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.