Expect lane closures and delays during unique inlaid striping operations on Idaho Falls roads and others

Road of SH-33 in Idaho, showing a notch ground into the pavement where paint will be applied and a truck in the background.

Traffic will be affected as the Idaho Transportation Department and contractor partners conduct inlaid striping operations on State Highway 33, U.S. Highway 20, and Interstate 15 Business Loop over the next two weeks.

Beginning today, lane closures will be in effect where work is currently underway on SH-33 between Sage Junction and Rexburg. Four miles at one time will be reduced to one lane, with flaggers and pilot cars directing traffic through the work area. Motorists should watch for reduced speed, large equipment and signs indicating construction ahead.

Roadways will be worked on in this order, with all operations expected to be completed by August 15:

SH-33 between Sage Junction and Rexburg, milepost 59 to 78.

US-20 west of Idaho Falls, milepost 301 to 307, beginning next week.

I-15 Business Loop in Idaho Falls (Sunnyside Road from I-15 to Yellowstone Road).

I-15 Business Loop in Idaho Falls (Yellowstone Road from Sunnyside to Broadway).

Operations on SH-33 and US-20 are being conducted during daytime hours. Crews will work through the night on the I-15 Business Loop in Idaho Falls.

A pilot car and flaggers will only be present on SH-33 this week. Traffic will be directed into one lane and continue to move around the work area on US-20 and I-15 Business Loop.

Inlaid striping is relatively unique in Idaho. The operation involves grinding into the pavement very slightly, creating recessed notches that paint is then applied within. This method aims to extend the life and reflectivity of pavement markings.

Updates regarding these efforts and all roadwork in Idaho can always be found on the Idaho 511 app, or at 511.idaho.gov.

Work at Macks Inn Bridge along US-20 beginning Monday

Macks Inn Bridge on US-20 through Island Park, Idaho.

Work to improve and repair the Macks Inn Bridge on US-20 through Island Park will begin on Monday. Crews are customizing handrails, repairing guardrails and installing concrete railings to improve safety for multiple uses in this popular location. These efforts are expected to be completed by Thursday of next week. If needed, finishing work will resume the week following but will not be in effect through the weekend.

One lane of traffic will remain open in each direction throughout this project, with the lane nearest the bridge closed one side at a time. Turning movements to and from businesses and river access will be monitored and allowed to be made as normal.

Drivers can expect to see large equipment on site to correctly locate a sewer line near the bridge. Travelers and recreationists are urged to observe lower speed limits and stay engaged while driving. Be aware of workers and equipment very near open travel lanes.

Updates for this project and others across Idaho can always be seen on the Idaho 511 app, or at 511.idaho.gov.

IT Engineer Receives High Honor for Assistance with Murder Conviction

Idaho Transportation Department's Directors, District Engineer and Bonneville County Prosecutor with Shea McNama, receiving a high honor award for his assistance with a murder conviction.

On May 13, 2023, the eastern Idaho office of the Idaho Transportation Department received news that was far from ordinary concerning the Clark Hill Rest Area on US-26 between Ririe and Swan Valley. A dead body. The indication of foul play. What answers might ITD’s surveillance cameras hold?

Not all of ITD’s 29 rest areas have surveillance cameras in place. It so happens Clark Hill is one that does. This fact, paired with the skills of IT Information Security Engineer Shea McNama, would come to make all the difference in the conviction of a murderer.

The cameras record on a loop and video overrides itself after a few days. Time was of the essence.

McNama attempted to access and download the footage remotely. It became clear that it would take weeks at the slow remote download rate. He went home, got a chair and went to Clark Hill Rest Area physically, where he stayed for 18 hours while the download was completed on site.

From that point on, McNama studied and improved the video that fell within the timeframes provided by the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office. He pieced together different angles and located vehicle descriptions. He ultimately worked an estimated 200+ hours gathering surveillance footage and making it useable to the prosecution.

When first appearing in court, the suspect stated that he merely stopped at the Clark Hill Rest Area briefly to use the facilities. Between that statement and the actual trial, McNama pinpointed specific video that showed that statement to be clearly false. He never entered the restroom but moved beyond the facility entirely.

For this evidence to be admitted in court, a specific set of McNama’s skills were put to use. He holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity, as well as a Digital Forensics Certificate from IACIS, the International Association of Computer Investigative Systems. This is the number one certification for digital forensics in the world.

