Idaho’s 2025 100 Deadliest Days result in 88 fatalities

BOISE – During the 100 Deadliest Days, 88 people were killed in crashes on Idaho roads, according to preliminary data from the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS).

During this time, more people are on vacation, celebrating, or traveling, and risky driving behaviors tend to rise. Of the 60 people killed in motor vehicle crashes, 23 were not wearing seat belts. Nearly one-quarter of those killed this summer were motorcyclists.

“Every death is a tragedy,” said Jo Middleton, Highway Safety Manager. “We can save lives by always wearing a seat belt, driving engaged, driving sober, and slowing down so everyone can make it home safely.”

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and OHS are working hard to change this trend. In addition to gathering and sharing critical data, they are:

Increasing public awareness with statewide campaigns to educate drivers about high-risk behaviors during the 100 Deadliest Days.
Expanding enforcement efforts in partnership with local law enforcement to reduce impaired and aggressive driving and to boost seat belt use.
Engaging communities with outreach programs and safety resources that help drivers make smarter choices.
Enhancing and modernizing infrastructure to improve safety on Idaho’s roadways and reduce crash severity.

These efforts show ITD and OHS’s deep commitment to protecting Idahoans and saving lives, not just tracking statistics.

Top 10 Contributing Circumstances during the 100 Deadliest Days:

No seat belt use
Failure to maintain lane
Speeding
Alcohol impairment
Inattention
Driving left of center
Overcorrection
No helmet
Asleep, drowsy, or fatigued
Improper overtaking

Fatalities by ITD District and County (Preliminary):

District 1
Bonner – 1
Kootenai – 4

District 2
Benewah – 3
Idaho – 3
Nez Perce – 3

District 3
Adams – 1
Ada – 9
Boise – 3
Canyon – 8
Elmore – 5
Owyhee – 1
Payette – 1
Valley – 1

District 4
Cassia – 6
Gooding – 3
Jerome – 7
Lincoln – 1
Minidoka – 2
Twin Falls – 6

District 5
Bannock – 3
Bingham – 2
Oneida – 1
Power – 3

District 6
Bonneville – 4
Custer – 1
Fremont – 3
Madison – 3

*The 100 Deadliest Days are the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. All data is preliminary and subject to change.

Lane closures on US-26 near Palisades begin Monday

Travelers on U.S. Highway 26 near the Wyoming border will see one lane-closures and temporary traffic signals in place beginning Monday. The restrictions will allow space for the Idaho Transportation Department and contractor partners to remove hazardous trees in the Palisades area.

These efforts will begin at the Wyoming border, then move west as far as possible through the fall until halting for the season on November 1.

US-26 in east Idaho is a main route to the Jackson Hole and Teton Valley areas, with frequent influx of recreational and tourist traffic. Temporary signals will be in place Monday – Friday in short work zones where active work is occurring and removed from the roadway during weekends. Delays are anticipated to be approximately 15-20 minutes.

Motorists can follow the status and location of this project and others across the state on the Idaho 511 app or at 511.idaho.gov.

Bliss railroad crossing improvements begin this weekend on SH-26

State Highway 26 near Andersons Grain will be reduced to one lane beginning Saturday as crews address the deteriorating railroad crossing in Bliss.

Temporary traffic signals will be installed to safely direct vehicles through the work zone. Low clearance vehicles should find an alternate route due to limited clearance.

Work will replace the pavement and train tracks to make the crossing smoother and is expected to be complete by September 27.

Motorists should plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow posted signage in the Bliss area. Check 511.idaho.gov for updated traffic impacts.

ITD construction projects to resume following end of operator strike

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

The Idaho Transportation Department has been informed that the operator strike has officially ended, which is welcome news for our projects and for the traveling public. While this resolution is an important step forward, the work stoppage has caused delays that will affect original project milestones and completion dates.

At this stage, we are working closely with our contractors to reassess schedules, establish new priorities, and determine what can realistically be accomplished before winter. Over the next few weeks, we expect to have a clearer picture of revised timelines and how subcontractors will be scheduled across multiple job sites now that they are back in high demand. We will share those details as soon as they are available.

2025 Aviation Art Contest winners announced

A child's drawing of a plane and a sunrise.

BOISE—The Idaho Division of Aeronautics is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Aviation Art Contest! The annual contest is an opportunity for Idaho students from Ages 5-18 to exhibit their Artist View of Aviation. The theme was “Flying Yesterday & Tomorrow.”

First Place:

A drawing of Air Force One. — Ages 13-15 1st Place – Artwork by Jimmy

A series of drawings of aviation craft through history. — Ages 10-12 1st Place – Artwork by Kangwoon

A child's drawing of a future flying craft. — Ages 5-6 1st Place – Artwork by Owen

Second Place:

A child's drawing of a plane and hot air balloon seen through binoculars. — 5-6 years 2nd Place – Artwork by Dixie

A child's drawing of a fighter plane. — 7-9 years 2nd Place – Artwork by Owen

A child's drawing of two pilots. — 10-12 years 2nd place – Artwork by S.P.

