I-15 Woodville Overpass scheduled for repair Tuesday night

Map showing I-15 detour on US-91 for Woodville construction

Beginning tomorrow night at 10 p.m., the northbound lanes of Interstate 15 will be closed underneath the Woodville Overpass so crews can replace a damaged girder. A detour will be in place until 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

Traffic will be detoured off the interstate at Exit 108 to U.S. Highway-91 and then will return to the interstate at Exit 113.

The girder was damaged in November when a towed excavator travelling on I-15 struck the bridge. Traffic on the overpass has been limited to one lane while ITD prepared for the repair. Work will continue until the end of the month when the overpass will be fully open to two-way traffic.

Motorists are encouraged to visit 511.idaho.gov or use the 511 app to keep track of project detours.

Overnight I-84 closures will begin Sunday between Meridian and Nampa

I-84 closure will begin Sunday between Meridian and Nampa.

The Idaho Transportation Department advises motorists to plan for nighttime lane closures on Interstate 84 beginning on Sunday between Meridian and Nampa.

Crews are painting permanent striping and installing overhead signs at the future interchange of State Highway 16 and I-84. One direction of I-84 will be closed each night during this work.

Sunday, Sept. 8:

Eastbound I-84 will be closed between the Garrity Boulevard (Exit 38) and Ten Mile Road (Exit 42) Interchanges from 9 p.m. Sunday night to 5 a.m. on Monday. Traffic will be detoured down Franklin Road. Click here for the detour map.

Tuesday, Sept. 10:

Westbound I-84 will be closed between the Ten Mile Road (Exit 42) and Garrity Boulevard (Exit 38) Interchanges from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Traffic will be detoured down Franklin Road. Click here for the detour map.

Additional nighttime lane restrictions on I-84 will continue through September, but at least two lanes will remain open in each direction. The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph at night.

To request updates about the State Highway 16 project, text HIGHWAY16 to 1-866-483-8422. For more information, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor.

SH-21 Wapiti Fire information and updates

A burned sign along SH-21 from the Wapiti Fire.

Update Sept. 12, 2024 – State Highway 21 remains closed as the Wapiti Fire continues to burn between Lowman and Stanley. Despite ongoing fire activity, the Idaho Transportation Department has completed a damage assessment of the area.

Emergency contracts have been established, and repair efforts are actively underway. Crews are currently removing hazard trees along the highway, and assessments indicate that approximately 49 road signs and several miles of guardrail will need to be replaced in Boise County. The guardrail is crucial, given the steep slopes along this mountainous highway.

“We are taking a proactive approach to this situation, and as long as it is safe to do so, we will continue our work in the area. Completing the damage assessment was a critical first step, allowing us to secure the necessary resources and determine what needs to be done to safely reopen the highway when the time comes,” Field Operations Manager Eric Copeland said.

Throughout the duration of this fire, ITD crews will continue to conduct twice-daily patrols using loaders to clear burnt trees, rocks, and debris from the highway, ensuring that fire crews and emergency responders can safely access the affected areas.

To date, the Wapiti Fire has burned more than 120,000 acres and is currently 12% contained. As multiple fires continue to impact Southwest Idaho, ITD encourages travelers to check road conditions at 511.idaho.gov before planning their journeys.

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Update Sept. 6, 2024 – Both directions of State Highway 21 remain closed from Sourdough Lodge to Stanley (MP 84 to 130). At the time of this update, the fire has burned more than 100,000 acres and is 12% contained. Traffic to/from the Stanley area can use State Highway 75 as an alternate route. There is no estimate on when SH-21 will reopen.

There are several active wildfires burning throughout Idaho . Wildfires don’t just affect landscapes—they force wildlife to migrate, moving away from flames and into new areas. This means more animals are crossing roads and entering populated areas, creating unexpected encounters with drivers. As the animals travel in search of food and habitat, they are at risk of additional threats like vehicle strikes. Keep yourself safe by slowing down, staying alert and watching for wildlife on the roads.

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The Idaho Transportation Department encourages all drivers to check 511.idaho.gov for current conditions on your route.

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Update Aug. 27, 2024 – Lower Stanley is being evacuated due to the movement of the Wapiti Fire. State Highway 75 will be closed at Museum (MP 190), Gateway (MP 192) and Casino Creek (195). Both directions of SH-75 are closed due to the fire risk. State Highway 21 from Stanley to Sour Dough Lodge is still closed in both directions.

We will continue to monitor fire movement and issue road closures as needed. Drivers in the area should keep an eye out for signage about the fire and avoid areas that are blocked off. The road closures include pedestrian, bicycling and other modes of transportation.

Go to 511.idaho.gov for up to date information on road closures and more. You can also follow Wapiti Fire Info 2024 for more fire information.

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Update Aug. 23, 2024 – The State Highway 21 closure has been expanded from Sourdough Lodge to Stanley (MP 84 to 130) due to wildfire activity from the Wapiti Fire. Only local traffic is permitted between the Sourdough and Warm Springs Airstrip. There is no public access from the highway to surrounding areas including Grandjean, Bull Trout, Cape Horn, Boundary Creek, or Seafoam.

