Open houses Wednesday and Thursday to share design plans to improve I-15 between Fort Hall and Blackfoot

The Idaho Transportation Department will host public open houses on April 30 and May 1 to share information and gather community input for three projects along Interstate 15 between Fort Hall and Blackfoot. Community members are encouraged to drop in anytime to learn about the projects, ask questions and provide feedback to the project team.

The public is invited to view design plans in person:

Wednesday, April 30, from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Blackfoot Community Center (1350 Parkway Drive #31, Blackfoot).
Thursday, May 1, from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Shoshone-Bannock Convention Center (777 Bannock Avenue, Fort Hall).

At both meetings, ITD will share design plans about the following projects:

I-15 South Blackfoot Interchange (Exit 89) rebuild with a new design.
I-15 Exit 89 to Exit 93 Widening to increase capacity to meet future traffic demands.
I-15 US-26/Blackfoot Interchange (Exit 93) rebuild.

Those who are unable to join ITD in person are invited to participate online at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-15-corridor. Online participants can review identical project information and comment between April 30-May 15.

Elements of the widening project are funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho program. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build.

Those who are interested in learning more are welcome to visit the project website at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i-15-corridor, email info@pocatellotoidahofalls.org or call 208-252-5553.

ITD asks motorists to consider alternate routes at Blackfoot

Aerial view of Blackfoot Exit 89 Interchange.

With construction ramping up along Interstate 15 the Idaho Transportation Department is asking motorists to drive defensively and take alternate routes when possible. Work occurring at the south Blackfoot exit (Exit 89) and north of Exit 93 has resulted in increased congestion along the corridor.

“We recommend Blackfoot residents take an alternate route such as U.S. Highway 91 to an exit north of the Rose area,” Engineer Kevin Sonico said. Doing so not only decreases the number of vehicles on I-15, but also allows motorists to avoid driving through the construction zone north of Blackfoot.

The repaving project north of Blackfoot will improve safety and drivers’ experience with a smooth new surface. During construction traffic is shifted to the southbound lanes through a crossover. Drivers should expect reduced speeds through the construction zone. The project is expected to take about seven weeks to complete.

Work at Exit 89 consists of rehabilitating the bridge surface by repairing joints and potholes. This will extend the life of the bridge. “Our goal is to have this done by September 1,” said Engineer Zak Johnson. “We really want to have everything done before the start of the fair.”

Johnson also recommends drivers take US-91 as an alternate route whenever possible.

Motorists are encouraged to stay updated on project detours and traffic impacts at 511.idaho.gov or on the 511 app.

ITD crews fixing potholes in East Idaho

EAST IDAHO – The Idaho Transportation Department is working to address potholes created by rapidly changing temperatures this winter. Recent snows followed by warm temperatures allows water to enter through cracks in asphalt. When that water freezes at night it can result in potholes forming on the surface of Idaho’s highways and freeways.

While winter maintenance typically focuses on keeping roads clear of snow, crews are also repairing potholes on I-15, within the city of Idaho Falls, as well as in other areas of the region.

D5 operations engineer Greydon Wright says, “The biggest area that we have been fighting them are on I-15 between Exit 93 (Blackfoot) and the Blackfoot Rest Areas.”

Similarly, D6 operations engineer Bryan Young reports they have been hard at work as well, “This week we have received numerous comments about the potholes in Idaho Falls. The Idaho Falls Maintenance Shed has successfully repaired the major potholes and will continue to repair the roadways as more potholes appear.” However, Young points out that repairs are weather dependent. So, drivers must still pay attention to avoid hitting a rough piece of pavement.

Patching during the winter consists of using a “cold patch” that is intended to be a temporary solution. Crews will return in the summer to perform more permanent repairs as needed. In addition, ITD has several projects scheduled this year to address older pavement throughout the region.