Road repairs to begin this week near Ketchum to fix winter damage

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin repairs this week on Idaho Highway 75 in Blaine County to address areas damaged during the winter months. Work will occur on various stretches of roadway between milepost 118 and 132 on both north and southbound lanes.

Weather permitting, crews are anticipated to complete work by the end of July.

“We are working to fix areas of the highway which saw substantial damage over the lengthy winter months,” said ITD area foreman Brad Lynch. “The work we are doing will smooth out the roadway and improve the driving experience for motorists throughout the Wood River Valley.”

Some areas will require a detour while work is being performed. Access to Serenade Lane from ID-75 will be closed for approximately two days during this timeframe.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution, watch for flaggers and follow signs which will be in place to safely direct drivers through the area.

Repairs are expected to take place Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Work will not be performed over the Fourth of July weekend.

Signal upgrades on Northwest Boulevard/Ramsey Road planned to start Monday

Northwest Boulevard and Ironwood Drive intersection in CDA

Drivers can expect delays at several signals on Northwest Boulevard/Ramsey Road as crews upgrade technology early next week.

Crews are expected on site from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. to replace controllers and detection devices. Work will start Monday night (June 8) and could take up to three nights.

The following intersections will receive upgrades: Lakewood Drive, Ironwood Drive, all ramps for Interstate 90 at Northwest Boulevard, Appleway Avenue and Golf Course Road.

Traffic will not be impacted during the day, but at night the signals will go into flash mode and should be treated as four-way stops. Lane closures will be in place at Ironwood Drive on Tuesday night as additional upgrades require that the signal be temporarily turned off.

Upgrades are funded by the city, ignite cda, and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).

“While the state-owned signals shared similar technology and thus were synchronized with each other, they were not compatible with other city-owned signals in the corridor that run on different technology,” City Engineer Chris Bosley said. “With this project, all of the signals will operate on the same technology and provide us with control from our signal shop. Eventually, we will have a coordinated traffic signal corridor from downtown to the prairie.”

Funding for this project came from an agreement that was finalized in 2019. As part of the agreement, the city assumes control of the six existing signals with $175,000 from ITD to upgrade them.

“ITD traditionally manages signals near freeways to ensure that they operate without interruption, but in this case, it made sense to partner with the city and improve traffic flow on the state and local system,” ITD Engineering Manager Marvin Fenn said.

Sealcoating to begin next week in Elmore and Camas counties

Weather permitting, on Monday (June 1) the Idaho Transportation Department will begin sealcoating a portion of US-20 west of Fairfield from milepost 124 to 151 to preserve the pavement.

“Over the next two weeks, we will sealcoat approximately 27 miles of highway,” said ITD Project Manager Sam Purser. “This is the final stage of the US-20 paving and safety improvement project that took place in that area last year.”

While work is underway, the roadway will be reduced to a single lane. Both lanes will be open to traffic outside of working hours.

Motorists should anticipate short delays and watch for the presence of flaggers or pilot cars during the day.

Sealcoating is a surface treatment that takes place during the summer months to preserve and extend the life of Idaho’s roadways by applying a layer of oil and rock chips. It also provides a skid-resistant surface for better vehicle traction.

The process requires hot temperatures and dry weather for chips to properly adhere to the oil.

Chips placed during sealcoats have potential to cause windshield damage so drivers are cautioned to slow down and pay attention to reduced speeds and no-passing zones throughout the work area.

Two detours planned in June for US-30 widening project in Cassia County

Image of highway construction on US-30 in Burley.

Two detours are expected to occur next month in relation to the construction on US-30 from N 400 West to Parke Avenue in Burley.

“This project has been underway since February of this year, and we are expected to finish this fall,” said ITD Project Manager Kenny Lively. “We are transitioning four miles of the roadway from a two-lane to a four-lane highway which will enhance safety and increase mobility in the area.”

The first detour is scheduled to occur Monday, June 1 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Access to Bedke Boulevard from US-30 will be closed to through traffic. Motorists will need to use Idaho Highway 27 during this time while crews place new storm sewer and electrical components.

