Public invited to open house for proposed changes to US-20 west of Idaho Falls

Bus, equipment, commuter and recreational traffic all traveling on US-20 west of Idaho Falls toward the Twin Buttes.

The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting an open house next week to share proposed improvements to U.S. Highway 20 from Idaho Falls to Arco.

US-20 is one of the few highways that run east to west across the entire United States. This section is a vital route for commerce and the 6,000 eastern Idahoans who work at the Idaho National Laboratory.

Originally built in 1950, the roadway requires robust improvements to continue to serve motorists for years to come. The design proposes increasing safety by adding capacity, widening the road to two lanes in each direction starting at Idaho Falls and moving west. Widening will improve safety for freight, agricultural, recreational and commuter traffic where limited passing opportunities and lines of sight now exist.

Those attending the open house will have the chance to comment on these proposed designs, learn the project timelines and see how construction impacts are being mitigated.

Open house details:

Snake River Event Center at the Shilo Inn

780 Lindsay Blvd, Idaho Falls

Thursday, September 4

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

For those unable to attend, an online option will be available September 4-18 at us20arcotoif.com.

“We know this route needs improvements and have been very focused on working towards them,” ITD District Engineer Jason Minzghor said. “We’re excited to get public input on the design and see construction happen in the very near future.”

Construction could begin as early as next summer due to additional funds dedicated to the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation program by Governor Little and the Idaho Legislature earlier this year. This bonding program enhances safety, improves mobility, further strengthens Idaho’s economy and positively impacts communities across the state for years to come.

Delays for US-95 travelers between Moscow and Lewiston this week

Bridge work using heavy equipment on Thorn Creek Bridge over US-95 near Lewiston, Idaho.

Beginning this Wednesday, motorists using U.S. Highway 95 from Lewiston to Moscow will see greater delays at the Thorn Creek work zone as crews pour concrete.

A speed reduction will be in place over the Thorn Creek Bridge that will cause delays of approximately 20 minutes. Delays could be longer during commuting hours. Traffic will be slowed to a strict 5 mph over the structure to ensure vibrations do not impact the curing process for the high-strength concrete. Concrete work is expected to be done on Wednesday, with curing necessary on Thursday and Friday. Restrictions will be in effect, though there may not be active work on site.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and avoid delays by taking State Highway 8 and then the Moscow-Pullman Highway in Washington as an alternate route.

Work at the Thorn Creek Bridge is one of the few remaining steps in completing the new four-lane section from Reisenauer Hill to Moscow. Construction began in 2022 to shift the curving, two-lane highway to the east and expand it to four lanes. The nearly $90 million realignment was funded partially by Governor Little’s Leading Idaho program and was designed to be safer with a flatter grade, fewer curves and better access control.

Five miles of the new alignment opened to traffic in early July. This last mile is expected to be complete by November.

Traffic updates on this project and others across Idaho can always be seen on the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov.

ITD projects face ongoing schedule changes as operator strike continues

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

The Idaho Transportation Department is monitoring ongoing impacts to construction projects in North Idaho as the labor strike involving heavy equipment operators in eastern Washington continues.

While laborers remain on-site for some tasks, many projects that depend on operators are experiencing delays or schedule adjustments. ITD is coordinating with contractors, local maintenance crews, and partners to address immediate needs and keep traffic moving safely.

Current project updates include:

Interstate 90, State Highway 41 Interchange: Previously planned traffic shifts onto the new lanes of SH-41 and the new SPUI intersection will be delayed until the strike is resolved. In the meantime, traffic will remain in its current configuration and drivers will continue to use the existing alignment on SH-41. This delay will also affect the schedule to re-open the new westbound off ramp at SH-41 as it cannot be constructed until traffic is shifted over to use the new intersection. ITD maintenance crews are evaluating options to reinforce pavement on existing SH-41 for winter use if needed. At this time, expectations for overall completion of the project remain on track for 2026, though some milestones may shift further into the year.

State Highway 53 Pleasant View Interchange: The temporary signal installed earlier this year remains in place and is working well to safely manage traffic through the intersection. While minor construction activities are occurring, the operator strike is preventing major work, which will delay overall progress. A key concern is coordinating with the railroad to set bridge girders over the tracks. Overhead work requires the railroad to adjust train schedules, which involves extensive planning and coordination. Missing the previously planned work window will affect when this task can be rescheduled after the strike ends.

I-90 Coeur d’Alene River Bridge: Girders for the eastbound bridge have been fabricated, but the operator strike is delaying their delivery and installation. Because girders are a critical step, this setback may force traffic to remain in the current crossover configuration into the winter, creating challenges for plowing and snow removal. Reduced lane widths in this setup would also significantly affect commercial vehicles and oversized loads. Even once girders are in place, much of the remaining work, such as concrete pouring and paving, is weather-dependent, meaning current delays could impact ITD’s ability to complete the bridge before winter. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available to the project team and schedule decisions are made.

