ITD night work scheduled for multiple locations on I-90, US-95 and SH-53 throughout August

Crews sealing cracks on US-95 in Coeur d'Alene.

Drivers in Kootenai County should expect various nighttime lane closures, detours, and shifting traffic patterns throughout August as the Idaho Transportation Department performs a series of small maintenance and pavement preservation projects.

Work will take place overnight, typically between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., to limit daytime traffic impacts. Crews will rotate between several locations to complete tasks like resurfacing, sealing cracks and restriping, among and other surface repairs.

“We’re taking advantage of the cooler nighttime hours to minimize disruptions while improving the condition and safety of our highways,” Foreman TJ Gibson said. “We really appreciate the public’s patience and engaged driving for the safety of our guys and gals out working on the roads.”

Upcoming work schedule

Schedules may shift depending on weather and progress.

Aug. 4: Lane shift on State Highway 53 near Greensferry Road to remove existing striping in preparation for new lines.

Aug. 6: On-ramp to westbound Interstate 90 from Beck Road closed, and one lane closed on I-90 near the Washington state line for resurfacing.

Aug. 7: Lane closures at Beck Road and Point Parkway for resurfacing.

Week of Aug. 11: Crack sealing on the Post Falls Business Loop which consists of Seltice Way from Bay Street to Spokane Street.

Aug. 14: Full overnight closure at the intersection of Spokane Street and Seltice Way for resurfacing. Detours will be posted in 511 and via local signage.

Aug. 19: Both southbound lanes closed on U.S. Highway 95 near Appleway Avenue; detours for the intersection will be in place.

Aug. 21: Both northbound lanes closed on US-95 near Appleway Avenue; detours for the intersection will be in place.

Week of Aug. 25: Crack sealing throughout the US-95 corridor through Coeur d’Alene.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, drive with caution through work zones, and use Idaho 511 online or through the app for the most up-to-date traffic impacts and detour routes.

SH-3 paving work set to begin Monday near Clarkia

Close up view of a gnarly pot hole on SH-3 near Clarkia.

Starting Monday the Idaho Transportation Department will begin paving a section of State Highway 3 between mileposts 55 and 58 near Clarkia. Work is expected to continue through August 14, weather permitting.

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane during the day, with a pilot car guiding vehicles through the work zone. Drivers—especially commercial and logging truck traffic—should plan for delays throughout the duration of the project.

This effort is a short-term fix aimed at improving the worst sections of pavement before a more comprehensive project takes place next year. In 2026, ITD plans to return to the area to complete a full-depth rehabilitation that will include milling and completely repaving the highway. You can read more about that upcoming project here.

“This isn’t the final product,” said Ross Farrell, regional Foreman. “This overlay is meant to buy us time and provide a smoother, safer surface through winter until the full project can be completed next year.”

The paving effort is being supported by crews from both North Idaho and the north-central part of the state, who are teaming up to help complete the work efficiently. The project site is located near the regional boundary, making this kind of inter-district support possible, and appreciated.

ITD encourages drivers to slow down in work zones and check 511.idaho.gov or the Idaho 511 app for real-time construction impacts and travel updates.

Public feedback requested on potential improvements for SH-55 in McCall

Graphic representation of a State Highway 55 sign.

The Idaho Transportation Department and the City of McCall invite the public to provide input on potential improvements to State Highway 55 and Deinhard Lane to Boydstun Street.

SH-55 is part of the primary north-south corridor connecting Boise and central Idaho. Through downtown McCall, SH-55 functions as the city’s “Main Street.” Growth and increasing traffic through downtown have placed pressure on the route’s function as an efficient state highway.

This project focuses on determining the proper use of each roadway and designing improvements accordingly. One potential solution includes exchanging the ownership and classification of SH-55 and with Deinhard Lane to Boydstun Street, reducing traffic in downtown McCall.

The public meeting will be available both in person and online:

In-person: Wednesday, August 6, drop in anytime between 4 to 7 p.m. at the McCall Public Library, Community Hall, 218 Park Street
Online: A self-guided website will be available August 6–20 at sh55deinhard-boydstun.com

Community members are encouraged to review concept designs, ask questions, and provide feedback.

“Public input is key to ensuring proposed improvements meet the needs of McCall residents, businesses, and visitors,” Project Manager Wendy Howell said. “We encourage everyone to participate, either in person or online.”

The same meeting material and survey will be presented in person and online. While comments are welcome throughout the project, they are most useful if received by Wednesday, August 20.

Stay updated on the project and submit comments at sh55deinhard-boydstun.com.

Expect lane closures and delays during unique inlaid striping operations on Idaho Falls roads and others

Road of SH-33 in Idaho, showing a notch ground into the pavement where paint will be applied and a truck in the background.

Traffic will be affected as the Idaho Transportation Department and contractor partners conduct inlaid striping operations on State Highway 33, U.S. Highway 20, and Interstate 15 Business Loop over the next two weeks.

Beginning today, lane closures will be in effect where work is currently underway on SH-33 between Sage Junction and Rexburg. Four miles at one time will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers and pilot cars directing traffic through the work area. Motorists should watch for reduced speed, large equipment and signs indicating construction ahead.

