Idaho’s historic highway markers get a modern makeover

Travelers along Idaho’s roads and scenic byways will soon see the first of the new Idaho Historic Highway Markers. These refreshed signs combine storytelling with modern technology, offering visitors a more immersive experience and a stronger connection to the communities they pass through.

The initiative combines two projects across three state agencies. The Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho State Historical Society are partnering to update all highway markers with new historical research and signage. In tandem with these efforts, Visit Idaho is developing QR codes to be installed at each marker location, connecting travelers to an app that offers additional content about the site and nearby activities and amenities. The app will also translate to nine other languages. The digital component is funded in part by a $3.2 million federal economic development grant awarded to ITD in 2022.

The goal is to restore the historic markers to spark curiosity about the state’s expansive history and drive interaction with the app to encourage exploration of Idaho’s rural communities, helping increase overnight stays and drive economic impact across Idaho.

“This project aligns perfectly with many of the initiatives Visit Idaho is focused on. Idaho’s diverse and often rural landscape is filled with communities that we know travelers will enjoy once they go beyond the destinations they already know. We’re excited to incorporate the QR codes as an easy, accessible tool to help travelers find more to explore in our beautiful state,” said Natalie Jushinski, tourism manager at Visit Idaho.

Each of the three state agencies plays a distinct role in this multi-year project:

ITD owns and maintains the physical markers and is managing the installation and updated marker designs, which now feature state symbols like the mountain bluebird and the syringa.
Visit Idaho, a division of the Idaho Department of Commerce, is developing the QR codes and web-based app connecting travelers to information to explore more in the area.
ISHS is responsible for the historical content for the markers, and their historians are updating the text on each marker to amplify understanding of the significance of each site.

The project not only enhances the travel experience but also supports rural tourism and local economies by encouraging deeper exploration. The revitalized markers and digital information provide new opportunities for education, storytelling and visitor engagement for all travelers—both residents and visitors.

“We are grateful to be a part of the Historical Highway Marker program, which continues to create a powerful sense of place for Idahoans. These markers share the stories that make the Gem State truly unique — stories that have been updated and thoroughly researched at a local level, deepening our understanding of Idaho’s vibrant history,” said Janet Gallimore, executive director at ISHS. “They remind us of where we’ve been, connect us to one another, and strengthen the sense of community that defines our state.”

All updated markers and QR codes in ITD’s District 1 in North Idaho are expected to be installed by the end of 2025, with no impact on traffic. The remaining markers and QR codes will be installed in phases by district through 2027.

“We are excited to partner with others to ensure that these roadside displays reflect the beauty and rich history of Idaho,” said Mike Johnson, the division administrator for engineering services at ITD.

I-84 nighttime closure Wednesday at the Karcher Interchange

Interstate 84 will be closed in both directions under the Karcher Interchange Wednesday night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. This closure will allow crews to safely pour the concrete that will support the third westbound lane on Karcher Road (State Highway 55).

To follow the westbound detour:

Exit I-84 at the Northside Interchange (Exit 35).
Travel north on Northside Boulevard.
Turn left onto Karcher Road.
Travel west until you reach the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp.
Use the Karcher Interchange westbound on-ramp to merge back onto westbound I-84.

To follow the eastbound detour:

Exit I-84 using the Karcher Interchange eastbound off-ramp (Exit 33).
Cross Karcher Road.
Use the eastbound on-ramp to merge back onto I-84.

Click here to view the detour maps.

These improvements are part of a larger effort to improve traffic flow and safety in the area.

Project improvements include:

Adding a free running right-hand turn at the westbound off-ramp
Paving a third westbound lane on Karcher Road from the westbound off-ramp to Sundance Road
Reinforcing the Karcher Interchange and Indian Creek Bridges to support the new lane
Updating signal equipment and adding a pedestrian flashing beacon at the eastbound on-ramp
Building a separated mixed-use path on the north side of Karcher Road

The I-84, Karcher Interchange project will enhance safety and reduce congestion at the interchange and along Karcher Road in Nampa. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.

Stay informed by signing up for email and text alerts by texting 84CORRIDOR to 1-866-483-8422 or visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcheric. For questions, contact the project team at (208) 334-8002.

More information can be found at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/karcherich.

Temporary speed limit reduction on US-95 for Sunset Fire response

The Idaho Transportation Department will temporarily reduce the speed limit on U.S. Highway 95 to 55 mph between Granite Hill and Blacktail Road to support firefighting efforts and public safety during the Sunset Fire response north of Athol.

