UPDATE: Commuter traffic in-town detour – Shoshone railroad closed for repairs May 16-18

SHOSHONE – UPDATE – Commuter motorists will be detoured in-town around the Shoshone railroad construction zone while trucks will be detoured onto to highways.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) asks drivers in the Shoshone area to plan ahead, as a section of U.S. Route 26 at milepost 165.93 will be closed for railroad repair May 16-18.

The crossing will be closed to motorists starting on Tuesday, May 16 at 6 a.m. and will reopen when work is complete by approximately 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 18. To receive the most current traffic updates, call 511 or sign up at 511.idaho.gov.

Union Pacific Railroad Company will conduct repairs to address the aging infrastructure and includes removing old steel tracks and replacing with new steel tracks, concrete slabs, and asphalt.

Commuter motorists will be detoured in-town around the Shoshone railroad construction zone. All commercial trucks traveling northbound on U.S. Route 93 wishing to proceed toward Shoshone will be detoured west on U.S. Route 26. Those traveling southbound on State Highway 75 wishing to proceed toward Shoshone will be detoured west on U.S. Route 20. The closure and detour will remain for approximately three days until the railroad crossing repairs are completed.

ITD, Idaho State Police, and local law enforcement caution motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.

Shoshone railroad crossing closed temporarily until repaired

SHOSHONE – A Union Pacific Railroad company crew is working to reopen a railroad crossing in Shoshone that is temporarily closed due to a trucking accident that happened late Friday afternoon on May 12. Crews are currently onsite and expect to have the section of road along U.S. Route 26 at milepost 165.93 opened as soon as repairs are completed within the next few hours.

A truck pulling a trailer hooked part of a rail while traveling over the railroad crossing and caused damage to the rail and tore out several concrete slabs. There are no reported injuries.

Motorists can expect traffic delays around the Shoshone area and should find alternate routes. To receive the most current traffic updates, call 511 or sign up at 511.idaho.gov.

This incident does not impact the scheduled railroad crossing repair currently scheduled for next week starting May 16. The crossing will be closed to motorists starting on Tuesday, May 16 at 6 a.m. and will reopen when work is complete by approximately 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 18.

Union Pacific Railroad Company will conduct repairs to address the aging infrastructure and includes removing old steel tracks and replacing with new steel tracks, concrete slabs, and asphalt.

Motorists traveling northbound on U.S. Route 93 wishing to proceed toward Shoshone will be detoured west on U.S. Route 26. Those traveling southbound on State Highway 75 wishing to proceed toward Shoshone will be detoured west on U.S. Route 20. The closure and detour will remain for approximately three days until the railroad crossing repairs are completed.

Shoshone railroad crossing closed for repairs May 16-18

SHOSHONE – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) asks drivers in the Shoshone area to plan ahead, as a section of U.S. Route 26 at milepost 165.93 will be closed for railroad repair May 16-18.

Union Pacific Railroad Company will conduct repairs to address the aging infrastructure and includes removing old steel tracks and replacing with new steel tracks, concrete slabs, and asphalt.

ITD District 4 (South-Central Idaho) 2023 Spring/Summer Construction Projects

*I-84: South Jerome Interchange to Twin Falls Interchange
County: Jerome/Twin Falls
Project: Widen Interstate 84 (I-84) between the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) and the Twin Falls Interchange (Exit 173) to increase traffic capacity and improve safety.
*This projected is funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of the Leading Idaho TECM Program. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure that would otherwise take many years to finance and build.
Impact: Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction at night with occasional daytime lane restrictions as necessary. Rolling closures will occur this spring/summer due to rock blasting in the median.
Started: April 2023
Expected Completion: Fall 2025

US-93: Perrine Bridge Repair
County: Twin Falls
Project: Planned maintenance to ensure bridge stays structurally sound. Maintenance repairs include bolt replacement, sidewalk repairs, conduit, and baluster repairs.
Impact: Intermittent lane closures are expected to accomplish the work and traffic delays across the bridge are to be expected during those times. ITD is implementing new mitigation efforts specifically designed to reduce traffic congestion. Daily traffic updates will be posted, and motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and sign up to receive up-to-date traffic notices directly by phone/email/text. Dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov to receive traffic updates on the state highway or interstate system.
Start: May 2023
Expected Completion: Spring 2024