Traffic to/from the Stanley area can use State Highway 75 as an alternate route. Access to local businesses in Lowman and Stanley remains open at this time. Please check with the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests for area closure information. Please check with the Boise and Custer County Sheriffs’ Offices for local road closures and evacuation orders.

There is no estimate on when SH-21 will reopen. Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

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Update Aug. 22, 2024 – State Highway 21 remains closed from Warm Springs Creek to Stanley (MP 92 to 130) due to wildfire activity from the Wapiti Fire. There is currently no public access to the Grandjean area, as the fire’s currently burning on both sides of the highway. Motorists planning to travel between Boise and Stanley must take an alternate route through Ketchum on State Highway 75. There is no estimate for when the road will reopen as fire activity remains unpredictable at this time.

If you are traveling on SH-21, please stay alert for increased fire traffic. It’s crucial not to slow crews down as they work to manage the fire. Avoid traveling to closure points to wait. For your safety, check 511.idaho.gov before you go!

Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

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Aug. 20, 2024 – The Wapiti Fire burning in the Boise National Forest has forced the closure of State Highway 21 near Grandjean. Motorists planning to travel between Boise and Stanley will need to take an alternate route through Ketchum on State Highway 75. There is no estimate for when the road will reopen.

The Wapiti Fire is 10% contained and has burned more than 9,000 acres. The Idaho Transportation Department encourages all drivers to check 511.idaho.gov for current conditions on your route.

Here are some additional safety tips for traveling in areas with wildfires:

Power outages are common near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic signals as four-way stops.
Bring additional food and water in case your trip is delayed.
Driving in smoke is similar to driving in heavy fog. Slow down, maintain a steady pace, and stay alert.
Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.
The safest place to wait for a highway to reopen is at home. Avoid traveling to closure points to wait, as closures could last for days.

Fire information can be found on the National Interagency Fire Center’s website.

Delays expected on the Perrine Bridge next week for inspection

Drivers can expect lane restrictions and possible delays near Twin Falls to begin Monday as crews from the Idaho Transportation Department perform routine biannual inspections on the Perrine Bridge.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction while crew members are utilizing the inspection truck. Work will occur at non-peak hours to help reduce congestion and is expected to follow the below schedule:

– Southbound outside lane closure: Monday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
– Northbound outside lane closure: Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pedestrian access may be subject to short restrictions during portions of the inspection. Motorists should consider using an alternate route between the hours listed above. The schedule is subject to change pending weather conditions, so travelers should remember to check 511.idaho.gov for updates or pay attention to signage in the area.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution near the work zone and watch for crew members and equipment. ITD appreciates the patience and cooperation of those driving through the area.

ITD to host two open houses next week for SH-44, I-84 to Star Road Project

ITD is hosting two open houses to present alternative concepts as part of the State Highway 44, Interstate 84 to Star Road Project. The alternatives include designs along SH-44 in both downtown Middleton and at the Star Road Intersection.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is hosting two open houses to present alternative concepts as part of the State Highway 44, Interstate 84 to Star Road Project. The alternatives include designs along SH-44 in both downtown Middleton and at the Star Road Intersection.

Details for the open houses are below:

Tuesday, Sept.10, at Middleton Middle School at 511 W Main Street in Middleton. 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime)
Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Star Fire Protection District at 11665 W State Street, Ste. B in Star. 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (drop in anytime)

The same information will be available at both in-person open houses and online from Sept. 10-25 at: https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh44pel. The project team held four previous open houses in January and April.

“Public feedback and stakeholder input have proven crucial to identifying suitable alternatives so far. Incorporating this feedback with traffic data has narrowed the number of alternatives carried forward. We look forward to sharing these designs and engaging with the public as the project moves to the next step,” ITD Project Manager Mark Wasdahl said.

In this study phase, ITD is implementing the Federal Highway Administration’s Planning and Environmental Linkage process to identify and screen transportation improvements. Once improvements have been chosen, the project will transition into the National Environmental Policy Act phase.

For details, assistance, or more information, you can reach the project team at info@idaho44corridor.com. Further project information can be found on the ITD project page.

Eighty-two lives lost during the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads

Eighty-two* lives were lost in traffic crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads. The Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has preliminary data on this year’s 100 Deadliest Days, when there is a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes across the state. From Memorial Day through Labor Day more people are out of school or work, on vacation, and celebrating. Risky driving behaviors like distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding increase.

The 82* people killed this summer is slightly fewer than the 93 people killed during the 100 Deadliest Days last year. For all of 2024 so far 156* people have died in traffic crashes, compared to 165 last year. 2023 was the deadliest year for traffic crashes in over a decade.

“While there were fewer crashes than last summer, we still lost 82 people during the 100 Deadliest Days. Every traffic death is a tragedy, and we can do more to prevent them,” said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “Whether we are driving for work or fun, we can always drive engaged, always drive sober, and obey speed limits so that we don’t lose more Idahoans to traffic crashes.”

