Important Alert
Beginning June 22, drivers should expect delays at two locations along SH-54 between Spirit Lake and Athol, especially during morning and evening commute times, as temporary signals will be activated just west of St. Joe Drive and at Mountain View Cemetery near Athol.
The temporary signals will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will allow traffic to alternate through a single open lane at each location while crews widen sections of roadway that are too narrow to safely maintain two-way traffic during construction.
The temporary signals are expected to remain in place for approximately two weeks.
Overview
This project will fully reconstruct State Highway 54 between State Highway 41 and Greystone Road to restore a safe, smooth driving surface between Spirit Lake and Athol. Improvements will include added turn lanes, wider shoulders, updated signage, lighting, and delineators throughout the corridor. Early construction activities, including utility relocations and tree removal, began in late 2024 to prepare for full roadway reconstruction, which is expected to be complete in late 2026.
Project Information
This project will be split into two phases with an anticipated completion date in 2026.
Once completed, the improved section of roadway will increase safety, enhance vehicle capacity, and position the corridor to successfully accommodate future growth in the area. The ultimate configuration of the highway will remain a single lane in each direction after construction is complete.
2026 Construction Update
Construction is now underway for the 2026 season on SH-54 between SH-41 and Greystone Road, with crews actively working along the south side of the highway through June.
Work will start by building up the road base, followed by placing gravel and paving. During this time, drivers should expect this work to impact their commute, including:
- Single-lane traffic controlled by a temporary signal, operating 24/7 to allow one lane to pass at time for several weeks in early to mid-June. This work will span approximately 1/2 mile of highway.
- Intermittent flagging operations.
- Trucks entering the highway.
Crews will also be working on driveway approaches, culverts and new lighting along the roadway.
Once the south side is paved and striped, traffic will move onto the new lanes and return to two-way traffic. This is expected around early July. Crews will then begin work on the north side of the highway.
The right-of-way area adjacent to the highway will remain closed to pedestrian and recreational traffic including bicycles, motorbikes, and ATV’s for safety.
Final completion of this project is expected by the end of 2026.
Timeline
Design began in 2023, and construction is scheduled to be complete in 2026.
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2023
Project design
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2024
Preliminary construction began with tree removal and utility relocation in the right of way.
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2025
Phase I construction
The full length of the corridor will be widened along the south side to create wider shoulders for the roadway.
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2026
Phase II construction
Traffic will be shifted to the newly widened section allowing for reconstruction of the existing lanes.
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Late 2026
Construction will be complete
Contact the project team
For questions or comments about this project, please contact the project manager at randy.durland@itd.idaho.gov or (208) 772-1200.
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