I-84 & SH-25: Bridge Repair West Jerome
County: Jerome
Project: This project involves repairs to the concrete bridge deck, longitudinal bridge joint and transverse bridge joints, as well as various other bridge surfaces and approaches.
Impact: Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on State Highway 25 (SH-25) with intermittent lane closures on I-84.
Started: March 2023
Expected Completion: Summer 2023

I-84 & SH-50: Kimberly Interchange
County: Cassia
Project: Construction of a new diamond interchange including a new overpass bridge to improve the overall safety and functionality of the interchange. The design will add turn lanes and signals at the existing ramps. The design will also provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities within the project limits including a sidewalk across the bridge.
Impact: The first stage will consist of building temporary on and off-ramps at I-84 so traffic can be diverted onto the temporary ramps during construction of the permanent ramps. Traffic will then be reduced to two lanes across the bridge structure during demolition and construction of the other half. Lanes will be narrowed to 11-12’ width on State Highway (SH-50). Traffic will be guided through the work zones using barrels and flaggers. Access to the on and off-ramps and the Travelers Oasis will remain open. There will be frequent changes to the traffic pattern so please remain vigilant. During demolition of the bridge, traffic on I-84 will shift back and forth using crossovers and reduced to one lane each direction and reduced speeds will be in effect.
Started: April 2023
Expected Completion: Summer 2024

I-84: Kasota Interchange to Burley Interchange
County: Cassia
Project: Westbound construction involves milling off existing roadway surface and replacing with new concrete. Eastbound construction starts 2024.
Impact: Westbound traffic will be crossed over to the eastbound lanes while the westbound lanes are closed for construction. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction with reduced speeds.
Started: April 2023
Expected Completion: Westbound Spring-Summer 2023

I-84: Declo Port of Entry (POE) Eastbound
County: Cassia
Project: Construct a new eastbound POE facility.
Impact: Most construction of the new facility will occur away from traffic with minor impacts to motorists with shoulder and single lane closures when the on and off-ramps are tied into the interstate. Existing eastbound Cotterel POE will be demolished once new POE is completed.
Started: Spring 2022
Expected Completion: Fall 2024

SH-46: Big Wood River Bridge
County: Gooding
Project: Replace Big Wood River Bridge north of Gooding
Impact: Traffic will be driving on a gravel surface on the north half of the project until paving can be completed. Reduced speeds are in effect and flaggers will be used to direct traffic through the work zone during working hours.
Started: April 2023
Expected Completion: June 2023

Intersection East 2000 South: Gooding
County: Gooding
Project: Widen State Highway (SH-46) and add a left turn lane in each direction.
Impact: Single lane closures and reduced speeds with flaggers during construction.
Start: June 2023
Expected Completion: Late Summer 2023

US-93 & I-84 Interchange Ramps
County: Jerome
Project: This project involves rehabilitation of the roadway with a mill-and-overlay of eastbound ramps and reconstruction of the westbound ramps.
Impact: Lane reductions will be in place and some intermittent closures of the 1-84 on- and off-ramps will occur. Closures are expected at night.
Start: Summer 2023
Expected Completion: Late Fall 2023

District 4 Seal Coat Pavement Preservation Projects
1. I-84 (milepost 184.34-194.2)
2. US-93: North and Southbound (milepost 57.47 – 59.5)
3. US-93: North and Southbound (milepost 68.83-71.57)
4. US-93: Marley Road to Jim Byrne Slough (milepost 117.5-182.7)
5. US-30 (milepost 253.22-256.97)
6. SH-75: Bellevue to Hailey (milepost 115.6-117.3)
Project: Seal coat preservation begins by applying a thin layer of asphalt/oil and then a cover coat of gravel on the current roadway to seal road cracks, thereby preserving the existing highway surface.
Impact: Few impacts to traffic are anticipated. Traffic may be reduced to a single lane with reduced speeds.
Start: Early Summer
Expected Completion: Late Summer

Construction is underway to widen I-84 between South Jerome and Twin Falls interchanges

JEROME – As part of Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho Transportation initiative, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has begun a project to widen I-84 between the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) and the Twin Falls Interchange (Exit 173). Construction begins this week on this 2.5-year project.

I-84 serves as a primary interstate route, and traffic counts are expected to increase substantially over the next 20 years. The existing interstate will not be able to accommodate anticipated future traffic volumes. These improvements will increase capacity and improve safety on I-84 to serve South-central Idaho for years to come.

