Variable speed limit signs in place in the I-84 South Jerome to Twin Falls work zone to improve safety

JEROME – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has installed variable speed limit signs to improve safety as crews widen I-84 between the South Jerome and Twin Falls Interchanges. The new signs are controlled remotely, allowing ITD to lower speeds when crews are working near traffic.

The current posted speed limit in the work zone is 70 mph. When crews are working near traffic, ITD will lower the speed limit, and a flashing beacon will notify drivers that speed limits have been lowered. When crews are not as close to traffic, ITD will raise the speed limits to 70 mph.

Variable speeds have been successfully implemented in other work zones, including the one on I-84 between Caldwell and Nampa. Research shows that variable speed limits reduce crashes, reduce travel times, and improve safety.

The signs will be removed when construction is complete in late fall of 2025.

Details about the I-84 South Jerome to Twin Falls project are available at ITDProjects.org/84jerometotwin or by texting 84JTF to 1-866-483-8422.

I-15 resurfacing work to begin Monday north of Rose

Cones in truck

POCATELLO – Beginning Monday August 7, the Idaho Transportation Department will be resurfacing Interstate 15 from the Rose Interchange 7 miles north to North Lava Rocks. Crossovers will be used to move traffic to the other side of the interstate while work is being done. Motorists should expect reduced speeds during construction. Construction will pause each Friday morning to accommodate weekend traffic.

Work will continue until September 1 when it will be paused for a week to accommodate increased traffic during the Eastern Idaho State Fair. Afterward the project will resume for four additional weeks.

Motorists should check https://511.idaho.gov or download the 511 app for the latest information on road construction.

I-84 Kasota westbound ramp closure July 23-28

KASOTA – The I-84 Kasota interchange westbound ramp will be closed starting July 23 at 9 p.m. to July 28 at 6 p.m. for construction. Motorists can expect reduced speeds and are encouraged to find alternate routes.

Due to the proximity of construction equipment to the westbound off-ramp, crews will need to temporarily close the ramp while performing concrete paving operations for safety reasons.

Travelers are reminded to check 511.idaho.gov for impacts to traffic from construction.

Resurfacing project starts Sunday on SH-53 near Rathdrum

Drivers can expect another work zone on State Highway 53 west of Rathdrum as construction begins Sunday, July 16, to resurface the highway.

Crews will work at night to repave SH-53 between Bruss Road and Latah Street for the next several weeks. The highway will be reduced to one lane at night with a pilot car to guide traffic. During the day, all lanes will be open.

“Unlike other projects we have underway right now, this project will only resurface the highway and only impact traffic at night,” ITD North Idaho Project Manager Joel Heston said. “At this time, we are not widening this section, though we hope to do it in the future.”

Other work zones are ongoing between Hauser Road and Bruss Road to add a center turn lane, as well as at Ramsey Road to install a permanent signal. Next month, another two-year project is expected to start within the city limits of Rathdrum to build a new center turn lane.

“We have a series of projects on SH-53 to improve safety by adding turn lanes,” Heston said. “And thanks to a $36 million grant, we are now planning to start construction of a new interchange at Pleasant View Road years earlier than originally planned.”

For details on what’s included with each project, visit itdprojects.org/sh53corridor.

Travelers are reminded to check 511.idaho.gov for impacts to traffic from construction.

Construction on Main St. in Hailey begins July 25

Image of ID-75 in Hailey

HAILEY – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will begin chip sealing Main St. in Hailey starting July 25 and expect to complete work in four weeks. Construction will start at milepost 115.6 Fox Acres Rd and end at milepost 117.3 McKercher Blvd. Chips placed during sealcoats have the potential to cause windshield damage, so drivers are cautioned to drive slow on loose chips and pay attention to flaggers and no-passing zones throughout the work area.

Chip sealing involves applying a thin film of heated asphalt liquid that is sprayed on a road surface, followed by placing small aggregate chips on top, and then compacted to adhere to the asphalt. The cost benefits of chip sealing help to extend the life of the pavement for many years.

Download image of Hailey Main St. at http://https://itd.idaho.gov/haily-main-st-image/

Drivers should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling to plan for impacts from this project and other work zones.

Rolling Closures on I-84 from South Jerome to Twin Falls through mid-July

The Idaho Transportation Department is continuing work on I-84 between the South Jerome (Exit 168) and Twin Falls (Exit 173) Interchanges. Crews are blasting rock in the median of I-84 on weekday afternoons through mid-July.

What you need to know:

  • Rolling closures will occur on I-84 through mid-July.
  • Delays will range from 20-30 minutes.

A pilot car will slow motorists down several miles before the blast area to allow crews to blast rock and clean up debris.

Details about the I-84 South Jerome to Twin Falls project are available at ITDProjects.org/84jerometotwin or by texting 84JTF to 1-866-483-8422.

Idaho Transportation Department seeks feedback on draft seven-year transportation plan

SHOSHONE — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is seeking feedback on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The 2024-2030 ITIP outlines the state’s transportation priorities and guides investment decisions for the next seven years. ITD encourages everyone to review the draft and provide comments from July 1-31.