Fire crews are staging equipment in the area, and evacuations are taking place as part of the emergency response. Idaho State Police will have troopers patrolling the area to make sure drivers follow the reduced speed limits, helping ensure the safety and efficiency of fire operations.

Drivers should follow all posted signs, slow down, and use caution when traveling through the area.

For the latest travel and traffic conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.

ITD monitoring North Idaho project impacts amid regional operator strike

Aerial view of I-90 between Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene.

The Idaho Transportation Department is aware of the operator strike in eastern Washington and we are assessing potential impacts to projects in North Idaho. Projects that involve operator work—such as the State Highway 53 Pleasant View Interchange, Interstate 90/State Highway 41 Interchange, I-90 expansion project, and the I-90 Coeur d’Alene River Bridges—are likely to experience the most significant delays and schedule impacts if the work stoppage continues.

It is too early to determine the exact scope or duration of those impacts, but our project teams are in close contact with contractors to evaluate schedules and explore mitigation options.

The Idaho Transportation Department is not involved in the labor negotiations and cannot speak to those discussions. Questions about the strike itself should be directed to the union representatives.

Drive sober or get pulled over — Idaho celebrates the heroes who make it home safely

Blonde woman driving car, she is sober and attentive.

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is joining law enforcement agencies across the state for the 2025 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, running August 15 through September 1. The effort focuses on preventing impaired driving ahead of Labor Day, one of the deadliest times on Idaho roads.

The numbers are sobering. In 2024, impaired driving claimed 86 lives in Idaho. That’s 36% of all traffic fatalities in Idaho which is the equivalent of losing over three Idahoans every week to a preventable cause.

Nationwide, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for about 30% of all crash fatalities. In 2023 alone, 12,429 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes. That’s one person every 42 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“These aren’t just statistics,” said Josephine Middleton, ITD Highway Safety Manager. “Every number is a person; someone’s family member, friend, or coworker. This campaign is about more than the legal consequences of driving impaired. It’s about saving lives. If you’re impaired, don’t drive. It’s that simple.”

While these numbers are a stark reminder of what’s at stake, OHS also wants to highlight the everyday heroes who help prevent tragedy. The designated drivers, the friends who call a rideshare, and the people who plan ahead before their first drink. Every sober ride home is a life protected, a crash prevented, and a family kept whole.

ITD urges all Idahoans to join the movement to end impaired driving by following these simple steps:

Use a sober driver, rideshare, or taxi.
Never let friends drive impaired.
Have a plan before the first drink.

Enforcement will be visible, and the message remains clear: Drive sober or get pulled over. But the ultimate goal is not to write tickets. It’s to make sure everyone makes it home safely.

For more information, visit shift-idaho.org.

Public invited to weigh in on US-95 project near Parks Road

Aerial view of US-95 near the Parks Road intersection.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the community to learn about and provide feedback on a future project to improve safety and increase mobility on U.S. Highway 95 near Parks Road. Construction is still several years away, but design is starting now. Proposed improvements include:

• Eliminating left turns and median crossing to allow right-in/right-out only access to US-95 from Parks Road.
• Building a new frontage road on the east side of US-95 from Parks Road to Lawrence Road, connecting to the existing dead-end and completing the route to SH-53 and even further south.
• Coordinating with the Lakes Highway District on a separate project as they plan to realign Old Highway 95 to Parks Road.
• Addressing congestion issues around the Bunco Road interchange and also near the Bunco Road/Pope Road intersection caused by surges in traffic to and from the neighboring theme park.

In-Person Meeting
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
4:30-6:30 p.m.

ITD Athol Shed
6303 E. Parks Road
Athol, ID

Feel free to drop in anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to view project displays and talk with members of the design team. Staff will be available to walk you through plans, answer questions, and hear your feedback.

Parents, feel free to bring your children along with you! This is a casual, drop-in event and families are welcome.

For anyone who can’t attend in person, the same information shared at the meeting will be available online starting August 19 through September 5 at US-95: Parks Road | ITD Projects.

This project is currently funded for design and construction beginning in 2031 for approximately $10 million.

Left turn locations being removed as part of Eagle Road safety project

Beginning Monday, the Idaho Transportation Department will permanently close three left-turn locations on Eagle Road (State Highway 55) between Interstate 84 and State Highway 44 (State Street) as part of a pilot project to improve safety along the corridor.