A drawing of the Boise Airport, Boise Depot, and many planes. — Ages 13-15 2nd Place – Artwork by Kanghyeon

Runners Up:

A child's drawing of a fighter plane and sunset. — Ages 7-9 Runner Up – Artwork by Barrett

A child's drawing of two planes. — Ages 7-9 Runner Up – Artwork by Jerry

A child's drawing of aviation in the past and future. — Ages 10-12 Runner Up – Artwork by Sri Avanthika

A series of drawings of planes from history. — Ages 13-15 Runner Up – Artwork by Annalyse

A child's drawing of a fighter plane. Half of the artwork is black and white, half is in color. — Ages 13-15 Runner Up – Artwork by Josie

The first-place winners got an airplane ride, a copy of their artwork signed by Governor Brad Little, and a congratulatory letter. Second-place winners got $25 in art supplies, a copy of their artwork signed by the Governor, and a congratulatory letter.

Congratulations to all the winners and runners up and thank you to all the students who participated this year. The 2026 Aviation Art Contest will be announced in January 2026.

Gathering input on Rathdrum Prairie transportation study

Traffic congestion on US-95 in Coeur d'Alene

The Idaho Transportation Department is inviting the public to provide feedback that will help shape the future of roads and highways across the Rathdrum Prairie.

The Rathdrum Prairie Area Transportation Study began with more than 50 ideas for improving travel across Kootenai County. Through earlier rounds of public input and technical review, those concepts have been narrowed to 13 alternatives. These options focus on improving safety, reducing congestion, and keeping traffic moving as the region grows.

Two upcoming public meetings will give community members a chance to see how the alternatives were compared and which ones are recommended to move forward. Feedback from this round will help the study team narrow the list of alternatives even further and shape the recommendations that will guide future projects across the Rathdrum Prairie.

MEETING DETAILS:

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025

4:30 – 7 p.m.

Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce

105 N. 1^st St.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Thursday, Sept 18, 2025

4:30 – 7 p.m.

Q’emiln Park Trailhead Event Center

12201 W. Parkway Dr.

Post Falls, Idaho

Both meetings will be held in an open-house style so people can drop in anytime. Displays will show updates, and staff will be available to answer questions and gather feedback. The events are open to everyone, including families.

Those who cannot attend in person can review identical information online from Sept. 17 through Oct. 1 at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rathdrum-prairie-pel

Public invited to review results of SH-16 environmental reevaluation

SH-16 , a multil lane highway runs through rural Idaho, a high desert environment

The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to attend open house meetings to learn about the environmental reevaluation for State Highway 16 between State Highway 44 in Ada County and State Highway 52 in Gem County.

The meetings will provide an update on the study, outline the next steps toward environmental clearance, and share anticipated project phasing and future improvements. Both meetings will present the same information.

In-person open house details:

Monday, Sep. 15 (Eagle)
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (drop in anytime)
Eagle Christian Church, 100 S Short Rd, Eagle
Tuesday, Sep. 16 (Emmett)
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (drop in anytime)
Kenneth Carberry Elementary, 1950 E 12th St, Emmett

The same materials will be available online from Sep. 15 through 29 at sh1644to52.com for those unable to attend in person.

“We encourage the community to attend and learn about the reevaluation results and next steps,” ITD Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said. “We appreciate all the feedback we’ve received from community members, property owners, local agencies and many others throughout this process.”

ITD originally completed an environmental assessment for SH-16 in 2005 to evaluate long-term improvements. The current reevaluation is the first step in advancing the project to final design. This phase ensures the project aligns with current safety, environmental, and community standards. Once complete, the project will move into final design, with construction beginning when design is finalized and funding is secured.

For more information, contact the project team at sh16corridor@itd.idaho.gov or (208) 334-8008, or visit sh1644to52.com.

Nighttime lane closures begin on Long Bridge

Aerial view of the Long Bridge looking north into Sandpoint

Starting next week, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin a six-week project on the Long Bridge to address joints and improve winter maintenance operations. All work on U.S. Highway 95 will take place overnight, with crews setting up traffic control each evening at 7 p.m. and wrapping up by 6 a.m. the following morning.

What drivers can expect:

Lane closures: The bridge will be reduced to one lane at night. Unlike last year, the contractor will limit the work zone to sections of about 1,000–1,500 feet at a time rather than the full length of the bridge. This change is expected to significantly reduce wait times for drivers.
Flagging operations: Crews will alternate traffic through the work zone, but shorter closures should help queues clear more quickly.
Oversize loads: The work zone will be wider than last year, allowing more oversize loads to pass through unimpeded. Most oversize loads will be able to pass, but truckers should check Idaho 511 for specific limitations.
Rolling schedule: The contractor will use a 10-days-on, 4-days-off schedule to complete the project more quickly. This means the contractor will work some weekend nights.