It’s also what taught McNama how to apply a hash algorithm to video evidence- the tag that proves evidence hasn’t been tampered with and all copies are the same. He ended up testifying on the stand for two hours, with his credentials and expertise holding up the evidence beyond any shadow of doubt.

“Without his work, we absolutely could not have achieved this conviction,” Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal stated.

The suspect was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for second-degree murder in January of 2025.

“All I did was present what I found. I was happy to do my part,” McNama said. To represent ITD and assist the Prosecutor, it felt like the time I spent working towards my degree and certification was worth it all.”

Neal has wanted to award McNama for his priceless contribution to the case ever since. He and several members of his office were able to finally do just that on Wednesday, July 2. While ITD’s Executive Leadership Team was visiting District Six, McNama was given a Prosecutors Commendation Award and Medal. This is the Office’s highest award ever given, and the second highest possible to receive among law enforcement.

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

Roadside view of US-20 roadway and traffic west of Idaho Falls.

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking feedback on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The ITIP outlines the state’s transportation priorities and guides investment decisions for the next seven years through 2032. ITD encourages everyone to review the draft and provide comments July 1-31.

Transportation projects included in the draft ITIP range from large-scale interstate improvements to smaller projects like the installation of 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.

Visit itd.idaho.gov/funding to view an to learn about projects and submit a comment through the portal.

ITD Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney outlined, “The Idaho practice of annually updating a seven-year highway transportation plan helps consider the growth of traffic we are all seeing which is accelerating the need for safety, preservation and capacity improvements supporting communities statewide. This draft ITIP presents investment needs in highway pavement, bridge repairs, and congestion relief improvements that will provide the Idaho Transportation Board effective options to consider looking ahead for Idaho.”

In mid-June, the Idaho Transportation Board accepted staff recommendations to address congestion on priority corridors using Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation funds. These funds came from House Bill 25, which was passed by the Idaho Legislature earlier this year. The legislation provides an additional $20 million a year to the TECM fund for the next three years and allows the department to invest an extra $1 billion in the Idaho transportation system.

One of the major project(s) in the draft ITIP affecting East Idaho as part of the board’s action include:

US-20 west of Idaho Falls. This project will increase capacity by widening the road to two lanes in each direction starting at Idaho Falls and moving west as funding allows. Widening will increase safety for freight, recreational and commuter traffic due to limited passing opportunities and lines of sight. Construction is anticipated start in 2026, two years earlier than planned.

Comments can be emailed to itipcomments@itd.idaho.gov, recorded at 208-334-8063 or mailed to:

ITIP – Comments
Attn: Noah Ipaye
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID  83707

Paper copies of the ITIP will be available at regional offices and provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department at 208-334-8284.

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.

Public input is crucial in ensuring that the ITIP includes the prioritized needs of Idaho’s communities.

US-20 identified for further funding

Today at its regular monthly meeting the Idaho Transportation Board accepted staff recommendations on priority corridors across Idaho using TECM funds to address congestion, including several projects on U.S. Highway 20 near Idaho Falls. Since Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation funds were first used by the department for bonding and advancing major projects in 2022, ITD has delivered timely construction of expansion projects across the state. Today’s actions are a continuation of that.

Funding came from House Bill 25, which was passed by the Idaho Legislature earlier this year. The legislation provides an additional $20 million a year to the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation fund for the next three years and allows the department to invest an extra $1 billion in the Idaho transportation system.

With this new funding, the following projects have been recommended for further design and construction:

US-20 west of Idaho Falls: This project will increase capacity by widening the road to two lanes in each direction starting at Idaho Falls and moving west as funding allows. Widening will increase safety for freight, recreational and commuter traffic due to limited passing opportunities and lines of sight. Construction is anticipated start in 2026, two years earlier than planned.
US-20 widening from Chester to Ashton: This project is anticipated to expand the existing roadway into a four-lane divided highway. Construction is anticipated to start in 2028.
I-15 and US-20 Interchange: This project continues to make progress toward relocating I-15 Exit 119 to US-20 and realign US-20 through Idaho Falls to address safety and congestion concerns. Funding will allow for the purchase of private property for future construction.

With these projects now included in the draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP), the public will have the opportunity to give feedback on this project and the department’s full list of planned projects from 2026-2032 during the annual comment period in July. Then the draft ITIP will be presented to the board for approval in September.

The board’s action today reflects continued investmenttargeting congestion and capacity in major corridors that were previously funded by TECM bondsas authorized by the Idaho Legislature. In East Idaho, TECM funds allowed for the construction at the South St. Anthony Interchange, which was previously unfunded.

