Overview
The Idaho Transportation Department is improving pedestrian access and safety on SH‑55 in Horseshoe Bend by extending the east sidewalk north from the Payette River Bridge to the Horseshoe Bend School crosswalk. The new sidewalk will be five feet wide and will eliminate the need for pedestrians to walk along the edge of the highway in this area to reach the crosswalk.
The project will create a continuous sidewalk connection through this section of town and provide students, families and community members with a safer place to walk along the highway. Improvements will also include an enhanced crossing signal, known as a pedestrian hybrid beacon at the school crosswalk, updated school-zone signs and drainage upgrades.
The new sidewalk will be 5 feet wide and will look similar to the sidewalk already constructed on the west side of SH-55. Existing crosswalk locations will be maintained.
Safety Improvements
The project is designed to improve pedestrian safety by adding:
- A continuous sidewalk on the east side of SH-55 between the Payette River Bridge and the Horseshoe Bend School crosswalk.
- A pedestrian hybrid beacon at the school crosswalk.
- Updated school-zone flashing lights and signs.
- A reduced speed school-zone speed limit when lights are flashing.
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon
The pedestrian hybrid beacon will remain dark until activated by a pedestrian. Once activated, the signal will stop traffic so pedestrians can cross SH-55 safely.
Updated School Zone
The existing school-zone flashing lights will be replaced and updated to current standards. New signs will state the reduced speed and flash during school zone hours. ITD will work with the school to determine the appropriate times for the flashing school-zone signs.
Drainage Improvements
Drainage basins will be placed under the sidewalk, with inlets in the curb and gutter. Crews will also replace asphalt next to the gutter in some areas to adjust the existing slope and tie the new improvements back into the roadway.
Next Steps
Construction is expected to begin the day after Labor Day 2026 and continue through fall of 2026.
During construction, pedestrian access will be maintained through designated routes separated from construction activity. Construction will be phased by alternating blocks to reduce pedestrian disruptions, and work will pause during peak school drop-off and pickup times.
Frequently Asked Questions
The SH-55 Horseshoe Bend Sidewalk Project will extend the east sidewalk north from the Payette River Bridge to the Horseshoe Bend High School crosswalk. The project will improve pedestrian access and safety along this section of SH-55.
The project includes a pedestrian hybrid beacon at the school crosswalk, an updated school-zone sign and a new sidewalk with a curb.
A pedestrian hybrid beacon is a traffic signal used at pedestrian crossings. It stays dark until activated by someone crossing the highway. Once activated, the signal stops traffic so pedestrians can cross safely.
Yes. Existing crosswalk locations will be maintained. The school crosswalk will also receive a pedestrian hybrid beacon to improve safety for students and other pedestrians crossing SH‑55. With the new five‑foot‑wide sidewalk in place, pedestrians will no longer need to walk along the edge of the highway to reach the crosswalk, further improving safety and accessibility in this area.
Yes. The school zone will remain. The speed limit will be reduced when school-zone lights are flashing.
Once the project is complete, the speed limit through this half mile section of SH-55 is expected to be 35 mph outside of school-zone hours. During school-zone hours, the speed limit will be reduced when the lights are flashing.
The project adds safety features that are not currently in place, including a continuous sidewalk on the east side of SH-55, eliminating the need for pedestrians to walk on the edge of the highway, and a pedestrian-activated signal at the school crosswalk. The project also maintains the reduced school-zone speed limit during school travel times.
Construction is expected to begin the day after Labor Day 2026 and continue through Fall 2026.
Yes. Pedestrian access will be maintained through designated routes separated from construction activity.
Work will pause during peak school drop-off and pickup times. Construction will also be phased by alternating blocks to reduce pedestrian disruptions.