Based on monitoring by avalanche specialists and a forecast of colder temperatures, US-12 is anticipated to reopen tomorrow afternoon between Fish Creek (milepost 126) and Saddle Camp Road (milepost 139). Although no avalanches occurred, considerable hazard prompted the closing of the highway Sunday afternoon for the safety of drivers and recreationists.
The highway could reopen as early as 12 p.m. PT, but drivers should check 511.idaho.gov for updated information before traveling as conditions could change.
Avalanche specialists rely on the forecast and data provided by weather stations—one at Bald Mountain and one at Powell—to determine the risk for drivers. The station at Powell was installed last fall, and another station will be placed at Castle Butte later this year to better forecast avalanche hazard along US-12.
Several miles of US-12 east of Kooskia will close today at 4 p.m. PT due to considerable avalanche hazard. Given that the forecast calls for heavy precipitation—including a mix of snow and rain—the closure is anticipated to last for an extended time.
The gates at Fish Creek (milepost 126) and Saddle Camp Road (milepost 139) will close, and ITD crews are working with the U.S. Forest Service to notify any recreationists or drivers within the corridor of the impending closure.
Avalanche specialists with ITD will be on site to help local maintenance crews reassess conditions and reopen the highway. Another release will be sent once a determination to open the road is made.
Drivers should use 511.idaho.gov to stay updated on road conditions.
Every year, ITD publishes an annual report that communicates the department’s efforts to improve the safety, mobility, and economic opportunity of Idaho’s citizens. This year, we took those efforts even further by transformed the report into something that could be easily accessed and consumed by the public — a video.
In a brief eight-minute video, the annual report showcases ITD’s numerous achievements in fiscal year 2020, as well as a high level look at the department’s customer-focused performance measures.
The report also shows how ITD navigated the challenges brought on by COVID-19 in 2020, by keeping Idaho’s ports of entry open and operating and continuing to provide needed services to Idaho’s citizens throughout the pandemic.
You can view the annual report video below. ITD also creates a hard copy version of their annual report every year.
The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction of a half continuous flow intersection (CFI) at Eagle Road and ID-44 in Eagle on Monday, February 22 to improve mobility and safety at this busy intersection
Connecting two major highways in the Treasure Valley, more than 70,000 vehicles travel through this intersection every day. The half CFI design improves safety and reduces congestion all within relatively small footprint.
Across the nation, CFIs have a proven track record of increased efficiency and safety. This will be the first CFI constructed in Idaho. ITD encourages the public to learn how to navigate through the intersection by watching and sharing an explainer video below.
“The new design does require drivers to pay attention and think ahead, especially on Idaho Highway 44,” said Tyler Coy, ITD Project Manager. “I encourage everyone to learn more about how it works by watching the video during and after construction. When we’re done, there will be overhead signs guiding traffic to the right place. It’s really important people drive attentively.”
Due to traffic volume during the day, most construction will occur overnight between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Some work is scheduled during daytime hours but will mostly occur in the roadway shoulders. Nearby businesses and residents may experience loud noise from construction equipment, vibration, and bright light from the work zone.
Motorists are encouraged to slow down and pay attention when traveling in the work zone.
Construction is expected to be complete in early fall 2021.
The total project budget is $8.9M. Knife River is the contractor for construction.
This is a pivotal and challenging time in the world of public transportation in Idaho. Citizens have the opportunity to help shape what Idaho’s transit future will look like!
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is seeking representatives for District 1 and District 4 to serve on the Public Transportation Advisory Council (PTAC).
The individual selected for District 1 will represent Bonner, Boundary, Shoshone, Kootenai, and Benewah counties. The individual selected for District 4 will represent Blaine, Camas, Lincoln, Twin Falls, Jerome, Gooding, Cassia, and Minidoka counties.
The PTAC was created to advise the ITD Board on issues related to public transportation in Idaho. It is composed of six members, one representing each of ITD’s administrative districts.
Those interested in applying can find the application form at itd.idaho.gov/pt under the “Advisory” tab. Then, click on either the “District 1 PTAC Application” or the “District 4 PTAC Application” link. Applications will be accepted through April 4. A 30-day public comment period on the candidates will occur starting shortly thereafter.
For more information about PTAC or the application, contact the ITD Public Transportation Office at (208) 334-8533, or email Shauna.Miller@itd.idaho.gov
The Idaho Transportation Department’s Public Transportation Advisory Council (PTAC) will have its first meeting of 2021 on Tuesday, February 9. The meeting will be held online via Webex from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Subsequent PTAC meetings are scheduled for June 10 and September 23.
The council is made up of six members representing each of the ITD districts. They work together to identify public transportation needs, plan activities, and promote coordinated transportation systems throughout Idaho. The PTAC also discusses funding programs available to transit providers, and advises the ITD Board with public transportation related recommendations.
