department has started design on a project to add an extra lane to Interstate 84 between the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) and the Twin Falls Interchange (Exit 173). Over the next month, contractors will collect samples to test the existing pavement on the interstate, requiring single-lane closures.

While sampling is underway, one lane of I-84 will be closed. Crews started today at the South Jerome Interchange and will move west toward the Twin Falls Interchange. Once testing is complete on the westbound lanes, the contractor will move to the eastbound lanes.

Work will occur between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each week day, with the contractor focusing on two-mile sections at a time.

This project is part of Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” transportation funding solution. I-84 serves as a major corridor through South-Central Idaho and beyond, with traffic counts expected to increase substantially over the next 20 years. The purpose of this project is to increase capacity and improve safety on I-84.

A public meeting will be held next summer for the community to review design plans and provide input.

Visit itdprojects.org/i84jerometotwin for more information on additional improvements and to sign up for project updates.

Highway Historical Sign repair & replacement underway

Idaho’s Historical Highway Markers are a unique feature of the Gem State and are a fascinating resource for those traveling on the state highway system. The program was spearheaded by legendary Idaho historian Merle Wells beginning in 1956. Today, more than 270 signs dot the highways, providing a peek into Idaho’s rich history for travelers across the state.

More recently, MacArthur “Mac” Eld, a concerned citizen, realized the need for the signs to be revitalized. Mac spent eight years visiting every single one of the historical markers, traveling Idaho on his three-wheeled motorcycle. This started as a project to create Christmas calendars featuring the signs, but soon became a quest to document and catalog each sign’s condition.

Responding to Mac’s efforts, in 2019, the Idaho Transportation Department and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) started an effort to update the markers, considering physical condition, text with more accurate and inclusive history, and additional visual details.

“Mac’s presentations to the Idaho Transportation Board really put these signs in the forefront,” said Matt Kriegl of ITD Cultural Resources, who serves as program coordinator. “Previously, they were often neglected as the department focused on other priorities over the decades.”

Most of Idaho’s signs were installed in the ’50s and ’60s, with additional signs added in the decade leading up to the Idaho Centennial in 1990. Although many have been repaired and replaced over time, there has never been a comprehensive program, so many have not been touched since their initial installation.

All information on Idaho’s Highway Historical Markers is approved by the Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) and the signs are installed in coordination with ITD. Once updated language is received from ISHS, ITD will replace each of the signs. The first sign slated to be replaced is the Ski Lift Marker near Ketchum in Blaine County (pictured above, right).

An online Highway Historical Markers guide, showcasing the signs, their condition, and the administrative processes surrounding them is available for both ITD staff and the general public alike at: https://idaho-highway-historical-markers-iplan.hub.arcgis.com/

“Pack the Parking Lots” this Thanksgiving weekend and plan a sober ride home

This Thanksgiving weekend, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and the North Idaho DUI Task Force ask drivers to “Pack the Parking Lots” and keep impaired drivers off the roads. Law enforcement agencies throughout Kootenai County are preparing for the increased number of impaired drivers the holiday season typically brings to North Idaho roadways. The North Idaho DUI Task Force will kick off its holiday DUI emphasis patrols with a “Pack the Parking Lots” event Nov. 26 – 27.

During the holiday season the parking lots of local bars and restaurants will fill up as more people are out celebrating. Law enforcement officers say unfortunately it isn’t uncommon to see those full parking lots almost empty once bars close. Through “Pack the Parking Lots,” the North Idaho DUI Task Force hopes drivers will leave their cars safely parked for the night and find a sober ride home. The goal is to see the bar parking lots as full after closing time as they were before closing.

According to OHS data, in 2020 there were 140 impaired driving related crashes in Kootenai County, killing 7 people. In an effort to encourage those in North Idaho to choose not to drive after drinking, the North Idaho DUI Task Force and OHS will provide Lyft vouchers to bars throughout Kootenai County, offering $5 off a Lyft ride. The vouchers will be valid Nov. 26 – 27 with the code SAFERIDE021.

The North Idaho DUI Task Force is made up of officers from the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Idaho State Police, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Post Falls Police Department, Rathdrum Police Department, Spirit Lake Police Department, and Hayden Lake Police Department. Officers from each agency will continue to work with OHS throughout the holiday season to keep impaired drivers off our roadways.

ITD staff donate surplus computers to Women’s and Children’s Alliance

The IT team at District 3 went out of their way to help the Boise community with a recent donation of approximately 40 computers to the Women’s and Children’s Alliance.

*L to R: David Adams, Geoffery Moody, Claire Johns*

The computers were slated for surplus and would have been sent off to a recycling center. Instead of wasting them the team, led by support technician Claire Johns, found a way to put them to good use. Johns is a volunteer at the WCA and knew the organization was in need of additional computers.

“These computers are still very operational,” said Johns. “They were taken out of commission because ITD has a three to four year life cycle for computers. Still, they have a lot of life in them. I saw an opportunity to help out a great non-profit and was happy to get support from ITD and WCA.”

Johns was joined by fellow technicians Geoffrey Moody and David Adams in preparing the computers for donation. The estimated value of the computers is approximately $350. Rick Robinson, the IT Manager for WCA, says the computers are a great asset for the non-profit and is greatly appreciated.

