ITD Preparing Projects on I-86 Through Power County

AMERICAN FALLS – The Idaho Transportation Department is beginning the summer work schedule with several projects in the I-86 corridor through Power County. These projects include repairing the Rockland Exit 36 bridge, repairing the Sunbeam and Seagull Bay bridges, and a pavement preservation project along I-86 through Power County.

The Rockland Interchange repair is scheduled to begin in June and will consist of surface repairs, girder repairs, and the installation of a new waterproof membrane for the deck. Motorists should expect some delays.

The Sunbeam and Seagull Bay bridge repairs are scheduled to begin in early August. Both will undergo surface repairs and new concrete overlays. During construction, traffic will be moved to one side of the interstate via crossovers and slowed through the construction area. Motorists should expect some detours during this project.

The pavement preservation project will consist of a micro-seal application which is intended to extend the lifespan of the pavement. ITD currently plans to perform this work after the bridge repair projects are completed. The micro-seal application is scheduled to be completed by the end of September. During work there will be lane closures and reduced speeds in work zones.

Drivers are encouraged to check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app for the latest updates on construction and road conditions.

Prepare for summer travel with the NEW Idaho 511

As you make your summer travel plans be sure to check out the Idaho Transportation Department’s NEW Idaho 511! The streamlined low bandwidth Idaho 511 website, lb.511.idaho.gov, has now officially retired and the transition to the newest Idaho 511 traveler information website is complete.

Visit 511.idaho.gov to take a tour of the great features and be prepared for your next road trip! Cameras, road reports, traffic speeds, rest area locations, and more are listed in the layers menu on the right side of your screen. Check the boxes next to your preferred map icons to turn them on, and uncheck the boxes to turn off map icons.

On the left side of your screen (or below on a phone or tablet) scenic views, severe weather cameras, and critical events, road closures, or blockages are displayed as they are happening. These give you an instant look at current situations statewide that may have direct impact on your travel.

Saved and bookmarked links should redirect to the newest website, and personalized Your 511 accounts already made the switch in March. Log on now and start saving your favorite cameras and more!

Need some help navigating the new website? Use the onboarding tour to get your bearings and feel free to send us feedback.

ITD Office of Highway Safety partners with law enforcement for safer Fourth of July

This Independence Day, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is working with law enforcement to keep roads free of impaired drivers. July 1-15 officers from at least 60 agencies across the state will dedicate patrols to looking for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

According to OHS data, impaired driving was the cause of 1,501 crashes in 2019, resulting in 99 deaths in Idaho. There were 8,084 DUI arrests. With COVID restrictions lifting and summer activities ramping back up, many Idahoans are eager to get together with family and friends. Please keep safety in mind when gathering to celebrate.

“We want everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, but it’s important to be responsible on the road,” said OHS Manager John Tomlinson. “As you make your plans for the long weekend, also make a plan for a sober ride home.”

Driving under the influence of any substance is dangerous and illegal. During last summer’s Fourth of July impaired driving campaign, law enforcement officers made 140 DUI arrests. While additional officers will be on the lookout for impaired drivers, we can all do our part to keep Idaho’s roads safe. Celebrate with a plan and remember these safe alternatives:

It is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or use a ride sharing service to get home safely.
Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law, it is the best defense in a vehicle. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.
If you see a suspected impaired driver use your cell phone in hands-free mode to call *ISP (that’s STAR, I-S-P for Idaho State Police) or 1-800-233-1212.
Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

ITD’s Freight Program seeks representatives to help shape freight’s future

Help shape Idaho’s freight future! The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking representatives to serve on the Freight Advisory Committee. The group is made of six members, one representing each of ITD’s administrative districts.

The individual selected for District 1 will represent Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone counties
The individual selected for District 2 will represent Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, and Nez Perce counties
The individual selected for District 3 will represent Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Washington, and Valley counties
The individual selected for District 4 will Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls counties
The individual selected for District 5 will represent Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Power counties
The individual selected for District 6 will represent Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Teton, and Madison counties

The Freight Advisory Committee (FAC) was created to advise ITD on issues related to freight transportation in Idaho. FAC members gather and speak on behalf of the following industries:

Rail, Highway/Trucking
Aeronautics
Port/Barge
Agriculture
Natural Resource
Manufacturing/Retail
Carrier/Shipping
Freight Logistics/Warehousing

Applications for FAC representatives in each of the six districts will be accepted June 21 – July 21, 2021. A 15-day public comment period on the candidates will then follow. Find the application form and instructions at itd.idaho.gov/freight under the Freight Program and Get Involved tabs, or also linked here.

