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Drivers on State Highway 55 can expect short traffic delays north of Horseshoe Bend Aug. 5–7 as crews drill to collect roadway samples in preparation for a future pavement rehabilitation project.

Crews will be working at multiple locations within a one-mile stretch of the highway north of town. Each sample will take approximately one hour to collect, with single lane closures in place during that time. Flaggers will direct traffic through the work zones.

The road will remain open throughout the operation, but drivers should plan for brief delays and reduced speeds. The Idaho Transportation Department asks motorists to slow down in the work zone for the safety of travelers and work crews.

For current traffic conditions and updates, visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.

 

Starting Monday the Idaho Transportation Department will begin a 2-week, nighttime project to grind and repave the center of U.S. Highway 95 from Granite Loop Road to Blacktail Road north of Athol.

Work will begin at 7 p.m. every weeknight and wrap up by 5 a.m. the following morning, returning traffic to its normal pattern. Overnight flaggers will assist drivers through the work zone using a single, alternating lane of traffic to allow space for crews to work.

Drivers should expect the potential for delays, use Idaho 511 to plan ahead and drive with caution for the safety of drivers and crew members alike.

The new westbound off-ramp on Interstate 84 at Exit 208 will open to traffic tomorrow. Drivers will be able to utilize the off-ramp to access State Highway 27.

Changes to traffic patterns include:

• Traffic on SH-27 will be reduced to one lane in each direction through October 2025. Drivers will be routed onto the newly constructed northbound lanes so crews can begin construction of the new southbound lanes and southbound structure over I-84.
• I-84 westbound traffic will be shifted onto the new concrete pavement section at SH-27.

Signage is in place to guide motorists through the project area. Please watch for work crews and exercise caution while travelling through work zones.

Construction has been underway since 2024 to update the Heyburn and Burley Interchanges to meet growing traffic demands, and will be complete in 2026. The project is funded as part of Idaho Governor Little’s Leading Idaho transportation 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.

To learn more about the project, please visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/projects/i-84-burley-and-heyburninterchanges. This closure and others will be posted to 511.idaho.gov.

Work on State Highway 14 near Elk City will begin Monday to repair potholes and resurface 10 miles of the highway. Shoulders in poor condition will also be repaved to further enhance safety.

When approaching the work zone, motorists can expect flaggers and delays between 15 to 30 minutes. The highway will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic guided by pilot cars. Crews will start at milepost 23 and work east towards milepost 33 and Elk City.

All work will temporarily shut down by 6 p.m. on August 7 in preparation for Elk City Days held August 8-10. Highway crews will start back up again on August 11.

Paving will significantly improve rideability and make it a safer road for the traveling public.

This $2.5 million project is anticipated to wrap up mid-September.

Up-to-date traffic information may be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. Travelers can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app.

 

Drivers using Interstate 90 over the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Coeur d’Alene will start to see some weekend relief from lane closures as construction continues on one of Idaho’s most iconic and highly traveled bridges.

Earlier this summer, crews began working on the bridge as part of a larger project to repair and preserve several bridges across the Panhandle. Because I-90 is such a busy route, lane closures were needed to give workers and equipment a safe space to operate. The Veterans Memorial Bridge is a large structure, and repairs require specialized tools and setup. Up to now, full-time traffic control has been essential to keep crews safe.

Now that the project has reached a key milestone, crews are able to adjust how they manage traffic. Starting this weekend, ITD will begin reopening all four lanes—two in each direction—on weekends. Traffic control devices will be removed Friday through Sunday evenings, and the interstate will return to its regular configuration. Lane closures will go back into place during the week so crews can continue working.

Some drivers have asked why the bridge has been reduced to one lane in each direction even when it looks like no one is working. The reason is that much of the work is happening underneath the bridge. Workers are using scaffolding and equipment that hangs over the side of the bridge deck to access the areas that need repairs. So while you might not see people on top of the bridge, important work is still being done out of sight to improve the structure and keep it safe for years to come.

ITD expects the project to wrap up by the end of August. In the meantime, drivers are asked to watch for changing traffic patterns, be alert in work zones, and remain patient as crews complete this important work.

Traffic impact information is available using 511.idaho.gov.

Drivers traveling U.S. Highway 95 through Coeur d’Alene on Sunday should expect slower traffic and possible delays as crews with the Idaho Transportation Department paint the highway lines between Lancaster Road and the Spokane River Bridge.

Crews will begin work early around 6:30 a.m. and expect to finish by 4 p.m. This is a high-traffic area with many intersections and signals, so extra caution is needed.

To help keep everyone safe our partners at the Idaho State Police will assist with additional patrols in the area. Drivers should be patient, give the paint crew plenty of space, follow posted signs, and avoid crossing over wet paint lines.

 

Upcoming striping schedule (weather & conditions permitting):

July 21–28: Boundary County

• US-95
• SH-1
• US-2

July 29–31: SH-53 from the Washington state line to US-95

August 4–6: SH-41 from Mullan Ave to Rathdrum

August 6–18: US-95 from the Spokane River Bridge south to Sanders Road

Additional routes like SH-58 and SH-60 may be added to the schedule as time allows.

 

Why striping happens during the day

Many drivers ask why this work isn’t done at night to avoid traffic. The answer is simple: paint needs light and warmth to be applied safely and effectively. Striping requires clear visibility and vehicle lights aren’t enough for crews to paint accurate lines. Cooler nighttime temperatures in North Idaho can also prevent paint from drying properly, leading to poor adhesion and safety issues.

Some larger cities can stripe at night because of extensive street lighting, but those conditions don’t exist along most of our routes in North Idaho.

 

Sharing the road with striping crews

• Don’t pass striping crews or drive over fresh paint. This not only damages the lines but can also damage your vehicle.
• Watch for “wet paint” signs and pace cars. These guide the flow of traffic and help protect workers.

Be patient. Crews work as quickly and safely as possible to minimize disruptions while ensuring proper application of the paint and reflective beads.

ITD paints hundreds of miles of highway each year. The lines help guide drivers safely down the roadway and improve visibility, especially at night. Your cooperation helps us do this work safely—for you and our crews.

For updated information, visit 511.idaho.gov.