“We have a shortage of production computers for employee use,” he wrote in a letter to the Department. “We also would like to allocate some for the use of our clients at the shelter.”

“I love it when we have a chance to repurpose our technology to worthy causes,” said ITD Chief Information Officer Mark McKinney. “The Women’s and Children’s Alliance is a perfect place our older equipment can continue to benefit the citizens of Idaho.”

Johns hopes to keep this partnership with the WCA going into the future. As future technology ages out of ITD’s use, she thinks the WCA will be a great candidate for future donations.

It’s time to be “Idaho Ready” for winter driving

Ahead of the busy holiday travel season, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) encourages drivers to be “Idaho Ready” for winter driving. ITD’s annual winter safety campaign aims to help drivers prepare for challenging conditions on the state’s highways, before hitting the road.

“Idaho Ready” tips and resources will be shared weekly through ITD’s social media accounts and website itd.idaho.gov/travel. Short videos, blog posts, infographics, and photos will teach drivers how to safely get around this winter. Planned topics include navigating the new Idaho 511, general winter driving tips for Idaho newcomers, how to keep vehicles ready for colder temperatures, and snowplow ride along videos to hear safety advice straight from ITD operators.

Each winter ITD’s 550 hardworking snowplow operators travel a combined 3.4 million miles clearing roads across the state. “Idaho Ready” also focuses on keeping these important employees safe. When encountering a snowplow on the road, drivers are reminded, the safest place is behind the plow—never pass a snowplow on the right.

Other quick winter travel tips:

Check the road conditions before traveling. Visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app for an easy look at weather reports, cameras, and more. Idaho 511 updates are now tweeted too! Follow @Idaho511 on Twitter.
Keep a winter emergency kit in your car with food/water, small shovel, warm blanket, etc.
When roads are wet or icy, slow down and give yourself more stopping distance. Turn off cruise control and remember, bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze when temperatures drop.
If you do slide, stay calm, brake very gently, and turn your wheel in the direction of the skid. Try not to overcorrect.
Keep your windshield completely clear of snow and ice. Fill up on windshield washer fluid, make sure your tires are in good shape, and battery is charged. Learn how to use tire chains and carry them with you.
Give our snowplow drivers room to work. Never pass a snowplow on the right! The safest place is behind the plow where the road is clear.
Let others know your travel plans, especially if you will be driving through areas with no cell service. Check in when you make it.
Beware of drowsy driving! Stop and rest when needed, and plan breaks on long road trips. Rest areas are mapped on Idaho 511.
If your holiday celebrations include alcohol, plan ahead for a sober ride home. Look out for your friends and family and help them get home safely too.
Buckle up, stay engaged behind the wheel, and drive for the conditions this winter.

Follow along with ITD and the Idaho Ready campaign this winter:

Facebook- Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)
Twitter- @IdahoITD
YouTube- Idaho Transportation Department
Online- itd.idaho.gov/travel
Idaho 511- 511.idaho.gov, or download the app

Closures tomorrow on Interstate 15 in Idaho Falls for sign installation

Sign installation will begin tomorrow on Interstate 15 in Idaho Falls. These signs will replace the previously removed directional signs that had been in place since the 60’s.

Various closures will be required while work is underway so crews can safely complete installation.

“At approximately 7:30 a.m. we will close the northbound I-15 on-ramp at Exit 118,” said ITD Project Manager Ken Hahn. “Once work is complete on that section, installation will progress to the next area and closures will occur in the two right lanes of the northbound off-ramp at Exit 119.”

In addition to the daytime closures, an overnight closure of eastbound Grandview Drive over I-15 will occur Wednesday to complete traffic signal work in the area. Motorists will be detoured to Saturn Avenue during this time.

“The detour for Grandview Drive is identical to intermittent traffic patterns used throughout the duration of this project,” stated Hahn.

Signage will be in place to direct motorists traveling through the region while this work is underway.

Installation of these signs, and the traffic signal work, are part of the final stages necessary to complete work on a larger ramp reconstruction project that began in May of this year.

Weather permitting, sign installation is expected to be complete by Thursday.

Construction begins next week at SH-75 and Ohio Gulch intersection in Blaine County

Graphic of roadway after turn bays are added at the SH-75 and Ohio Gulch Road intersection

Widening of the highway is expected to begin next week at the intersection of State Highway 75 and Ohio Gulch Road north of Hailey. A contractor for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will construct a right turn bay on SH-75 for northbound traffic turning onto Ohio Gulch Road.

In addition to the turn bay, crews will also construct a northbound acceleration lane for motorists merging onto SH-75 from Ohio Gulch Road.

Click here to see a graphic of the roadway.

“This work and the recent changes in the area are part of a larger project that will rehabilitate 5.7 miles of the roadway from McKercher Boulevard to East Fork Road next spring,” said ITD District Engineer Jesse Barrus.

While construction is underway, northbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane. Motorists are advised to slow down and watch for workers and heavy equipment along the highway.

“Weather permitting, work is expected to be complete prior to Thanksgiving,” stated Barrus. “We appreciate the patience of community members while we make these improvements.”