For more information about FAC or the application, contact ITD Freight Program Manager Scott Luekenga at (208) 334-8057 or by email at scott.luekenga@itd.idaho.gov

Public Transportation Advisory Council to meet June 15

The Idaho Transportation Department’s Public Transportation Advisory Council (PTAC) will have its second meeting of 2021 on Tuesday, June 15. The meeting will be held online via Webex from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to the public.

PTAC was created in Idaho code 40-514 to advise ITD on issues and policies regarding public transportation in Idaho. The council is made up of six members representing each of the ITD districts, and participates in planning activities, identifying transportation needs, and promoting coordinated transportation systems.

Meeting topics encompass ITD’s mission of Your Safety, Your Mobility, Your Economic Opportunity, as it relates to public transportation and the funding programs available to transit providers and stakeholders across Idaho.

A copy of PTAC meeting agendas, minutes, and scheduled dates are located on the ITD Public Transportation website, itd.idaho.gov/pt, under the “Advisory” tab.

Those interested in attending the June meeting may call in using the information listed below.

For more information, contact the ITD Public Transportation Office at (208) 334-8533.

Join from the meeting link
https://itdgov.webex.com/itdgov/j.php?MTID=m245a95b8fd998445321b8b4f64864b97

Join by meeting number
Meeting number (access code): 133 895 2273
Meeting password: sKrcP3WgK62

Join by phone
+1-415-655-0003 US Toll
1-844-740-1264 USA Toll Free

Skip the DMV trip! New vehicle registrations now available online

The Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Motor Vehicles is adding another convenient option to its online DMV services. Idahoans who have recently purchased a vehicle from a licensed Idaho dealership may now qualify to skip the trip to a county DMV office and instead register their new or used car from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

The transaction previously had to be completed in person, but is now available online at dmv.idaho.gov. It’s one of more than 15 DMV transactions ITD offers to customers online.

“We are excited to provide this online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays,” said DMV Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “This gives you another choice to skip the line at the DMV to get your driver’s license, vehicle registration or license plates. Skip the trip, save time, and go online.”

Customers will need the pink copy of the ITD 0502 form from the dealer to enter their vehicle’s information. A tutorial video is linked below. At this time the service is not available for private party sales, and customers cannot transfer a current registration from one vehicle to their new vehicle online.

ITD processes close to 100,000 DMV transactions online every month including address changes, driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals, personalized plate orders, release of liability forms and more. A full list can be found at dmv.idaho.gov.

“Idahoans’ time is valuable and with the state’s quickly increasing population we know this now more than ever. Giving more people the ability to finish their DMV business online means better customer service for all,” Gonzalez said.

ITD’s DMV Customer Contact Center can be reached at 208.334.8000 if customers have questions or need assistance with online services.

Memorial Day weekend begins the “100 Deadliest Days” on Idaho roads

This Memorial Day weekend, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) reminds drivers to take caution during the “100 Deadliest Days” on Idaho roads.

The unofficial start to summer begins the dangerous 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day when there is an increase in fatal crashes. Last year, 88 people killed in vehicle crashes in Idaho lost their lives during this time frame.

“These warmer months are dangerous because we typically see more drivers on the road, with teens out of school and summer road trips underway,” said OHS Manager John Tomlinson. “We also expect busier roads as COVID restrictions lift and Idahoans feel more confident and eager to get back on the road and travel.”

But it’s not the time to relax behind the wheel. Distracted driving, impaired driving, and aggressive driving also have large impacts on crashes in the summer.

“Whether you are on vacation or just driving your regular commute, it’s always important to make safe decisions while driving. Stay focused and drive engaged, plan for a sober ride, and make sure you buckle up,” Tomlinson said.

Memorial Day weekend also coincides with the national Click it or Ticket seat belt campaign. Law enforcement officers across Idaho are partnering with OHS to participate, issuing citations to those not wearing their seat belt.

“Buckling up is the easiest thing you can do to protect yourself during a crash. It increases your odds of surviving by 50 percent,” Tomlinson said. “We want everyone to get to their destination safely this summer. Take care of yourself and the people you care about by wearing your seat belt and driving well every trip.”

OHS will continue to team up with law enforcement agencies throughout the 100 Deadliest Days to also target impaired drivers and aggressive drivers.

