Popular ITD and ISP free winter driving classes across eastern Idaho start next week

PR East Idaho Free Winter Driving classes roadside view of icy road with a pickup and snowplow in the distance

Winter travel in Eastern Idaho means more than just tossing on a jacket before you go. The Idaho Transportation Department is teaming up again with Idaho State Police to offer free winter driving safety classes to help Eastern Idaho drivers be prepared for the reality that snow and ice changes everything.

Registration is now open for these popular, helpful sessions at the following places and dates:

IDAHO FALLS

Wednesday, November 5 @ 7 p.m.

Rocky Mountain Middle School, 3443 N Ammon Rd

REXBURG

Wednesday, November 12 @ 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

BYU-Idaho Little Theater, Manwaring Center, 101 E Viking Street

No registration needed

POCATELLO

Tuesday, November 18 @ 5:30 p.m.

Chubbuck City Hall, 290 E Linden Ave.

RIGBY

Wednesday, December 3 @ 7 p.m.

ITD District 6 Office, 206 North Yellowstone

The classes are designed to help drivers prepare for Idaho’s winter conditions by covering topics like vehicle readiness, proper equipment, defensive driving techniques, and how to safely share the road with snowplows. Instructors include state troopers and ITD operators who bring firsthand experience from years of working on Idaho’s roads and responding to emergencies during severe weather.

While these classes are open to everyone of all ages and skill levels, they are especially valuable for:

Young drivers with limited winter driving experience
New drivers, including those preparing to start driver’s education in the next year
New residents facing their first Idaho winter

Participants who complete a class will receive a coupon for 10 percent off a new set of tires at any Les Schwab Tires location in Eastern Idaho from American Falls to St. Anthony. ITD and ISP extend a special thank you to Les Schwab for their partnership.

More information and direct links to these classes can be found on ITD’s website Travel page, itd.idaho.gov/travel.

Idaho state agencies collaborate to save time and money, accomplish missions

Workers from ITD and IDOC doing hazardous tree removal on SH-31, showing a loader hauling large logs and people on the ground on the roadway around the equipment.

State agencies in Idaho each handle their own areas of expertise, but not necessarily alone. It’s well known that Idaho State Police and Idaho Fish and Game work particularly close with the Idaho Transportation Department. Another partner you might not have realized is the Idaho Department of Correction.

Each summer ITD becomes one of the job alternatives for non-violent inmates in certain minimum-security facilities. In east Idaho, individuals at the St. Anthony Work Camp join ITD crews to accomplish tasks that are better completed with more hands to help. ITD then becomes their mentor for learning skills they’ll use forever.

“The whole idea behind the work camp is to give them skills that they can use to help them become effective pillars of society,” ITD Facilities Manager Korby Hansen said.

Inmates at St. Anthony Work Camp have various options of places they can work while at the facility. In east Idaho, ITD pays $50,000 to IDOC for two months of work from a ten-man crew and guard.

This summer, work camp crews, or “Red Shirts” as they’re often called, have assisted with bridge repairs in Ashton, hazardous tree removal on State Highway 31, fencing in Dubois, geological drilling efforts district wide, utility and landscaping improvements in Rigby and more.

“For just the hazardous tree work alone, if we were to hire privately, it would easily cost the district $250-300,000,” ITD Business Manager Jesse Olivas noted.

ITD submits the needs they have in eastern Idaho for the year to IDOC in advance of the working season. Those overseeing the program, like Olivas and Hansen, also attend a spring training where IDOC states the expectations for working with inmates.

From that point on, we schedule what gets done when and where over the course of the two months that the Red Shirts are committed. This allows all eight east Idaho foremen and others to utilize the extra hands efficiently.

“It would take just our crew months or years to get done what they helped us do in just a few weeks,” ITD Driggs area Operations Technician Ray McMinn said.

He and fellow crew member Kyler Fullmer worked together to advance the inmates’ sawyer certifications while working on SH-31 this summer. A flagger class was also offered for them to serve in that role while on ITD projects, as well as at jobs throughout the future after their sentence has been served.

“ITD gives them some real skills they can use when they return to the community,” this year’s IDOC Correctional Officer, who goes with and watches the inmates on all jobs, stated.

This dynamic partnership between IDOC and ITD is a great example of Idaho’s state agencies working together to substantially save money and accomplish their missions in the process.

Public invited to open house for proposed changes to US-20 west of Idaho Falls

Bus, equipment, commuter and recreational traffic all traveling on US-20 west of Idaho Falls toward the Twin Buttes.

The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting an open house next week to share proposed improvements to U.S. Highway 20 from Idaho Falls to Arco.

US-20 is one of the few highways that run east to west across the entire United States. This section is a vital route for commerce and the 6,000 eastern Idahoans who work at the Idaho National Laboratory.

Originally built in 1950, the roadway requires robust improvements to continue to serve motorists for years to come. The design proposes increasing safety by adding capacity, widening the road to two lanes in each direction starting at Idaho Falls and moving west. Widening will improve safety for freight, agricultural, recreational and commuter traffic where limited passing opportunities and lines of sight now exist.

Those attending the open house will have the chance to comment on these proposed designs, learn the project timelines and see how construction impacts are being mitigated.

Open house details:

Snake River Event Center at the Shilo Inn

780 Lindsay Blvd, Idaho Falls

Thursday, September 4

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

For those unable to attend, an online option will be available September 4-18 at us20arcotoif.com.

“We know this route needs improvements and have been very focused on working towards them,” ITD District Engineer Jason Minzghor said. “We’re excited to get public input on the design and see construction happen in the very near future.”

Construction could begin as early as next summer due to additional funds dedicated to the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation program by Governor Little and the Idaho Legislature earlier this year. This bonding program enhances safety, improves mobility, further strengthens Idaho’s economy and positively impacts communities across the state for years to come.

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.