In 2023, motorists should expect:

I-84 will be restricted to one lane in each direction at night. Occasional daytime lane restrictions may be necessary.
- Rolling closures on I-84 will occur this spring/summer for blasting rock in the median.
Traffic shifts will be used throughout construction.
The speed limit on I-84 will be reduced.
400 South Road will be closed intermittently.

Funding for this project comes from the Leading Idaho TECM Program. The program allows ITD to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build. Concrete Placing Company is the contractor for this $92.9 million project.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in late fall of 2025. Those who are interested in learning more about the project are invited to visit the project website at itdprojects.org/84jerometotwin or call (208) 391-3735.

Information in Spanish can be found on the project website or by calling (208) 398-3696.

Nighttime Work Begins at System Interchange

POCATELLO – As temperatures warm motorists will see nighttime work starting up again at the System Interchange project in Pocatello. In addition, there will be short-term detours while girders are placed for the new northbound bridge. As of this morning the east to northbound ramp is closed. Traffic is being diverted south to detour through the Pocatello Creek interchange.

Heavy equipment will be moving earth during the night as contractors rebuild the interchange. The excavated earth will be moved on the large conveyor system the Idaho Transportation Department has been using to limit the need for heavy trucks entering and exiting the Interstate within the work zone.

The massive project requires nearly round-the-clock work during summer months to achieve the goals set by ITD for project completion. During the nighttime work nearby businesses and residents may notice more noise from the heavy equipment moving about the worksite.

Detours necessitated by the placement of girders will be updated on 511.idaho.gov or in the 511 app. While this work continues, weather is major factor for the timing of closures. Motorists are encouraged to keep up-to-date via 511.

Motorists should exercise additional care at night to keep everyone safe. ITD asks motorists to keep their eyes on the road, slow down, obey signs, and be patient with other drivers.

The System Interchange project is part of Governor Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative that pays for shovel-ready projects to move forward without delay.

ITD railroad bridge replacement to begin in Chubbuck

POCATELLO – On Monday April 17 the Idaho Transportation Department will begin night work to remove the westbound railroad bridge on I-86, just east of Chubbuck Exit 61. The bridge will be replaced with a wider bridge that will have three lanes. To avoid delaying railroad traffic during the day portions of the demolition will be done at night when fewer trains pass under the bridge. ITD expects the replacement of the railroad bridge to continue into early May.

The bridge replacement will necessitate changes in traffic patterns and increased noise. It is important that drivers slow down in the work zone and provide room for vehicles merging or preparing to take Exit 61 into Chubbuck.

There is no need to demolish the eastbound bridge which has already been widened to three lanes

Weather delays planned lane closures at System Interchange

POCATELLO – The recent snowstorm has delayed delivery of girders for the new I-15 bridge at the System Interchange in Pocatello. ITD planned to install the girders this weekend, but they could not be safely delivered to Pocatello in time. This means the planned lane closures for this weekend will also be delayed until all of the girders can be safely delivered to Pocatello. When that occurs, ITD will update the public.

To protect Idaho’s workers and other motorists, ITD asks those travelling on Idaho’s highways to follow work zone speed limits, be patient, and plan for extra time to travel to their destinations.

To learn more about the final design of the System Interchange citizens can watch this video: https://youtu.be/KRdVBAyXweA

ITD System Interchange Construction Accelerates

POCATELLO – With the arrival of spring the Idaho Transportation Department is ramping-up construction at the System Interchange in Pocatello. As part of Governor Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative, the System Interchange is being redesigned to replace aging bridges built in the 1960s and improve traffic safety.

While work at the interchange continued throughout the winter, in the coming week ITD’s contractor will be placing girders for the new I-15 northbound bridge. This will necessitate rolling slowdowns, delays, and short detours around the I-86 to I-15 ramp leading from Chubbuck toward Blackfoot.

Additionally, as work progresses into the first week of April the Chubbuck Road bridge will be demolished. This will be done in stages with traffic detoured through Chubbuck at night. The first closure will be for northbound traffic and the second for southbound I-15 traffic.

Other projects will also see ramped-up operations including the Fort Hall Interchange and bridge work on I-86. With unprecedented funding made available for construction, Idaho motorists will continue to see increased activity on Idaho’s highways.

To learn more about the final design of the System Interchange citizens can watch this video https://youtu.be/KRdVBAyXweA

American Falls drop-in meeting scheduled March 7 for Intersection of Pocatello Avenue and SH-39

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.