“After a few seasons of working on the Long Bridge, we’ve learned a lot about what works for traffic control,” Project Manager Preston Sochovka said. “We’re listening to the community and using those lessons to fine-tune our approach this year. We’re optimistic these changes will make it easier for drivers with shorter delays and quicker trips across the bridge.”

ITD has also coordinated with the Lake Pend Oreille School District to help families get to varsity home games on time. On those nights, crews will start work later so traffic is not delayed by construction. While not all events can be accommodated, ITD is working with the district to find the best opportunities to lessen impacts and keep Bulldog spirit high and on time.

This project is necessary to address issues discovered after last year’s overlay work regarding raised joint edges created challenges for snowplows. Joints connect sections of the bridge and allow the structure to expand and contract with the weather. Drivers may not notice a big difference, but this will keep snowplows from catching on the joints and help equipment last longer. Crews will remove the raised edges. They will also add a thin layer of epoxy to protect the roadway from precipitation.

ITD acknowledges that this is the third consecutive year of construction on the Long Bridge and understands the frustration that goes along with it.

“We know it’s not easy to keep coming back,” Sochovka said. “But we’ve learned from last year, and this year’s work is about finishing strong and setting the bridge up for long-term performance.”

The bridge has long been a landmark in the community. The current road bridge, built in 1981, underwent a rehabilitation project a few years ago that extended its design life from 75 to 100 years. Next to it the pedestrian bridge, built in 1956 and now closed to vehicles, was reinforced during that same project.

Looking ahead, ITD is studying options to replace the pedestrian bridge with a new two-lane northbound structure that would also include a bike and pedestrian path. In that plan, the 1981 bridge could carry two lanes of southbound traffic. ITD anticipates pursuing federal grants to advance design work for the new bridge, followed by additional funding opportunities for construction.

Drivers are encouraged to plan extra time when traveling through the area at night and check Idaho 511 for the latest updates on restrictions and delays.

UPDATE: Idaho Transportation Department experiencing statewide outage

UPDATE (9/3/25)– The statewide network issues impacting the Idaho Transportation Department and other state agencies have been resolved. Online services and DMV transactions are now fully operational.

A big thank-you to the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services for their hard work in quickly identifying and resolving the issue. We also appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding during the outage.

For future updates and information, visit itd.idaho.gov or follow ITD on social media.

—

BOISE (9/2/25) – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is one of several state agencies currently experiencing a statewide network slowdown. This issue is impacting online services and certain transactions across multiple government platforms.

At this time, ITD customers may be unable to:

Access ITD’s online services, including registration renewals and business account management
Complete driver’s license, title, or vehicle registration transactions at county DMV offices

“We understand this outage may be frustrating for our customers and partners,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV Administrator. “We appreciate your patience as the Idaho Office of Information Technology Services works to restore full system functionality.”

Updates will be shared as more information becomes available. Customers can visit itd.idaho.gov or follow ITD on social media for the latest announcements.

Power of Partnership: SH-3 Rescue Paving

When a stretch of State Highway 3 near Clarkia started showing signs it might not last another winter, District 1 and District 2 crews teamed up to hold it together until a full rebuild can happen next year.

Instead of waiting for contractor availability — and paying the steep price that come along with it — our own forces jumped in to pave the section in late July. The move saved thousands, kept the work on schedule, and gave employees from both districts a chance to step up and deliver a high-quality fix before the weather turns.

The partnership was impressive, to say the least! D2 sent 11 trucks and 11 people to haul asphalt from a plant in Lewiston, while D1 fielded 8 trucks and 14 people to haul from Coeur d’Alene and run the paving operation on site.

Together, crews made dozens of trips a day, at times logging up to three round trips per driver. The remote location also gave new employees in training the chance to rack up valuable CDL hours while contributing directly to the project’s success.

Though traffic is light on this rural stretch, a significant number of vehicles are log trucks hauling to and from the mill. This rescue work to keep SH-3 safe wasn’t just about moving people; it’s also about keeping commerce moving in a region of Idaho where logging and trucking are at the heart of the local economy.

The paving crew also got to put their skills to work on a near-new, high-performance paver recently acquired from Ada County. With top-notch operators and a machine built to deliver contractor-level results, the team produced a surface that’s smooth, durable, and ready to carry traffic safely through winter.

“This was a big lift, on a short timeline, but exactly the kind of situation where our internal forces shine,” said District Engineer Damon Allen. “These guys and gals know the road, they know the challenges, and they know how to work together to get it done. I really appreciate District 2 stepping in to help. This kind of collaboration made the project possible and is exactly what makes ITD strong.”

Beyond the road itself, the project highlighted the value of collaboration across districts and how much can be accomplished when employees bring their skills, equipment, and determination together.