Work is wrapping up on the new intersection of Pocatello Avenue and State Highway 39 on the northeast side of American Falls. Construction is scheduled to be completed this Friday, minus the installation of a new traffic signal in the spring.
Motorists need to be aware of the new traffic pattern as they drive through the intersection. Traffic on SH- 39 will not need to stop to continue west or east. Traffic entering the intersection from Pocatello Avenue will have a stop sign. Those wishing to travel west on SH-39 will enter the center acceleration lane, speed up to match traffic, and then merge with westbound traffic.
The $3.5 million project redesigned the busy intersection to improve safety and address truck traffic backing up on SH-39 while waiting to turn.
Once the signal is installed next spring, lights will control traffic from all three directions.
For project updates and travel information, drivers can visit 511.idaho.gov or download the Idaho 511 app.
The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction Monday at the intersection of Pocatello Avenue and State Highway 39 in American Falls. The $3.5 million project will redesign the busy intersection to improve safety.
Work will place a signal at the intersection Pocatello Avenue and SH-39. SH-39 will also be widened to four lanes from the intersection to Fairgrounds Road. New turn lanes will also be built on SH-39 for traffic heading to Pocatello Avenue.
This year construction will take place through August and will focus on realigning and widening the intersection. All lanes will remain open, but traffic will be slowed in the construction zone. Flaggers will be present during different phases of the project. Access to the American Falls Airport and the Power County Fairgrounds will remain open throughout construction.
In the spring of 2026 ITD will return to install the traffic signal. Project details are available on ITD’s projects website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/pocatelloave-i86b.
AMERICAN FALLS – The Idaho Transportation Department will host an informal drop-in meeting for the planned improvement of the Intersection of Pocatello Avenue and SH-39. Project staff will be on hand to answer questions on March 7 from 4:30-6:30 at the American Falls District Library, 308 Roosevelt Street.
ITD is planning to improve safety, traffic flow, and mobility at the intersection with a Continuous Green T design. The Green T will allow continuous movements everywhere except at the stop sign in the northbound lane of Pocatello Avenue.
While ITD initially considered a roundabout at the intersection, further review and community input resulted in a design change to a Green T which lessens the turning movements for most of the trucking traffic on SH-39. The design also makes it easier for large farm equipment to navigate the intersection.
The federally funded $3.25 million project is planned for 2025. During construction some lane closures will occur.