The second detour is scheduled to take place from Saturday, June 6 to Thursday, June 11 to allow Eastern Idaho Railroad to work on the nearby crossing. During this time, US-30 will be closed to through traffic between Parke Avenue and Washington Avenue. Motorists will be rerouted to West 16th Street.

Drivers should exercise caution and watch for signs which will be in place to safely direct motorists through the area.

Western Construction Inc. is the prime contractor for this project.

Comment today on updated plans for the Interstate 90 and Idaho Highway 41 interchange

Aerial photo of the I-90 ID-41 interchange in 2020

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites community input on updated design and construction plans for the Interstate 90 and Idaho Highway 41 interchange via an online meeting at itdprojects.org/i90idaho-41 from today (May 28) to June 18.

“Our two previous open houses drew in 300 people,” ITD Project Manager Shannon Stein said. “We’d like to see that same level of engagement even though it’s online.”

The online meeting features narrated presentations on the interchange project, which includes the nearby intersection at Mullan Avenue. More details on construction, access for those who walk or bike and even an animated video are also available on the site.

“All of the information is online, but we’d like to remind everyone that we are still available via other channels to discuss these changes as well,” Stein said. “This is likely the last time people will have a chance to comment before we go to construction in 2023.”

Comments may be submitted via the website, calling (855) 785-2499, emailing shannon.stein@itd.idaho.gov or sending mail to 600 West Prairie Avenue, CDA, ID 83814 at the attention of Shannon Stein.

Those who do not have the ability to engage online should use the contact information above, and a member of the project team will provide other resources to participate.

A similar online meeting is being held for Idaho Highway 53 near Rathdrum and Hauser until June 8, with information available at itdprojects.org/id53corridor.

Southbound Eagle Road right turn lane from Eastbound Chinden closed during construction

Construction near the intersection of Chinden and Eagle Road

The dedicated right turn lane to Eagle Road from eastbound Chinden is closed during construction. Drivers are able to turn right to southbound Eagle Road from the thru lane.

This lane configuration will allow crews to construct new roadway on the south side of Chinden. Commuters should expect increased delays and use alternate routes when possible.

Additionally, Locust Grove at its intersection with Chinden will be closed the night of Friday, May 29th. Traffic will be detoured on McMillan Road to Meridian and Eagle roads.

For information specific to this one-mile section please visit https://itdprojects.org/chindenwestlocusttoeagle/

ITD DMV and county officials urge online renewals in response to COVID-19 caused backlog

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

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

Originally published 5/21/2020

DMV offices across the state are beginning to reopen their doors. But because of the earlier COVID-19 closures and limited service, there’s a backlog of thousands of Idahoans who need DMV services.

Tuesday, May 19, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), county sheriffs, and county assessors came together to urge drivers to use online services to help ease the backlog.

“The DMVs across the state typically conduct about 250,000 transactions a month, but because of the limited office access during COVID, we have a significant backlog of approximately 100,000 customers. We’re encouraging the public to go online, at itd.idaho.gov, and only go into the DMV office if it is absolutely necessary,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez.

“If you can renew online, we highly suggest it, and highly encourage it,” Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue added. “It’s so much more efficient for the customer and really for the staff so they’re not overburdened with a higher backlog than we already have, and we’re going to have backlog for some time.”

At itd.idaho.gov you can easily renew your license or vehicle registration, and more. By renewing online, you’ll save yourself time, and other’s time, reducing the wait for those who have to visit the DMV in person.

“It allows room for the people who truly need to come to our DMV. If they need to have a VIN inspection done before they transfer a title, out of state folks who we need to see their vehicles and get them through the system, we can’t do online,” said Canyon County Assessor Brian Stender.

“Use our renewal by mail or online so we can divert that population away from our office and leave that really for the people who are first time licenses or out of state,” added Ada County Sheriff Steve Bartlett, pictured right.