I-90 Widening: Work on the project is limited at this time. Although the project officially began last week, the strike came into effect shortly afterward, preventing significant work from getting underway. ITD is evaluating which elements can move forward this year to reduce overall delays, but the delayed start is likely to affect the overall schedule and may impact the anticipated completion timeline.

I-90 Fourth of July Pass: ITD is currently evaluating options for traffic control along this section. Barriers and the current traffic configuration could either remain in place or be adjusted, but a final decision will depend on how the strike unfolds over the next week. Leaving traffic as-is may be frustrating for drivers, but may allow for more efficient work later this year and into 2026 once the strike ends. ITD is also reviewing plans to address drainage issues along the corridor. Further updates will be provided as schedule and traffic decisions are finalized.

SH-54 Reconstruction from State Highway 41 to Greystone Road: With major construction paused due to the ongoing operator strike, ITD maintenance crews have performed temporary paving at key approaches near Timberlake High School and 10^th Street in Spirit Lake. This work is critical to maintain safe access and keep traffic moving while larger project elements are on hold. The speed limit in the work zone is currently reduced to 45 mph and is expected to remain in place into winter. Drivers may experience minor disruptions as temporary paving is completed, but ITD crews are working quickly, and temporary detour information will be posted locally. Additional striping adjustments may be made at the eastern end of the work zone to lengthen crossover areas for smoother transitions and improved safety if the strike continues beyond a week or two.

ITD will continue to monitor the situation closely. If the strike extends further into the fall, more projects may face more significant schedule changes. The department will update the public as new information becomes available.

For more details on each project, visit any of ITD’s project webpages at www.itdprojects.idaho.gov.

UPDATE: Gowen Road and portions of I-84 to close nightly beginning Friday for bridge repairs

Graphic map showing I-84 interchange with local road. The area of I-84 over the road is highlighted indicating the construction area.

The Idaho Transportation Department will close Gowen Road nightly beginning Friday as part of a bridge repair project on Interstate 84. These closures are needed to facilitate safe and efficient traffic flow while both eastbound lanes of I-84 are closed at the Gowen Interchange. This project will repair bumps in the roadway caused by settling and rutting at the beginning and end of the bridge.

Road closure schedule:

Saturday and Sunday nights: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Monday through Friday nights: 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Detour routes:

From Gowen Road to I-84 (eastbound or westbound):

Turn right on Eisenman Road, proceed to the Eisenman Interchange, and use on-ramps to access I-84 in either direction.

From Gowen Road to SH-21 or Federal Way:

Turn right on Eisenman Road, proceed to the Eisenman Interchange, access I-84 westbound, exit at the Gowen Interchange, and follow signs to SH-21/Federal Way.

From SH-21/Federal Way to eastbound I-84 or Gowen Road:

Travel east on Federal Way to the Eisenman Interchange. From there, access I-84 westbound or turn west on Eisenman to return to Gowen.

These closures coincide with previously released nightly full closures of eastbound I-84 near the Gowen Interchange. During the closures, eastbound drivers will be detoured off I-84 at the Gowen Road off-ramp and directed back onto the interstate via the on-ramp. The detour will remain within the same interchange, and only minor delays are expected.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted detour signs, and allow extra time when traveling through the area. For the latest updates and traffic conditions, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.

How ITD teamwork and ingenuity delivered a safer intersection

When traffic starts backing up at the Banks-Lowman and SH-55 intersection in SW Idaho, especially during the busy summer months, locals feel it and so do ITD crews. For years, temporary flagging operations helped keep things moving, but concerns continued to build around congestion, public safety, and the risks faced by flaggers working in live traffic.

So, District 3 Operations took action. Without dedicated funding but with a deep understanding of the need, the department made a bold decision: build and install a traffic signal in-house.

It was the first time ITD crews had taken on a signal project from start to finish, including design, construction, and installation, and they pulled it off in just 15 months. A similar project delivered through the traditional method would have taken 3-5 years and cost around $1.5 million. By handling it internally, ITD completed the work for under $500,000.

“The crews’ efforts, communication, and coordination were exceptional,” Nestor Fernandez, District 3 Operations Engineer, said. “Each team, whether from our own district or assisting districts, was fully committed and invested in completing their tasks. The seamless collaboration across groups ensured work was completed efficiently and to a high standard.”

That creativity was especially important when it came to phasing the new signal. The intersection didn’t have existing turn lanes, and a single-lane bridge had to be managed without introducing excessive delay. Because the design was handled in-house, the team could think outside the box and the result was a tailored solution that worked.

While some highly specialized elements, like foundation drilling and pole installation, were contracted out, the majority of the project was delivered using state forces. ITD teams from across the agency contributed, and that statewide collaboration proved to be a game-changer.

From navigating environmental requirements to expediting material procurement, every step of the process came with a learning curve. But the result wasn’t just a safer intersection, it was a powerful example of what’s possible when teams work together and think creatively.

“Constructing this project with state forces was a unique and valuable experience for the district,” Nestor added. “The positive, seamless collaboration and communication across all sections, and with the contractors, was a key factor in its success, as was the strong ownership each team took in their role.”