Meeting agendas and minutes are located on the ITD Public Transportation website, itd.idaho.gov/pt, under the “Advisory” tab.
Those interested in attending the February meeting may call in using the details below.
For more information, contact the ITD Public Transportation Office at (208) 334-8533.
The Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and more than 50 law enforcement agencies across the state are teaming up to keep Idaho roads safe. February 1-15, officers will be on the roads looking for aggressive drivers.
Aggressive driving is a contributing factor in half of all crashes in Idaho. According to preliminary data, aggressive driving was a factor in 78 fatal crashes in the state during 2020.
“Aggressive driving crashes don’t happen by accident,” said OHS Manager John Tomlinson. “Someone made that choice. We all have the power to help prevent crashes by deciding to slow down and have patience behind the wheel.”
Aggressive driving happens when a driver operates a vehicle in a way that endangers other people or property on the roads. It’s a series of behaviors that includes speeding, following another driver too closely, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and ignoring other traffic signs.
As winter weather impacts the area, officers will also be watching for those driving too fast for the conditions. When roads are slick, leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead to give yourself plenty of stopping room. Take extra caution while passing.
“Each driver has the responsibility to stay aware and engaged any time they get behind the wheel. Together we can save lives, if we make the choice to drive well,” Tomlinson said.
The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles continues to encourage customers to go online, to take care of many DMV services—that don’t require a trip to an actual office. The service is designed to reduce wait times and in-person gatherings due, in part, to COVID-19 social distancing protocols in county DMV offices.
“With the extension to some expiring vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses ending January 31, now more than ever, skip the line and go online to complete your transaction,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez.
Some online services that can be completed safely, 24 hours a day at dmv.idaho.gov include:
• Renewing vehicle registration/license plates
• Checking and adding insurance policy information
• Ordering personalized plates
• Renewing a driver’s license or ID
• Purchasing a replacement license
There are some exceptions, including those for drivers who want to get a Star Card—Idaho’s Real ID. A full list of services that can be completed online is available at dmv.idaho.gov.
County DMV office hours vary statewide and are determined by county sheriffs and assessors. To contact your local office, business hours and phone numbers can be found at dmv.idaho.gov.
The Idaho Transportation Board 129,000-pound subcommittee will meet Thursday to review an application to reclassify the weight limits of several highways in Latah 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 virtually at 2:15 p.m. PT / 3:15 p.m. MT to discuss engineering analysis completed by department staff and comments received during the public hearing process.
Members of the public may access the meeting via instructions located on the agenda. Since this meeting will be held after the Idaho Transportation Board meeting, participants should be prepared for any resulting delays.
Public comments were sought in December on the application submitted by Bennett Lumber Products to increase the limits on the following highways from 105,500 pounds to 129,000 pounds:
Idaho Highway 6 from the US-95 junction to Harvard
Idaho Highway 9 from Harvard to Deary
Idaho Highway 8 from Deary to the US-95 junction
No further public comment will be taken at the subcommittee meeting.
Members of the public are invited to provide comment regarding a proposed action for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to abandon the Idaho Highway 75 Spur to Blaine County.
The ID-75 Spur, also known as Sun Valley Road, connects ID-75 in Ketchum to Trail Creek Road in Sun Valley from milepost 0.0 to 3.6.
During the month of January, ITD will host two events for the public to learn more about the action and comment on the proposal. Representatives from ITD, Blaine County, Ketchum and Sun Valley will be in attendance.
On Thursday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. ITD will host an hour-long webinar. The public may join the webinar by visiting the project website and clicking on the Zoom link under Option 1.
There will be a brief presentation followed by a Q&A session via the chat feature. A recording of the webinar will also be posted to the project website afterward. No official comments will be accepted during this event.
On Tuesday, Jan. 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. ITD will provide an opportunity for individuals to meet one-on-one and discuss this proposed action in-person at the Sun Valley City Council Chambers at 81 Elkhorn Road.
In-person meetings will be available on a limited basis and ITD requests that those who attend follow recommended guidelines relating to COVID-19. Interested members of the public should call (208) 886-7806 or email jessica.williams@itd.idaho.gov to schedule a 20-minute appointment during the timeframe listed above. Individuals who schedule an in-person meeting will be able to provide written or recorded testimony if desired.
Comments will be accepted through Friday, Jan. 29 and may also be submitted in the following ways:
ITD is required to conduct a public hearing and evaluation on this proposed adjustment of the State Highway System before the Board makes a final decision and an agreement with Blaine County is signed.
For more information on this public hearing or the proposed action for ITD to abandon the ID-75 Spur, please visit the project website or call (208) 886-7806.
