Modernizing the Port of Entry
The Idaho Transportation Department is conducting a study to evaluate options to modernize the Interstate 90 eastbound Port of Entry, or POE, and to identify potential locations for additional designated truck parking areas along I-90 between the Washington and Montana state lines and along U.S. Highway 95 in Kootenai County.
Why it’s important
The I-90 eastbound POE was constructed in 1970 and is located approximately eight miles from the Washington/Idaho border. This site, and available designated truck parking accommodations throughout the study area, do not meet the needs of the trucking industry.
PARKING: The rest area at the POE has too few truck parking spots for the demand. This leaves drivers with few parking options while taking mandated breaks, waiting for delivery windows or ending shifts. Drivers often resort to parking in unsafe locations, such as highway ramps and abandoned lots, as well as wasting hours and fuel scouting for a parking spot and adding congestion to local areas. Weather and impassable conditions also drive high parking demand.
FACILITIES: The buildings at the POE are in need of major updates or replacement due to age, high demand and modern POE standards.
What the study will explore
Over the next year the study will compare options for a modernized eastbound I-90 Port of Entry and additional truck parking. Transportation needs, site conditions, costs and stakeholder input will help identify the benefits and challenges of each option.
- Transportation and operational needs: Review truck parking demand, traffic conditions and the space needed for Port of Entry operations and supporting services.
- Potential locations: Evaluate sites along I-90 and US-95, including the possibility of retiring the existing Huetter rest area.
- Data analysis and community input: Use previous studies, current data and input from stakeholders to help identify and compare options.
- Site layout: Develop preliminary layouts showing how potential sites could function and what improvements they would need.
- Costs and next steps: Estimate potential costs and outline steps for advancing future improvements.
Input Matters
ITD will work with truck drivers, industry representatives, local communities, local governments and other stakeholders to understand needs, opportunities and concerns. Public input will help to shape the options considered over the course of the study.
What’s Next?
This study will guide future decisions and outline potential next steps, including funding, more detailed design and environmental review. No additional funding is currently identified for those future steps or facility construction.
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