The Banks-Lowman signal project has already made a difference for local residents and travelers alike.

Justin Smith wins Award of Excellence for history series

The hits keep on comin’ for District 5 Public Information Officer Justin Smith, who just last month won an Esto Perpetua award from the State Historical Society for his outstanding work promoting and preserving Idaho history. Last week, Smith won an Award of Excellence from the communications group APEX for the series of Transporter articles detailing the early transportation history in the state.

“Idaho has a rich transportation history stretching from the old Indian footpaths and the Oregon Trail to today’s highways and freeways,” said Smith. “In many ways, transportation history is the history of Idaho. I love our state and am passionate about its past and its people. I’m especially grateful for my job at ITD where I have the opportunity to share in telling ITD’s past as well as work with the many people who are continuing the proud transportation tradition!”

Smith has published a dozen “Early Transportation in Idaho” articles so far.

“I love the stories that Justin shares with us about Idaho transportation history,” said Office of Communication Manager John Tomlinson. “This is just one of the awards he has won for his historical writing this year. His passion for preserving Idaho history benefits us all.”

Blackfoot maintenance shed’s open floor design improves safety

The newly remodeled Blackfoot shed sports a new floor, drains, windows, paint, electrical, and fire suppression, but what really gets foreman Troy Despain excited is the wide-open shop space.

Before the remodel the shed was a tight proposition. Plows backed into their slots with barely inches to spare in front of and behind the vehicles. In addition, there were ceiling support posts that drivers had to gingerly navigate around. One wrong move backing into the shed and thousands of dollars could be lost

Today the shed looks brand new. The depth of the building has been expanded to allow more room in front of and behind the plows. In addition, Despain pushed hard for an open floorplan without the original design’s support posts. “We build spans across gorges, there’s no reason why we couldn’t put in a large beam that removed the necessity of those support pillars.”

While there are a few support posts at the ends and joints between beams, a massive steel beam carries the roof’s weight over the majority of the shop resulting in an open shop floor and improved safety. Despain says the new main beam design will be the standard moving forward for other sheds. “It just makes sense,” he said.

Public invited to review findings and proposed improvements for SH-44 corridor

Community invited to learn about Highway 16 and 44 improvement projects.

The Idaho Transportation Department invites the public to attend two upcoming open houses to learn about findings and recommended improvements for the State Highway 44 corridor between Interstate 84 and Star Road.

SH-44 is a key east-west route through Middleton and Star. With continued population growth, traffic volumes and congestion have increased and reinforced the need for a modernized SH-44. This project proposes alternatives to realign SH-44.

These open houses will give the public an opportunity to review the results of the alternatives evaluation and see which proposed recommendations advance into preliminary design and environmental review.

Open house details:

Tuesday, Aug. 26

Middleton Middle School, 511 W Main Street, Middleton

4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime)

Wednesday, Aug. 27

Star Fire Protection District, 11665 W State Street, Ste. B, Star

4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime)

The same materials will be available online from Aug. 26 through Sept. 10 at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh44pel.

“We’ve spent the past two years working with agency partners and local communities to identify practical solutions for this growing corridor,” ITD Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said. “This is the public’s chance to see the alternatives we evaluated and what we’re recommending to move forward.”

This study followed the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process to identify and screen potential transportation improvements. The PEL process is a collaborative approach to decision-making for transportation projects. Used to gather data and input from the community and stakeholders, PEL helps to understand a project’s needs and goals and identify solutions before moving into the detailed analyses required by the National Environmental Policy Act. The project team previously held three rounds of open houses in January, April, and September 2024 to gather feedback from the public.

Construction for this project has not yet been funded.

For more information or assistance, contact the project team at info@idaho44corridor.com or visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh44pel.

Nighttime lane closures on SH-44 begin Friday

Beginning Friday, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin nighttime lane closures on State Highway 44 between Linder Road and State Highway 55 (Eagle Road) for resurfacing.

Resurfacing serves to improve ride quality for drivers and extend the life of the roadway.

Work is scheduled to take place overnight during the following hours:

Monday through Friday: 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Saturday: 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Sunday: 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Flaggers will be on site to guide traffic through the work zone. Drivers are encouraged to slow down, follow posted signs, and plan ahead.

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

Nighttime closures planned for eastbound I-84 near Gowen Road

Starting Friday, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin one week of nighttime closures on eastbound Interstate 84 near Gowen Road. The closures are part of a repair project to fix bumps in the roadway caused by settling and rutting at the beginning and end of the bridge.

During the closures, eastbound drivers will be detoured off I-84 at the Gowen Road off-ramp and directed back onto the interstate via the on-ramp. The detour will remain within the same interchange, and only minor delays are expected.

The project involves reconstructing approximately 250 feet of the two-lane eastbound approach before the Gowen Bridge, as well as 50 feet beyond it.

Full eastbound closures are scheduled during the following hours, weather permitting:

Monday through Friday: 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time when traveling through the area. For the latest construction updates and detour information, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.