Top 10 Contributing Circumstances for crashes during the 100 Deadliest Days (in no particular order):

Fail to maintain lane
Speeding
Alcohol impairment
Inattention
Fail to yield
Crossed centerline
Overcorrecting
Following too close
Improper turn
Drug impairment

100 Deadliest Days deaths* by ITD District and County:

District 1

Kootenai – 5
Bonner – 3
Boundary – 2
Shoshone – 2
Benewah – 0

District 2

Idaho – 4
Nez Perce – 3
Clearwater – 1
Latah – 0
Lewis – 0

District 3

Ada – 9
Canyon – 8
Payette – 4
Owyhee – 2
Gem – 1
Elmore – 1
Adams- 0
Valley – 0
Washington – 0
Boise – 0

District 4

Twin Falls – 6
Gooding – 4
Lincoln – 2
Jerome – 2
Cassia – 1
Camas – 0
Blaine – 0
Minidoka – 0

District 5

Bannock – 3
Power – 2
Bingham – 1
Bear Lake – 1
Caribou – 0
Oneida – 0
Franklin – 0

District 6

Bonneville – 9
Clark – 2
Lemhi – 1
Fremont – 1
Madison – 1
Teton – 1
Butte – 0
Custer – 0
Jefferson – 0

*All 2024 data is preliminary and subject to change

Lane closures on I-90 between Cataldo and Pinehurst begin Thursday for paving

Map of I-90 work zone between Cataldo and Pinehurst

Starting Thursday the Idaho Transportation Department will begin a nighttime project to resurface a 9-mile section of Interstate 90 from River Road near Cataldo to Pinehurst. This project will involve milling down the driving surface to remove fractures, ruts and flaws and replacing it with a fresh, smooth layer of asphalt.

Work will be conducted Monday through Friday, beginning at 6 p.m. each evening until 6 a.m. the following morning and is expected to be complete by early October.

Although work will be performed at night, drivers will experience single-lane closures during daytime hours as well where the roadway has been milled due to the difference in elevation between lanes.

Several on- and off-ramps within the work zone will have temporary, intermittent nighttime closures during active milling and paving but will be open during the day for access.

Exit 39 at Mission Road
Exit 40 at Latour Creek Road
Exit 43 at Kingston
Exit 45 at Pine Creek

Roadside digital signs will inform drivers of specific information regarding ramp closures.

Drivers, especially motorcyclists, should exercise caution when accessing these ramps as they travel over between milled and un-milled lanes.

This work zone will encompass ongoing work at the I-90 Coeur d’Alene River Bridges. Traffic control will be coordinated with the existing work zone to guide drivers through the area safely.

Up-to-the-minute information about lane and ramp closures, traffic impacts, and delays can be found by using the Idaho 511 system.

Ramp closure scheduled at the System Interchange

Map of system interchange in Pocatello showing detour through Northgate Interchange.

Beginning tomorrow night, the northbound to westbound ramp of the Interstate 86/Interstate 15 System Interchange will be closed to allow for demolition of the old eastbound to northbound bridge. Traffic intending to travel westbound on Interstate 86 from northbound Interstate 15 will be detoured through the Northgate Interchange. Work will continue until Thursday when the ramp reopens at 7:30 a.m.

Originally built in the 1960s, this is the last existing bridge of the System Interchange that will need demolition as part of the $112 million redesign. The project is scheduled to be completed next summer.

Motorists should carefully follow signs and posted speed limits while traveling through the construction area. With crews working day and night, it is especially important that drivers be alert and proceed safely through the work zone.

Motorists are encouraged to use 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to keep track of project detours. Project details are also available at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-86i-15-system-interchange

Closure of SH-38 railroad crossings near Malad starts Sept. 19

Three railroad crossings on State Highway 38 near Malad will close for repairs for up to three weeks starting Sept. 19, with some work beginning next week. Detours will be posted and message boards will be in place to alert the public to the coming road closure.

Preliminary work at the crossings will consist of delivery of materials and prebuilding new rail track panels outside the roadway and will not cause full closures.

Crews will replace the concrete pads and rails to make the crossings smoother. New drains will also be installed to address ponding issues.

Traffic impacts from this project and others are always available at 511.idaho.gov

Law enforcement mobilizing to stop impaired drivers this Labor Day

Police and sheriffs’ departments from across the state are joining the Idaho Office of Highway Safety (OHS) in a Labor Day Impaired Driving Mobilization. Expect to see more officers on the road now through September 2 to stop impaired drivers before they hurt themselves or someone else.

Labor Day also marks the end of the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho Roads. It’s the time when Idaho sees a rise in impaired, distracted and aggressive driving that leads to more injuries and deaths on our roads.

At the start of the summer there were a lot of deadly crashes. The number of fatalities was trending above the previous year, however the rate of deadly crashes slowed after the Fourth of July. Currently 70* people have been killed on Idaho roads this summer, that’s less than last summer at this time, when the total was 79. This year-to-date 145* people have been killed in traffic crashes, compared to 151 at this time in 2023. In 2023 there were 275 total traffic deaths, the deadliest year in over a decade.

“Every crash is a tragedy, and in the case of impaired driving crashes, they are always preventable,” explained Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton, “We partner with police to stop drunk drivers from hurting people, but everyone can have a positive impact by getting a sober ride home instead of driving impaired.”

*Preliminary data, subject to change