Overview
ITD and the city of McCall are partnering to design preliminary roadway improvements for SH-55 and Deinhard Lane/Boydstun Street.
ITD and the city of McCall are partnering to design preliminary roadway improvements for SH-55 and Deinhard Lane/Boydstun Street.
SH-55 is part of the primary north-south corridor connecting Boise and Lewiston. Through downtown McCall, SH-55 functions as the city’s “Main Street.” Growth and increasing traffic through downtown have placed pressure on the route’s function as an efficient state highway.
This project focuses on determining the proper use of each roadway and designing improvements accordingly. One potential solution includes exchanging ownership of SH-55 and Deinhard/Boydstun, reducing traffic in downtown McCall.
Design and Timeline
Preliminary designs are being developed for improvements to existing SH-55 and Deinhard/Boydstun to support a potential corridor exchange and needs of travelers and the community.
A corridor exchange would keep pass-through freight and long-distance travelers out of downtown, improving efficiency and safety, and allowing for more walking and biking on Third and Lake streets. Many knowledgeable freight and through-travelers already utilize Deinhard/Boydstun as a route around the downtown. This potential change in ownership would ensure that funding and maintenance – especially winter maintenance – align with how the roads are currently being used.
By spring 2026, the project team will identify the costs and specific design elements needed to bring both roadways up to highway and city standards for the potential corridor exchange.
There is currently no identified funding for the roadway improvements for either corridor. Funding would need to be identified for future construction phases..
Community and Agency Engagement
Throughout spring 2025, ITD will contact corridor landowners, freight partners, and agencies, including the airport, to inform them about the project and gather early input. Several entities would need to approve the potential corridor exchange, including the Idaho Transportation Board, the city of McCall, and the Federal Highway Administration.
ITD anticipates hosting a public meeting on the project in summer 2025 to share concept designs and hear feedback from the community.
Please use the button below to sign up for email updates and invitations to participate in the process.
Questions or comments? You can reach the project team at info@sh55deinhard-boydstun.com or 208-315-6002.