Roadways will be worked on in this order, with all operations expected to be completed by August 15:

SH-33 between Sage Junction and Rexburg, milepost 59 to 78.

US-20 west of Idaho Falls, milepost 301 to 307, beginning next week.

I-15 Business Loop in Idaho Falls (Sunnyside Road from I-15 to Yellowstone Road).

I-15 Business Loop in Idaho Falls (Yellowstone Road from Sunnyside to Broadway).

Operations on SH-33 and US-20 are being conducted during daytime hours. Crews will work through the night on the I-15 Business Loop in Idaho Falls.

A pilot car and flaggers will only be present on SH-33 this week. Traffic will be directed into one lane and continue to move around the work area on US-20 and I-15 Business Loop.

Inlaid striping is relatively unique in Idaho. The operation involves grinding into the pavement very slightly, creating recessed notches that paint is then applied within. This method aims to extend the life and reflectivity of pavement markings.

Updates regarding these efforts and all roadwork in Idaho can always be found on the Idaho 511 app, or at 511.idaho.gov.

Detours planned on I-84 at Exit 208 while crews remove old highway bridge

Temporary detours will be in place this week while crews remove the old State Highway 27 bridge over Interstate 84 near Burley.

Starting tomorrow, I-84 eastbound traffic will be rerouted onto the temporary roadway in the median from milepost 206 to Exit 208. The west and east sides of the SH-27 bridge will be removed during two nighttime closures.

The I-84 westbound lanes will be closed from 6 p.m. on July 31 until 7 a.m. Aug. 1 for the removal of the existing SH-27 structure crossing over the I-84 westbound Lanes. Drivers traveling westbound will be detoured onto SH-27 at Exit 208 and State Highway 25 to the Exit 201 on-ramp to return to I-84 westbound.
The I-84 eastbound lanes will be closed from 6 p.m. on Aug. 1 until 7 a.m. on Aug. 2 for the removal of the existing SH-27 structure crossing over the I-84 eastbound Lanes. Drivers traveling eastbound will be detoured onto SH-27 at Exit 208 and US Highway 30 to the Exit 211 on-ramp to return to I-84 eastbound.

Detour signage will guide motorists through the project area. Detour dates, routes, and times may be impacted by weather or other unforeseen factors. Please watch for crews, use caution, and drive safely.

Construction has been underway since 2024 to update the Heyburn and Burley Interchanges to meet growing traffic demands and is anticipated to be complete in 2026. The project is funded as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to advance large projects that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy, and positively impact the Magic Valley and communities across the state for years to come.

To learn more about the project, please visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/projects/i-84-burley-and-heyburninterchanges. This closure and others will be posted to 511.idaho.gov.

SH-55 and 10th Avenue intersection to close this weekend for utility work

A four lane road intersects with a two lane road in rural area, surrounded by farm fields.

The intersection of State Highway 55 (Karcher Road) and 10th Avenue in Caldwell will be fully closed from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday.

Crews will be installing a new waterline for Falcon Ridge Elementary School, which is opening this year. The work requires digging an 18-foot-deep trench across the intersection. Crews will remain onsite throughout the weekend.

Drivers are encouraged to detour around the closure using Interstate 84, State Highway 19, and State Highway 95. Signs will be posted indicating the detour route, additionally drivers can find the detour route at https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55farmway. Drivers should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling, plan ahead, and allow extra time.

This work is part of the larger SH-55: Farmway Road to Middleton Road improvement project, scheduled for completion in fall 2027. Project improvements include:

Widening SH-55 to four lanes with dedicated turn lanes
Installing a raised median from 10th Avenue to Middleton Road
Constructing detached pedestrian and bicycle pathways on both sides of the highway
Building a pedestrian undercrossing near Vallivue Middle School
Upgrading signal equipment at major intersections

The project is designed to improve safety and mobility along the SH-55 corridor in Canyon County. To learn more, sign up for updates, or contact the project team:

Visit: itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55farmway

Call: (208) 477-1379

Email: info@55farmwaytomiddleton.org

To receive text alerts: Text 55FARMWAY to 866-483-8422

Bridge replacement project on SH-3 begins today

SH-3 over the existing Soldier Creek Bridge

Drivers on State Highway 3 should plan for lane restrictions and delays starting today as crews begin replacing a nearly century-old bridge just north of the State Highway 6 Junction.

During construction:

Traffic will be reduced to one lane.
A temporary signal will control alternating traffic flow.
A shoofly detour (a temporary bypass road) will guide vehicles around the work zone.

The bridge, originally built in 1934, is being replaced due to age and ongoing maintenance needs. The $2 million project will improve both safety and functionality along this stretch of SH-3:

The new bridge will support heavier loads and increased traffic volumes.
The road will be widened to include 5-foot shoulders for enhanced safety.
Updated guardrail will be installed along the improved section.

“These updates are vital for ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of the route, especially for the freight and logging industries that rely on it every day,” said Project Manager Jacob Edlund.

This project is expected to be complete by late fall of this year.

Delays and lane restrictions are expected to last throughout the summer. Drivers are encouraged to check Idaho 511 for the latest updates on road conditions and travel impacts.