This project and others were identified because they are existing high-priority corridor needs that will improve traffic flow and increase safety.

US-20 Exit 320 northbound ramp into Rigby closed Monday- Wednesday, June 11

Roadway, ramp and bridge at US-20 Exit 320 South Rigby, Idaho.

Traffic leaving U.S. Highway 20 to access South Rigby will be detoured on Monday through Wednesday, June 11, while the exit is closed for bridge repairs. The closure will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and last until complete on Wednesday.

Travelers can take Exit 322 (North Rigby) or Exit 318 (County Line) as detours. Those leaving Rigby to get on to US-20 will still be able to use the southbound ramp at Exit 320 toward Idaho Falls as normal.

This closure will be noted on the Idaho 511 app and at https://511.idaho.gov.

ITD Island Park foreman addresses multi-fatality crash

ITD Ashton/ Island Park foreman Ryan Wright at the site of a multi-fatality crash on US-20 near the Idaho/ Montana border.

Tragedy is, just that, tragic. The need and desire for reverence is legitimate. Difficult and hallowed situations can also cause strength, character and work ethic to shine admirably.

In sorrow for the lives lost during the crash that this article refers to, and hope that others who can relate will know they are not alone, we share the story of our role in the response.

Idaho State Police and the Idaho Transportation Department in East Idaho have a history that speaks for itself— ISP Lieutenant Marvin Crain and his troopers don’t hesitate to rely on ITD because the partnership has been proven time and time again. ITD operations and maintenance personnel across East Idaho are used to working beside ISP, ready to assist on scene as valuable first responders and traffic control.

Such was the case on the evening of Thursday, May 1, for a multiple fatality crash on US-20 at milepost 399. ITD Ashton/ Island Park foreman Ryan Wright has been in his role for the past 15 years and is an integral part of the small communities he serves. He heard about the incident just after it happened. Knowing it was blocking both north and southbound lanes, he sent his Island Park crew to direct traffic before ISP ever called. Wright then got in his own truck and headed to the scene personally.

“I don’t know what frame of mind a guy goes into it with. I can’t say you get used to it because you don’t,” Wright emphasized. “It’s just something we have to do. I guess it’s just work mode.” He said he tries to keep his crew members from having to be right in the thick of things during crash responses.

Once there, ISP spoke with Wright to request an additional flagger farther south. An Ashton crew member was called and showed up to fill that role. Wright himself pitched in to help however he could, knowing the Fremont County Coroner personally and working alongside the familiar ISP folks involved.

Wright and his crew members were on scene and assisting until the crash was cleared around 2 a.m.

“It’s when you get home and the adrenaline goes down and you start thinking,” Wright said. “The visions in your head you just don’t get rid of.”

East Idaho ITD leadership and Safety Officer Ronnie Butler made contact personally to get CISM, the Critical Incident Stress Management team that exists in each ITD district, available and ready for Wright and his crew. The individuals who are part of a CISM team are trained to offer a listening ear, help manage expectations after a traumatic event, and connect employees to the services needed. Each member is interviewed before joining the team and has related experience of their own.

“I’m not sure why I’ve always been able to handle it because I’ve seen some terrible wrecks,” Wright added. “We each deal with stuff our own way. I’ll usually call another foreman. We have each other.”

In the time since the crash, Wright has had to re-visit the site to assess damage and determine what needs done to ensure the continued integrity of US-20 near the Montana border. This road is the connection to the western entrance of Yellowstone National Park. ITD crews will conduct mastic and grader operations in the coming weeks as soon as investigations allow.

To our ITD operations and maintenance crews across the state, your contributions as first responders and the ones who pitch in during traumatic incidents do not go un-noticed. Thank you for your strength—you are appreciated and of such great worth.

Resources will always be available to help after an incident. Any ITD employee struggling as a result of work or on a personal level, don’t hesitate to contact your CISM representatives—they are happy to help and located to be able to respond immediately. You are not alone.

East Idaho travelers will see even more improvements to US-20

Orange traffic control barrels and lights along US-20 in east Idaho as traffic moves beside.

RIGBY—Exploratory drilling along U.S. Highway 20 from Idaho Falls to Rigby, as well as pavement replacement within the active roadway north of Rexburg, begins Monday. The Idaho Transportation Department is urging travelers to be aware of equipment and crews through these particularly busy areas.

“Last year, we had three near miss occurrences as we were drilling on US-20 near Idaho Falls,” ITD Geologist Shawn Enright said. “We want people to be particularly aware so we can make sure everyone gets home at night and the work gets done too.”