ID-55 Smiths Ferry project transitions to summer work schedule

Spring construction is wrapping up on Idaho Highway 55 between Smiths Ferry and Rainbow Bridge. Thursday, May 27th marks the last day of planned full road closures until September. Friday through Monday during the Memorial Day weekend, both lanes of the highway will be open. Then Tuesday, June 1st, our summer construction schedule begins.

This project will help improve safety and mobility for drivers by widening shoulders, minimizing roadway curves, and installing guardrail in certain locations.

“Our spring construction started in mid-March, and with full road closures Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. crews were able to safely blast rock away from the hillside,” said Project Engineer Alex Deduck. “In two and a half months crews excavated and removed nearly 55,000 cubic yards of material, that’s more than 4,500 truckloads. We’re close to a third of the way through the project now and appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we make this a safer drive.”

Crews will continue their work on the highway this summer. June 1 through Labor Day drivers should plan for one-lane alternating traffic day and night Monday through early Friday morning. Both lanes will be open on weekends Friday through Sunday to accommodate busy summer travel.

Watch the video below to see the progress made so far.

Be the first to know project updates by signing up for our text alerts and emails. Just visit our website or text the word “alerts” to 833-480-0255. Project representatives are available 24/7 to answer your questions.

Thank you for your patience as we improve the safety and mobility of ID-55.

Star Card – Idaho’s REAL ID federal deadline extended

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice for REAL ID

Originally published 4/28/2021

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the federal deadline for REAL ID, Idaho’s Star Card enforcement, is extended to May 3, 2023 due to COVID-19. The pandemic has impacted states’ ability to issue REAL ID compliant IDs with many driver’s license agencies operating at limited capacity across the country, according to DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas.

The Idaho DMV continues to urge Idahoans to get their Star Card before 2023. The Star Card, U.S. passport, military ID, or other REAL ID compliant identification, will be required to board a commercial flight and enter a federal facility in May 2023.

Currently more than 490,000 of 1.25 million licensed drivers in Idaho have a Star Card. That number has increased from just 70,000 in 2019.

“We are happy to see the number of Idahoans who have chosen to get a Star Card steadily increase, even during the pandemic, and we want to maintain that momentum,” said Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles Administrator Alberto Gonzalez. “Despite the deadline extension to 2023, please plan ahead and get your Star Card early.”

The Star Card has been available in Idaho since 2018. The transaction requires an in-person visit to a county driver’s license office and additional documents. The Idaho DMV strongly encourages Idahoans use the “Add the Star” tool at itd.idaho.gov/starcard to learn what specific documents are needed, as they can vary depending on each person’s situation. More information, frequently asked questions, and driver’s license office locations can also be found online.

Please note, several other state DMVs have reported a REAL ID phishing scam in which a citizen may receive a text asking for personal information related to the REAL ID. This message is a scam and should not be clicked on. It has not yet appeared in Idaho, but remember the Idaho DMV does not send messages requesting information for the Star Card.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 as a result of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards, for official purposes.

Connect to Disconnect during Distracted Driving Awareness Month

The Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is joining other state highway safety offices and law enforcement agencies across the country to keep our communities safe with engaged driving. This is part of a nationwide effort called Connect to Disconnect.

Thursday, April 8 officers across the country will commit a four-hour shift to targeting distracted driving. In addition, April 19 – 30, more than 60 law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho will work with OHS to dedicate patrols to enforcing Idaho’s new hands-free law.

“April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and we urge Idahoans to join us by agreeing to disconnect from your phone, put it away while you are behind the wheel, and drive engaged,” said OHS Manager John Tomlinson.

According to OHS data, between 2015 and 2019 there were more than 25,000 distracted driving crashes in Idaho killing 237 people. Nationally, distracted driving was a factor in nine percent of all traffic fatalities in 2019 – in Idaho, it was 16 percent.

To help improve safety on our roads, the Idaho legislature passed the hands-free law last year, banning the use of handheld electronic devices while driving – even while temporarily stopped at a red light or stop sign. Officers spent the second half of 2020 educating drivers about the new law and in January they began issuing citations.

“Inattentive driving is illegal and dangerous,” Tomlinson said. “If you need to use your phone’s GPS, enter the address in before you start driving. Check out Bluetooth options for your car so you can talk hands-free, and if you have to read or send a text, pull over and park the car. Choose to leave the distractions behind, stay focused on the road, and drive engaged so you can help save lives.”

For more information visit shift-idaho.org.