Overview
Shoulders will be widened to two feet, requiring the use of gabion baskets to form retaining walls along the edge of the river. Guardrail, signage and drainage culverts will be replaced. Construction is scheduled to start in 2030.
Design details
Access to Weir Hot Springs will be shifted to the east a half mile to improve line of sight for visitors, and the parking area will be paved.
The travel lanes of the highway were repaved in 2023.
Environmental process
ITD is evaluating the effect of proposed changes on wetlands, wildlife, archaeological sites and more. Given the highway’s designation as a scenic byway along a Wild and Scenic River, ITD has been working closely with the U.S. Forest Service.
Proposed improvements will be designed to blend in with the natural scenery. For example, road signs will be painted brown on the back, and new retaining walls will be covered with vegetation so that they will not be visible to river users.
Tribal study
A study has been completed to catalog and identify any areas that may be of cultural concern to the Nez Perce Tribe.
ITD has worked with the tribe to avoid any areas and to mitigate any adverse effects.
Contact
Email the project manager at Earl.VanIdour@itd.idaho.gov.