And not only are you practicing safe social distancing, renewing online is convenient too.

“You can do it from the comfort of your couch at home, you can do it on your lunch hour at work, it’s very simple, easy, and quick,” Stender said.

If you do need to make a visit to the DMV, be sure to call ahead before you go. Office hours and availability vary by county, and you may need to make an appointment. Licenses and registrations expiring between March 1st and May 31st now have until June 30th to renew. The federal deadline for the Star Card-Idaho’s REAL ID has also been extended a full year to October 2021.

“The higher number of people who go online, the better the service will be in the county offices, and the better we’ll be able to manage that backlog,” Gonzalez said.

Click here for the DMV’s online services and more.

Paving work to occur next week on US-93 in Jerome County

Paving operations are expected to begin next Tuesday (May 26) on a short section of US-93 just north of Flying J in Jerome County.

Weather permitting, work on this project is anticipated to last eight days.

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction throughout the work zone. The current traffic signal at 500 S Road will still be in operation. Flaggers may also be present during certain stages of the project.

Motorists should anticipate minor delays and watch for reduced speeds and workers throughout the work zone.

The general contractor is Idaho Materials and Construction.

With drivers back on the road, ITD kicks off another work zone awareness week

Crew removing brush on US-2 as an example of a short duration operation

National Work Zone Awareness Week is traditionally held in April, but with more drivers back on highways, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is again spotlighting work zone safety.

ITD asks media partners and drivers to tune in each day this week (May 18 – 23) to the department’s Facebook and Twitter pages to see different types of work zones.

Drivers are familiar with larger road construction projects, which are typically well-marked and have better visibility, but they may not be as familiar with short-duration operations.

These can pop up anywhere, at any time. Whether it is a highway worker stopping to remove a shredded tire or animal carcass from the road, or performing maintenance work like repairing guardrail right next to the travel lanes, these jobs generally put workers closer to the road, and closer to danger. There is less time for the worker or the driver to take evasive action when encountering short-duration operations.

Just last year, an ITD operator was killed outside Arco in a short-duration operation, reminding us all of the importance of being safe and vigilant in work zones across the state.

During this week, ITD also remembers the sacrifices of other workers lost over the years while on the job – many of them were killed in work zones. Since this picture was taken, there have been two more markers added to the Fallen Workers Memorial, bringing the total to 40 workers since 1960.

“Work zones can be the most hazardous areas on our state highway system,” ITD Safety Manager Randall Danner said. “We urge drivers to use extreme caution when passing through these areas so they can arrive at their destination safely and our workers can return home to their loved ones.”

In addition to short-duration maintenance operations, ITD has dozens of projects planned this year with information on itdprojects.org. Each project is different in terms of traffic revisions and reduced speed limits. Please check 511.idaho.gov for traveler information.

Comment online today for proposed changes to Idaho Highway 53

Photo of tire marks near the Hauser Lake Road and ID-53 intersection

The Idaho Transportation Department invites community input on proposed changes to Idaho Highway 53 near Rathdrum and Hauser via an online meeting at itdprojects.org/id53corridor from today (May 18) to June 8.

“Normally we would host an open house and engage with stakeholders in person,” said Steven Bakker, a project manager for one of several projects in that area. “We can’t do that right now, but with a little more effort, we hope to still have a constructive dialogue.”

The online meeting will feature narrated presentations on four separate projects designed to improve safety from Washington state line to Rathdrum by adding turn lanes and constructing a new interchange at Pleasant View Road. These changes will require more than $40 million in funding through 2027.

“Though we’ve moved much of this discussion online, we want to emphasize that we are still available in many ways to talk about these projects,” Bakker said.

Comments may be submitted via the website, calling (855) 785-2499, emailing id53corridor@itd.idaho.gov or sending mail to 600 West Prairie Avenue, CDA, ID 83814 at the attention of Steven Bakker.

Those who do not have the ability to engage online should use the contact information above, and a member of the project team will provide them with other resources to participate.