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US-12 now open after crews cleared an avalanche and downed trees

A loader makes a path through the avalanche

Jan. 9 at 5 p.m.:

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
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
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
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. 

Railroad repairs will impact traffic this week in Jerome and Twin Falls counties

Map of railroad work on US-93 near Jerome

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

Perrine Bridge inspection to begin this week near Twin Falls

Image of the Perrine Bridge near Twin Falls

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.

ITD issues reminder on plow safety following six incidents in two weeks

Stock photo of another vehicle hitting a plow

Stock photo shown above. 

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.

With tragic increase in deaths on Idaho roads, ITD urges sober driving this holiday season

The Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is partnering with nearly 50 law enforcement agencies to keep impaired drivers off the road this holiday season. Dec. 17 through Jan. 1, OHS and officers across the state will participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over education and enforcement campaign.

The safety effort comes at the close of a tragic 2021 on Idaho roads. According to OHS preliminary data, 254 people have died in crashes in Idaho so far this year, the most traffic fatalities in a single year since 2006.

“One life lost is too many. As 2021 ends, please celebrate the holidays wisely. Make safe decisions behind the wheel to avoid devastating consequences,” said OHS Manager John Tomlinson. “Always buckle up and if your festivities will include alcohol, please make a plan for a sober ride home.”

In 2020, 43% of all fatalities were the result of an impaired driving crash in Idaho, and only 29% of the vehicle occupants killed in those crashes were wearing a seat belt.

While law enforcement will be on heightened watch for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol during the next two weeks, preventing crashes is a shared responsibility in our communities.

“Impaired driving puts Idahoans at risk every day and it’s completely preventable,” said OHS Grants Officer Lisa Losness. “We can all choose to avoid dangerous driving behaviors and help ensure a safer holiday for our friends, family, and neighbors.”

Celebrate with a Plan

Nationally it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, except in Utah, where the limit is .05. A single DUI conviction for a first-time offender in Idaho can include costly fines, court costs, legal fees, jail time, and license suspension. Your judgement clouds when under the influence, so it’s important to plan a safe ride home before you leave the house.

  • Designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride service to get home safely.
  • Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take that role seriously and do not drink any alcohol. Your friends and family are counting on you!
  • If someone you know is about to drink and drive, take the keys away and make arrangements to get them a safe ride.
  • Always buckle up – it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
  • If you see an impaired driver on the road, call *477(*ISP) in hands-free mode. Your actions could help save someone’s life.

Funding for extra patrols and overtime work focused on impaired driving enforcement is provided by a grant through OHS and NHTSA.

ITD and AGC announce second annual Excellence in Construction Partnering Award winners

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and the Idaho Associated General Contractors (AGC) announced this year’s winners of the Excellence in Construction Partnering Awards.

The second annual awards competition was announced in September as a collaboration between ITD Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney and Wayne Hammon, CEO of the Idaho Associated General Contractors. Applicants were encouraged to submit for construction contracts completed this year as well as projects still underway.

“These awards recognize outstanding partnering efforts between ITD and the construction industry,” said McElhinney. “Great partnering on construction projects results in the timely delivery of projects, keeping under budget, in teamwork for safety and completion which greatly benefit the traveling public.”

The applications were reviewed by a judging panel of state and local partners and evaluated on criteria related to how well the project:

  • Resolved conflict
  • Improved communication on the project with all audiences
  • Utilized innovative solutions
  • Incorporated team building activities
  • Honored stakeholders
  • Achieved a common goal

The winners were presented with the certificates recognizing the entries earning gold, silver, bronze and honorable mention at the Idaho AGC Annual Meeting on Dec. 8, 2021.

One project was unanimously selected as the ‘Top Gold’ award winner, for its outstanding partnering efforts—the US-95 N Corridor Access Improvements in District 1.

Below is a comprehensive list of the 2021 Excellence in Construction Partnering Award winners:

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.

View of the work on 11/21/2021

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 #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.
Dan Conner
Nathan at Embry-Riddle.

 

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.