The changes are based on traffic safety data and community input gathered during a recent safety study. By reducing conflict points these adjustments are expected to lower crash rates along one of Idaho’s busiest highways.

Left turns will be removed at the following locations:

The two-way left turn between Island Woods Drive and the north channel of the Boise River
Northbound left-in at Baldcypress Street
Southbound U-turn at Bourbon Street near Ustick Road

Later this year, ITD will also install variable speed limit signs between Franklin Road and Chinden Boulevard. These signs will reduce speed limits to 45 mph during peak congestion. Additional improvements will include speed feedback signs and signs warning of stopped traffic at key locations.

“These Highway 55 operational changes reflect a commitment to safety for the more than 50,000 drivers daily, by listening to public feedback and studying crash trends, we’ve identified ways to reduce risk for everyone traveling this 7-mile corridor,” Dan McElhinney, ITD Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer said.

Microsurfacing maintenance

In addition to the safety upgrades, ITD will begin microsurfacing Eagle Road from SH-44 (State Street) in Eagle to I-84 in Meridian on Monday. Microsurfacing is a preventative pavement sealcoal that extends the life of the roadway and reduces the need for more extensive repairs.

Construction will begin at I-84 and progress north to SH-44. All work is expected to be completed by late September.

During construction:

All lanes will be open during the day
One lane will be open in each direction at night
Nighttime work runs from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Drivers may encounter rough surfaces and loose gravel during the day. Please use caution.

“Crews will work one section at a time,” ITD Project Manager Josh Nisson said. “Drivers may see rough surfaces during the day until crews are able to finish that section at night. We appreciate the public’s patience during this project.”

To learn more or sign up for updates:

Text EagleRoad to 1-866-483-8422
Visit: itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55-69maintenance
Sign up for emails: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/pI5SwgY

For real-time travel impacts, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

US-20 traffic to shift as South St. Anthony Interchange nears completion

Road construction with closures and traffic shift on US-20 South St. Anthony interchange.

Beginning early this week, traffic on U.S. Highway 20 will be routed onto the newly built overpass bridge at South St. Anthony Exit 344. This marks the final stages of construction on a new full interchange at this location.

North and southbound motorists were previously routed onto the ramps while the overpass bridge was being constructed, with speed limits lowered to 35 mph. Traffic will now move to travel on mainline US-20 at a reduced work zone speed.

With this traffic shift, South St. Anthony ramps will be closed as work continues on 400 North under US-20. Workers and equipment will still be present on site, so drivers are urged to stay aware and be cautious.

This project is expected to be substantially complete later this summer, with the ramps and turning movements onto 400 North open then.

Funding for this project is assisted by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) fund. The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to invest in projects in corridors that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy, and positively impact communities across the state for years to come.

Updates on this project and others across Idaho can always be seen on the Idaho 511 app, or at 511.idaho.gov.

I-84 ramp closures at Meridian Interchange begin Saturday

The Idaho Transportation Department will close alternating eastbound and westbound ramps at the Interstate 84 Meridian Interchange (Exit 44) overnight from Saturday to Friday as crews apply a hot chip seal to extend the life of the pavement. Through traffic will not be affected.

Ramp closures are scheduled as follows:

Saturday and Sunday: Midnight to 5 a.m.
Monday through Friday: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

During these hours, Northbound ramps will be closed Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, while Southbound ramps will be closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

ITD is committed to minimizing disruptions during construction while prioritizing the safety of both motorists and crews. Chip seal oil is extremely hot. Drivers are urged to use extra caution in the work zone, stay clear of paving equipment, and follow all posted signs and flaggers’ directions.

Visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55-69maintenance to learn more, sign up for email updates or contact the project team.

For real-time traffic updates and road conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

Single lane opened to traffic on Porterville overpass

The Idaho Transportation Department has installed traffic signals allowing single-lane traffic to pass over the Porterville overpass north of Blackfoot. The overpass was damaged Tuesday evening when it was struck by a backhoe being hauled by a semi on Interstate 15. The collision caused severe damage to one of the concrete girders under the overpass.

ITD has determined it is safe to allow traffic to pass over the undamaged portion of the bridge. The traffic lights will alternate, allowing vehicles to use the single open lane.

In addition, concrete barriers will be put in place to ensure traffic does not pass over the damaged girder.

ITD continues to investigate what will be required to repair the bridge.

Motorists are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov for the latest traffic information and width restrictions.