Star Card – Idaho’s REAL ID federal deadline extended

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice for REAL ID

Originally published 4/28/2021

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the federal deadline for REAL ID, Idaho’s Star Card enforcement, is extended to May 3, 2023 due to COVID-19. The pandemic has impacted states’ ability to issue REAL ID compliant IDs with many driver’s license agencies operating at limited capacity across the country, according to DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas.

The Idaho DMV continues to urge Idahoans to get their Star Card before 2023. The Star Card, U.S. passport, military ID, or other REAL ID compliant identification, will be required to board a commercial flight and enter a federal facility in May 2023.

Currently more than 490,000 of 1.25 million licensed drivers in Idaho have a Star Card. That number has increased from just 70,000 in 2019.

“We are happy to see the number of Idahoans who have chosen to get a Star Card steadily increase, even during the pandemic, and we want to maintain that momentum,” said Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “Despite the deadline extension to 2023, please plan ahead and get your Star Card early.”

The Star Card has been available in Idaho since 2018. The transaction requires an in-person visit to a county driver’s license office and additional documents. The Idaho DMV strongly encourages Idahoans use the “Add the Star” tool at itd.idaho.gov/starcard to learn what specific documents are needed, as they can vary depending on each person’s situation. More information, frequently asked questions, and driver’s license office locations can also be found online.

Please note, several other state DMVs have reported a REAL ID phishing scam in which a citizen may receive a text asking for personal information related to the REAL ID. This message is a scam and should not be clicked on. It has not yet appeared in Idaho, but remember the Idaho DMV does not send messages requesting information for the Star Card.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 as a result of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards, for official purposes.

Reconstruction of Middleton Road Bridge over Interstate 84 complete, open to traffic

The Middleton overpass is nearly complete

The Idaho Transportation Department has completed the reconstruction of the Middleton Road Bridge over Interstate 84 ahead of schedule and will open it to the public tonight. ITD will cover the opening at 8 p.m. live on Facebook.

The reconstruction was necessary to make room for additional travel lanes for I-84. ITD has begun the first phase of constructing a third travel lane in each direction. The new Middleton Road Bridge is long enough that a future fourth lane can be constructed without conflict.

The bridge was rebuilt ahead of schedule by contractor Concrete Placing Company. The cost of construction was $5.5 million.

The new bridge features a travel lane in each direction, wider shoulders, and a sidewalk on the north side. The design allows for future expansion of Middleton Road without the need to rebuild the entire structure. The project also constructed a signal at the intersection of Middleton Road and Cherry Lane, north of I-84.

“This project went really well and this new bridge is a great investment for transportation in the area,” said ITD Project Manager Michael Lucas. “We had a lot of coordination with some local road projects and the work on the Interstate. The crews worked through Covid-19 complications, adverse weather, and a lot of night work to get the job done. I appreciate the public’s patience during construction.”

The Department will quickly move to the second bridge over I-84 restricting the widening, Ustick Road. That bridge lies a little over a mile to the west of the Middleton Road Bridge. The Ustick Road bridge reconstruction project requires two separate bridge structures to be rebuilt, one over I-84 and the other crossing the Notus Canal. ITD will release a timeline for that project at a later date. Current information on the Ustick Road Overpass project can be found online at ITDprojects.org/UstickRoadOverpass/.

Twelve miles of US-95 south of Culdesac to be repaved this summer

Twelve miles of US-95 south of Culdesac will be repaved this summer, with impacts to traffic starting Monday, May 3. Motorists should plan up to 15 minutes of extra time to navigate through the work zone.

Until work is complete this October, drivers should expect one lane to be closed during working hours. The highway will open to two lanes at night and on the weekends when crews are not working.

Work will be focused between mileposts 267 – 271 south of Craigmont, portions of US-95 between mileposts 273 – 283 north of Craigmont and at approximately milepost 289 in the canyon. Crews will begin with the section in the canyon and progress south past Craigmont.

These repairs cost $7.3 million and will be completed by Valley Paving & Asphalt of Cottonwood.

Over the last two years, the Idaho Transportation Department has improved safety in the area by widening the highway to accommodate 2.5 miles of passing lane for southbound drivers. While no expansion work will take place this year, three more phases of work to extend the passing lane another 6.5 miles are programmed for 2023, 2024 and 2026. Paving this year will address the lanes that were not improved with previous projects.

Lanes to be reduced on westbound Interstate 84 starting Wednesday for Port of Entry project east of Declo

This Wednesday, westbound Interstate 84 will be reduced to a single lane from milepost 216 – 220. This reduction is expected to be in place for 10 days so crews can perform work relating to construction of the new Port of Entry facility east of Declo.