ITD taps into military talent to address CDL shortfall, bolster operational needs

ITD is forging a new path to improve seasonal road operations by leveraging military experience to address a long-standing challenge: the shortage of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)-qualified holders. Idaho is currently short by roughly 5,000 qualified CDL drivers, and with 72% of goods in the state transported by truck, the deficit is affecting supply chains as well as public safety.

Through an innovative program that utilizes existing military training, ITD aims to address the shortfall by streamlining certification to build a greater pool of skilled CDL holders that could assist ITD during seasonal operations, such as operating snowplows during the winter.

Each year, snowstorms strain ITD’s qualified CDL resources, at times leading to delayed snow removal, dangerous driving conditions, and reduced service in rural areas. To combat this, the department looks to enable the National Guard, reservist, and prior-service military members with extensive experience operating commercial and heavy equipment to potentially convert their qualifications into civilian CDL licenses.

A New Opportunity

“There’s a perception that the CDL process is too complex or expensive,” said Will Miller, ETS Business Engagement Manager, pictured at right. “But for those with military driving and equipment experience, the path is far more accessible than they might think. The challenge has been getting the word out…to give them a clear path forward.”

Recent efforts focus on raising awareness among the military community. Many service members aren’t aware that their expertise with military commercial and heavy equipment can significantly reduce the time and cost of obtaining a CDL.

Building a Civilian Workforce from Military Strength

This effort is not just about seasonal readiness—it’s a career-building initiative. Using DMV representatives, military education offices, and agency communicators, ITD will promote CDL opportunities at career, education, and transition fairs and events.

Among the potential key benefits of the initiative:

Increased operational relief during severe seasonal weather.
Expanded coverage of secondary and rural roads.
Reliable workforce of disciplined service members who align with ITD’s high standards for maintenance personnel.
Improved public safety and emergency response.
Economic and career advancement for participants – good paying jobs with career paths.

And because soldiers come from communities throughout Idaho, their familiarity with local terrain will be invaluable.

Looking Ahead

The CDL partnership could have several applications, including temporary winter support, year-round assistance, and an on-call reserve list for emergencies. Training access, credential support, and scheduling flexibility could all be part of implementation. Seasonal performance metrics could guide future program refinement.

With strong backing from the military and DMV communities such as Scott Conrad and Albert Asker, early signs point toward growing awareness and increased participation. DMV staff are now actively looking for opportunities to attend military career fairs and help service members navigate the certification process.

“As more members of the military community learn about their options, we can anticipate a meaningful uptick in CDL holders statewide, and this initiative will allow them to become qualified much faster,” Miller said. “This is more than a staffing solution—it’s a public service accelerator that addresses the three core priorities at the heart of ITD’s culture: safety, economic opportunity, and mobility”.

This is a win for ITD, the state of Idaho, and its citizens.

Nighttime ramp closures on I-84 in Caldwell Thursday to Saturday for major traffic shift

A major Interstate 84 traffic shift will begin on Saturday June 8 as ITD prepares to widen westbound I-84 between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges.

Drivers on Interstate 84 in Caldwell will see a major change Friday and Saturday nights as westbound traffic shifts back to the westbound side of the interstate between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges.

To complete the traffic shift, I-84 will have several overnight ramp closures between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges from Thursday through Saturday between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. These closures will allow crews to safely establish the new traffic pattern, which is expected to remain in place through summer 2026.

This milestone marks a key phase in the Idaho Transportation Department’s I-84 widening project. For the past year, westbound traffic has been temporarily using the eastbound side of the interstate to allow crews to rebuild the westbound lanes and add a third travel lane along with an auxiliary lane.

Now that work on the westbound lanes is completed, westbound traffic will return to the westbound side. Drivers will travel on the outer lanes while crews begin work in the center median. Two lanes will remain open in each direction during construction.

The I-84 widening project in Caldwell began in November 2023 and includes:

Widening I-84 to three lanes in each direction with auxiliary lanes
Replacing the 10th Avenue Interchange
Removing one westbound on-ramp at the 10th Avenue Interchange
Updating the pedestrian overpass
Constructing a soundwall along Hannibal Street
Adding a traffic signal at the westbound ramps at the Centennial Way Interchange

The speed limit in the work zone is 55 mph. Drivers are asked to slow down, pay attention and follow all posted signs. Crews and heavy equipment will be working close to traffic.

Construction remains on schedule and is expected to be completed in 2027.

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

Traffic delays expected on Highway 55 north of Horseshoe Bend Aug. 5–7

Drivers on State Highway 55 can expect short traffic delays north of Horseshoe Bend Aug. 5–7 as crews drill to collect roadway samples in preparation for a future pavement rehabilitation project.

Crews will be working at multiple locations within a one-mile stretch of the highway north of town. Each sample will take approximately one hour to collect, with single lane closures in place during that time. Flaggers will direct traffic through the work zones.

The road will remain open throughout the operation, but drivers should plan for brief delays and reduced speeds. The Idaho Transportation Department asks motorists to slow down in the work zone for the safety of travelers and work crews.

For current traffic conditions and updates, visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.