US-30 Heyburn Bridge repair resumes

SHOSHONE – Construction work resumed today on US-30 Heyburn Bridge over the Snake River. The epoxy overlay repair is expected to be completed by early June. Motorists can expect lane restrictions during construction and are advised to slow down.

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.

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 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

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

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 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

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.

ITD Snowplow Strikes ISP Patrol Car

SWAN VALLEY – An Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) snowplow struck an Idaho State Police (ISP) patrol car at approximately 8:30 this morning during white-out conditions. The incident occurred in the westbound lane on U.S. Highway 26 near Swan Valley.

The patrol car was occupied by two ISP troopers who were at the scene of an earlier crash when the snowplow rear-ended the patrol car. Both troopers were transported by car to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center to be checked out as a precautionary measure.

US-26 was closed in both directions between Ririe and Swan Valley from milepost 355 to milepost 377 due to wind, drifting snow and reduced visibility. There were multiple collisions reported in the region.

“We are grateful that everyone was able to walk away from this crash,” ITD District 6 Engineer Jason Minzghor said. “We appreciate our partners at ISP and our ITD crews out there risking their lives to try and keep the roads as safe as possible during these harsh conditions.”

Several highways were closed in the region due to inclement weather.

Extreme Cold May Result in Additional Road Closures

RIGBY – As extreme cold continues in East Idaho, the Idaho Transportation Department is asking motorists to plan ahead and check the 511.idaho.gov website before hitting the roads. “It’s vitally important that drivers are paying close attention to current conditions,” said ITD Public Information Officer Justin Smith. “We always try to keep roads open, but when conditions become unsafe for our plow drivers we have to close the roads to protect everyone.”

Smith also noted that drivers checking the 511 website or using the newly updated version of the 511 app might see a webcam of one portion of the road that looks fine, but other sections may not be safe. “With the changes in altitude at places like the Ashton Hill conditions can be vastly different from Idaho Falls or Henry’s Lake.”

Those changing conditions can also be dangerous. The National Weather Service announced over the weekend that wind chills are dropping to -15°F to -40°F. At -30°F exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 minutes. That means motorists must be sure to have their vehicle serviced. A poorly maintained vehicle can leave someone stranded.

AAA notes (https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/winter-driving-tips/) several other precautions motorists should take:

Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your car, such as extra food and water, warm clothing (including additional clothing for every passenger), a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more.
Make certain your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.
Stay home and only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.

It is especially important to consider children, the disabled, and elderly who may be passengers. “Sometimes we forget that children and vulnerable adults do not have the ability to maintain body temperature. Kids like to go out without enough cold weather protection, but parents should ensure there are coats, hats, gloves, and other necessities are available if needed,” Smith said.

This winter has become more challenging as District 6 has lost a number of plow drivers leaving 17 vacant positions open. “We do have a few relief plow drivers to help with the vacancies, but it’s not enough to take the pressure off,” said Bryan Young. “This number includes employees who are retiring or are out for extended health reasons. We do have a few new hires, but they will not be 100% this winter.”

The vacant positions may make it necessary to close roads sooner than motorists may be used to. When fully staffed multiple plow drivers can work the same highway from both directions. However, with fewer plows on the road it may not be possible to keep a road open. This is especially the case where snowfall is heavy and strong winds are blowing.

ITD has also been dealing with numerous plow strikes and drivers making dangerous maneuvers around plows. So far 13 plows have been hit this season. Most of those incidents were related to drivers going too fast for conditions and passing plows on the right.

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.