“We are at the beginning stages of this construction project which will relocate the Cotterel Port of Entry to a new site that provides a safer traveling experience for all drivers,” said ITD Project Manager Sam Purser.

The new location on I-84 will facilitate more efficient trucking operations through advanced technology and will meet current federal compliance standards.

Elements of the new facility will include: new westbound on and off ramps, support of utility infrastructure, scales with weigh-in-motion and automated vehicle identification technologies, video equipment, lighting, signage and operations office buildings.

“Most of the work will occur off the interstate and have minimal impacts to traffic,” stated Purser. “Some work, however, will require us to reduce lanes along I-84 in order to tie the newly constructed infrastructure into the interstate.”

Motorists are advised to check 511 before traveling for updated traffic impacts.

Knife River is the general contractor on this project that is expected to be complete next summer.

Idaho Transportation Department kicks off Work Zone Awareness Week: April 26-30

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is joining states across the country to promote National Work Zone Awareness Week April 26-30, 2021. The national and state campaigns are designed to raise awareness and educate the public about the safety measures we can all take in work zones, and how we are all responsible for work zone safety.

In 2020 Idaho saw 753 crashes in work zones resulting in five deaths, stressing the need for this year’s campaign: Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.

“Because work zones are congested and busy it’s so important that drivers stay alert and avoid distractions,” said Idaho State Police Trooper Tauna Davis. “In a work zone, the margin for error shrinks. With workers alongside the roadway, consequences of distracted driving can be especially serious, and none of us want that.”

For over 20 years, National Work Zone Awareness Week has been held in April at the traditional start of construction season when highway projects increase. This year, ITD is using its Facebook and Instagram accounts in lieu of public events to remind everyone that construction workers are our neighbors, family members, and friends.

“Watching for signs and following the direction they give us is what keeps all of us safe in work zones,” said Idaho State Police Corporal Scott Bolen. “The people in the work zones, from flaggers to engineers and equipment operators, are working to make the road safer and they count on all of us to keep them safe by slowing down and following the direction of signs and barriers. If we just stay focused and patient through a work zone, we’ll all be safely on our way.”

Since 1960, 40 workers have lost their lives on the job in Idaho. Every one of the fallen workers left behind family, friends, and co-workers who miss them to this day.

Though workers are often victims of work zone crashes, the dangers of reckless and distracted driving more often affect those behind the wheel. According to the Federal Highway Administration, four out of five work zone fatalities were drivers or passengers. Generally, crashes occur when drivers speed through a work zone or do not pay attention to the changing road conditions and drive off the road, or run into other vehicles, highway equipment, or safety barriers.

How can you help?

Work zone crashes are preventable. The top three causes of crashes are following too closely, speeding, and distracted driving.

When approaching a work zone please remember to:

Slow Down – drive the posted speed limits

Pay Attention – both to workers directing you and surrounding traffic

Plan Ahead – Check 511.idaho.gov before you go to plan your route. Expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible

“Every highway worker out there is someone’s parent, child, spouse, sibling, or friend,” reiterated ITD’s Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney. “Their job is to maintain and enhance our traveling experience while keeping everyone safe while doing so. As drivers we all should be work zone safe because they deserve to return home each day to their loved ones.”

I-84 Safety Service Patrol continues through the I-84 work zone to Caldwell

New signage on a patrol truck for the I-84 work zone

The Idaho Transportation Department launched the next phase of a safety patrol and courtesy towing service on Interstate 84 this week. The service, which was introduced in 2019 in Nampa, will now include the I-84 construction zones in Caldwell.

The Safety Services Patrol provides complimentary towing for disabled vehicles in the I-84 construction zone. The service has assisted 274 vehicles since it began.

“I-84 is the main commuting and freight route for thousands of drivers in Canyon County,” said Mark Campbell, ITD project manager. “Our goal in funding this service is to keep these drivers moving as safely and efficiently as possible as construction moves west toward Caldwell.”

Patrol vehicles will operate Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. between 10th Ave/City Center (exit 29) and Karcher/Midland Road (exit 33). Vehicles will be marked with new signage to increase visibility.

Disabled cars, trucks or motorcycles are towed to one of four locations located on the map. Motorists are responsible to arrange transportation for their vehicle within 24 hours.

“We are committed to continuing the close working relationship between this program, our state communications office and Idaho State Police in the next phase of the program,” said Campbell. “These offices, working together, are able to clear crashes quickly and safely.”