Over the next three weeks, contractor partners will have drill rigs and traffic control in operation near the ramps, overpasses and canal crossings from Interstate 15 Exit 119 in Idaho Falls to Rigby to gather data for potential future widening of US-20. Work will happen within the shoulder or roadside.

More efforts to improve US-20 from North Rexburg Exit 337 to Driggs/ Jackson Exit 339 are also beginning Monday and will continue throughout the next three weeks. Contractor partners will be repairing the worst sections of roadway to provide a smoother ride for motorists.

The northbound ramp to access US-20 at Exit 337 will be closed through the day on Tuesday, April 29. Once work has progressed north, motorists will see closures of the northbound on-ramps at Sugar City/ Salem Exit 338 and Driggs/ Jackson Exit 339. Each closure is expected to last no more than a few days and will only remain through daytime hours.

This work will be noted on the Idaho 511 app and 511.idaho.gov. Drive aware and drive safe while crews make Idaho’s roads better.

Look out for crews and traffic control as spring road work begins across East Idaho

ITD crews perform crack sealing repairs on I-15. Men are wearing hi-vis yellow and operating handheld equipment at the back of a small crack sealing trailer.

RIGBY— With the onset of spring, over the next several months the Idaho Transportation Department and contractor partners are crack sealing, repairing potholes, removing hazardous trees and conducting more substantial improvements to ruts and bumps in the roads from Salmon to Driggs and the Montana state lines to Idaho Falls.

Crack sealing is underway on Interstate 15 from Idaho Falls to Dubois, as well as State Highways 33 and 47. This work involves a mobile one-lane restriction that follows workers’ progress. ITD crews fill minor cracks in the roadway with a strong, sticky tar that serves to keep water from getting under the surface and making the damage worse. This must be done in spring during cooler temperatures and dry conditions, and then the repair effectively expands through warmer months.

Flagging operations will be in place temporarily on state highways across east Idaho as ITD performs mastic pothole repair. Expect flagging delays to be less than 15 minutes where this work is occurring. Mastic work uses a hot-applied rubber and asphalt combination that is highly effective at sealing up more substantial damages in the road. These fixes must also be done in dry conditions and specific temperatures seen during the spring. Crews time work before or after peak travel times, even at night as needed.

On U.S. Highway 20 between Rexburg and St. Anthony, crews will be working to mill off the surface of the road in 1,500-foot stretches or less and then overlay new pavement. Expect to see one lane closures and speed reductions where this is occurring.

Hazardous tree removal will also begin this spring on U.S. Highway 93 between Challis and Salmon. ITD crews can sometimes work off the roadway, though flaggers will be in place as needed, with one lane restricted in 15-minute increments. The removal of dying and diseased trees will improve errant driver safety recovery zones, wildlife visibility and fire protection widths. This effort will continue through the spring and into the summer months.

Other routine spring maintenance work like shoulder repairs and delineation enhancements are also ongoing. Drivers should be aware of these smaller work zones, slow down and move over to help everyone stay safe. Download the Idaho 511 app or visit tps://511.idaho.gov/ to stay up to date on where road work is occurring across Idaho.

Final full closure for US-20 Rexburg interchange starts tomorrow

US-20 Exit 333 at Rexburg, road closed sign in place with construction equipment surrounding

U.S. Highway 20 Exit 333 for Main Street in Rexburg will fully close beginning tomorrow. This closure allows crews to complete final paving operations and marks the last time Rexburg exits are expected to close for the construction of new diverging diamond interchanges. Exit 333 will be re-opened as soon as paving and striping work is finished, on or before October 29.

“Our goal was to have these projects completed by late fall and that really is going to happen,” Project Manager Conner Huffaker said. “We’re so grateful to the Rexburg community for their support and patience.”

After re-opening, construction efforts at Exit 333 will be largely off the roadway, with only limited lane closures from that point on. Motorists can expect some interruptions as work continues toward final completion, though they will be short lived.

With construction efforts winding down, motorists will also see improvements to timing for the traffic signals at both Exits 332 and 333. Engineers will make signal adjustments until the movement of the new interchanges is ideal for typical traffic flow.

Since March, the Idaho Transportation Department and contractor partners have been working to complete the massive undertaking of rebuilding Exits 332 and 333 in Rexburg. Both exits are now operating diverging diamond interchanges that are expected to resolve former traffic concerns in the Rexburg area.