Transportation projects included in the draft ITIP range from large-scale interstate improvements to smaller projects like the installation of a new guardrail. Projects are located throughout Idaho’s 44 counties and involve all modes of transportation. Project selection is determined through technical data, as well as input from local officials and residents.

To review the complete draft plan visit itd.idaho.gov/funding to view an interactive map that allows users to learn about projects in their local area as well as submit a comment through the portal.

Local projects in the program include:

  • A project to reconstruct the roadway on SH-75 from Saddle Road in Ketchum north to North Fork Campground Road.
  • Bridge replacements on US-30, Bickell Railroad Overpass at milepost 231.9 near Murtaugh, and SH-75, Yankee Fork of Salmon Road at milepost 202.48 downriver from Stanley.
  • A reconstruction and realignment safety project on SH-75 at Torrey’s Hole RV access to Slate Creek that includes new pavement surface, riverbank stabilization, culvert installation, and installing guardrail.
  • A safety and restoration project along US-93 from Hot Springs Road to Fish Creek Road north of Carey to restore deficient pavement, repair frost damage and apply a seal coat to provide a new roadway surface.
  • Road widening with four lanes on US-93 from Jerome Butte, SH-25, north to R Canal.

Comments will be taken from July 1-31 and can be emailed to itipcomments@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to:

ITIP – Comments
Attn: Office of Communication
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID  83707

Paper copies of the ITIP will be provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department (208) 334-8119.

All comments will be reviewed and incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate. Responses will be sent in September once the comment period has ended.

After approval by the Idaho Transportation Board in September, the ITIP will then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency in October. Once finalized, ITD staff across the state will begin scoping new projects.

Public input is crucial in ensuring that the ITIP reflects the needs and desires of Idaho’s communities.

U.S. Highway 95 Aht’Wy Interchange Construction & Traffic Update – Mid-June

Aht'Wy Interchange US-95 June 2023

Work continues on the Aht’Wy Interchange project on U.S. Highway 95 near the Clearwater River Casino & Lodge RV Park. As crews shift their work to other sections on the site, there will be a new change to traffic patterns starting this week.

Motorists are advised that access from SB US-95 to the plaza will only be allowed at the west entrance point. Access from NB US-95 to the plaza will be allowed at both west and east entrance points.

Access from the plaza to SB US-95 will be restricted at the east entrance and only allowed at the west entrance. Access from the plaza to NB US-95 will be allowed at both east and west entrance points.

To see a graphic for access to and from the plaza, please reference this handout

During these early stages, travelers can expect single lanes in each direction. The speed limit has been lowered for safety. ISP is heavily patrolling the area. Please be mindful of construction workers working near the roadway.

Updates on the Aht’Wy Interchange Project can be found by visiting https://itdprojects.org/projects/ahtwyinterchange/

To get continual updates about weather-related road conditions, road work, commercial vehicle restrictions, road closures, and other travel please visit Idaho 511. Access it 24/7 on the web at http://511.idaho.gov, by downloading the free mobile app or by dialing 511 on your phone.

U.S. Highway 12 – Summer 2023 Road Construction

U.S. Highway 12 - Summer 2023 Road Construction

Recreationists, anglers, and other through traffic will be impacted by two construction projects on U.S. Highway 12 this summer. The Idaho Transportation Department will be repairing the roadway in two sections.

The first project on US-12; Saddle Camp Road to Warm Springs (mileposts 140.6 – 151.4) will start this week. This work will include soft spot repairs, milling and paving, and new guardrail installation. A bicycle shuttle will be offered free of charge to cyclists during working hours 6 a.m.—6 p.m.  (Mon. – Sat.).

The second project; Lochsa Ranger Station to Holly Creek (mileposts 121.4 – 130.3) will receive repairs and improvements as well. The first season of work will commence on July 10 and conclude mid-October (season 1 of  2). The work will include a shoulder notch widening on both sides of US-12, the construction of reinforced soil slopes, and the replacement of multiple culverts.

The road may be reduced to one lane with possible maximum 30-minute delay at times. Watch carefully for flaggers or pilot cars. Driving surface will vary from milled surface to gravel surface at the pipe crossings and soft spot repairs.

Click here to view a map of the projects.

Live traffic impacts can be found by visiting 511.idaho.gov. You can also dial 5-1-1 or download the app. For information on ITD projects, check ITDprojects.org.

Roadwork to begin in Blackfoot area

Cones in truck

BLACKFOOT – Beginning Monday the Idaho Transportation Department will begin work on pavement preservation projects in the Blackfoot area on Interstate 15 and US Highway 91. Motorists should plan for single lane closures and reduced speed limits in the work zones.

Interstate 15 will receive a micro-surfacing treatment north of the Blackfoot rest area. Micro-surfacing improves and protects the road surface.

On US-91 from Shelley to York Road, ITD will begin chip sealing. Chip sealing, also called seal coating, maximizes the taxpayers’ investment by extending the lifespan of the pavement. Hot temperatures are needed to ensure a successful application. Chip sealing protects pavement from sun, oxidation, weather, water, oil and gas, and improves traction for drivers.

As work progresses, the I-15 Business Loop through Blackfoot will also be improved. All work is scheduled to be completed by mid-July.

Please check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app for the most recent information on road work.