Crews recently began constructing temporary travel lanes in the outside shoulders of I-84 between Caldwell and Nampa. For more information about I-84 construction in Canyon County, listen to the Drive Idaho podcast or visit itdprojects.org/84corridor.

Eastbound lanes to close tonight on Chinden at the Linder intersection

Graphic of the closure of Chinden at Linder

As part of ongoing construction to widen Chinden in the Treasure Valley, several eastbound lanes on Chinden will close tonight at the Linder intersection and stay closed until construction on this segment ends later this summer.

Flaggers will reduce eastbound Chinden to one dedicated left turn lane and one through/right turn lane so crews can place traffic signal poles. Westbound traffic will not be affected, but eastbound motorists should expect significant delays at peak travel time and allow extra time to reach their destinations.

Download a graphic of the closure.

This configuration will remain in place until later this summer when work on this segment is anticipated to end. At that time, Chinden will open to four lanes, two in each direction, with a center median between Linder and Meridian Road.

To learn more about other widening plans in the corridor and sign up for updates, visit itdprojects.org/chindenwest.

Reconstruction of Idaho Highway 13 east of Grangeville begins May 3

Idaho Highway 13 east of Grangeville will undergo construction this summer. Work will resurface the highway, replace drains and address soft spots.

Repairs to ID-13 from milepost 1 to 7—which does not include Harpster Grade—will start on May 3 and will last through mid-July.

Drivers should be prepared for delays up to thirty minutes while crews are on site. During daylight hours, a pilot car will guide one lane of traffic through the zone. The highway will open up to two lanes at night and on the weekends, but traffic will still be slowed by the gravel surface.

“Construction will be short but intense,” ITD Resident Engineer Joe Schacher said. “It’s desperately needed, so we were able to move up construction from 2022 to this year.”

Community members are invited to stop by an informal open house at Grangeville City Hall at 225 West North Street on Wednesday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to learn more.

Poe Asphalt will complete the repairs for $3.3 million, with work inspected by Jacobs.

I-84 bridge repairs to begin next week in Gooding, Jerome, Minidoka and Cassia counties

Repairs to structures along I-84 in South-central Idaho are expected to begin Monday, April 26.

Over the coming months, ITD will resurface thirteen bridges and nine overpasses, as well as perform other minor maintenance activities, to keep them in service longer. For most bridges, traffic will be reduced to one lane. As work shifts from one bridge to another, traffic patterns will also change. Drivers should expect reduced speeds throughout the area and watch for crews during working hours.

Two overpasses in Minidoka County will be completely closed during construction.

“The overpasses at 500 West and Meridian Road will be closed for about three weeks, but not at the same time,” ITD project manager Bruce Christensen said. “These detours are expected in late May and mid-June.”

As those closures approach, another release will be sent.

Closing the two overpasses will allow crews to complete work sooner, reducing project costs and lessening the overall impacts to travelers.

Construction on all bridges is expected to be finished by October of this year. The general contractor is Cannon Builders.

Subcommittee for the Idaho Transportation Board to review reclassification of Idaho County highways on Thursday

The Idaho Transportation Board 129,000 Pound Route Subcommittee will meet Thursday, April 22 to review an application to reclassify the weight limits of several highways in Idaho County. After review, the subcommittee could provide a recommendation to the Idaho Transportation Board, which will make a final decision on the reclassification, or require further analysis by the department.

The subcommittee will convene at 12:15 p.m. PT / 1:15 p.m. MT in Jerome to discuss engineering analysis completed by department staff and comments received during the public hearing process.

The meeting will be held at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game office at 324 South 417 East, but members of the public may participate remotely via instructions located on the agenda. Since this meeting will be held after the Idaho Transportation Board meeting, participants should be prepared for any scheduling changes.

Public comments were sought in March and April on the application submitted by KBC Trucking to increase the limits on the following highways from 105,500 pounds to 129,000 pounds:

Idaho Highway 13 from the KBC Trucking yard at milepost 24.4 to its intersection of US-12 outside of Kooskia
US-12 from Kooskia to Kamiah
Idaho Highway 162 from Kamiah to its intersection with Old Highway 7

The applicant has also requested the use of Old Highway 7 from its intersections with ID-162 and US-95. This route is not being evaluated by ITD as it is under the jurisdiction of the Greencreek Highway District, Union Independent Highway District and Grangeville Highway District.

No further public comment will be taken at the subcommittee meeting.

The application, analysis by ITD and FAQs about 129,000-pound loads are available at itd.idaho.gov/freight.

A final decision by the Idaho Transportation Board could be made as early as the next regular board meeting on May 19.