Nampa to Marsing, ID-55 preservation projects begin after 4th of July Holiday week

Map of seal coat project on ID-55 from Nampa to Marsing

A pavement rehabilitation project between Nampa and Marsing is scheduled to begin July 9 and conclude in late July/early August. Work will seal the pavement and extend the life of the roadway.

The first phase, a six-mile micro-seal from Nampa-Caldwell Boulevard to Farmway Road, will occur in the evening (10 pm – 5 am). Work is expected to conclude the week of July 16.

The second phase, an eight-mile chip-seal from Farmway to the Snake River Bridge at Marsing, will occur during daylight hours. Work is expected to conclude in late July.

During both phases, motorists can expect reduced speeds and up to 15-minute delays as traffic will be periodically reduced to one-lane with a pilot car guiding traffic. Where work is occurring, intersections will be controlled by flaggers with minimal delays. Motorists are encouraged to drive with caution through the work zone.

Schedules are subject to change. The contractor is permitted to work weekends. For up-to-date construction information, visit 511.idaho.gov.

Nighttime lane restrictions begin soon for Broadway, Front and Myrtle (US-20) repaving

Nighttime lane restrictions will begin in tonight, Wednesday May 16 on Front Street, Myrtle Street and Broadway Avenue in Boise as the Idaho Transportation Department prepares to repave all three roadways.

The project will include milling off the worn asphalt and replacing it with new pavement. Construction is anticipated to begin on Myrtle Street, then move to Front Street, and on to Broadway Avenue in late June or July.

The repaving work is expected to be completed in late summer.

Work includes:
• Myrtle Street between I-184 (Connector) and Broadway Avenue
• Front Street between I-184 (Connector) and Broadway Avenue
• Broadway Avenue between Rossi Street and the New York Canal north of I-84

The majority of construction will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. All lanes will be open during the day. Occasional work will be scheduled on Friday and Saturday 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

During nighttime paving operations, two lanes will be open on Front and Myrtle Streets. One lane will be open in each direction on Broadway Avenue.

“To get construction updates, sign up for emails or text messages from the ITD Office of Communication,” said ITD Southwest Idaho Resident Engineer Jayme Coonce. “Dates and plans can change quickly due to unpredictable weather and other factors. ITD will send regular updates to keep motorists, residents and businesses informed.”

To request email updates, text US2026 to 22828. Updates also will be posted to itd.idaho.gov/D3.

ITD estimates 30,000 vehicles travel on Myrtle, Front and Broadway each day. The U.S. 20 resurfacing project is expected to extend the pavement lifespan approximately 10-12 years.

Sunroc Corporation, of Boise, is the contractor for $3.14 million project.

Give ITD feedback on Mountain Home plans

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking public comment on several long-range plans in Mountain Home.

The Department and the City of Mountain Home have worked together to create concepts for the interchanges at Exits 90 (Old US-30) and 95 (American Legion) as well as access control along American Legion Blvd (Idaho Highway 51 and US-20). You can see project details and leave a comment by visiting the project website.

The redesign on Exit 90 is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of the interchange. It also accommodates a future connection to NW Mashburn Road.

At Exit 95, ITD is asking for public comment on three alternative designs. Each design has its own advantages and trade-offs. Your input will be valuable in helping to determine the best choice.

The access study is a collaborative effort between ITD and Mountain Home to provide long-range guidance on safer configurations for American Legion Blvd. The design promotes safety while ensuring the public can access businesses along the corridor. Once finalized, this plan will provide up-front information for businesses seeking to develop in the area, enhancing the local economy.

The comment period for this study will end May 15, 2018.

Wet Paint: Striping crews hitting the Treasure Valley

The last pockets of snow are melting off the Boise Foothills – the annual sign that Spring is in full swing in the Treasure Valley. As you begin to de-clutter your garage and spruce up your yard, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Southwest Idaho office is out in force laying fresh paint on faded road stripes.

During these operations, ITD is asking motorists to use extra caution around the striping machines and the wet paint they are applying.

How the Process Works

Striping crews consist of four vehicles.

A lead vehicle to warn approaching vehicles of the wet paint ahead
A paint truck that applies the paint and reflective beads
A crash truck immediately behind the paint truck for protection and to warn motorists of the fresh paint on the road.
A trailing truck with a message board to warn motorists of the wet paint and the painting crew working ahead

When weather allows, striping crews will spend the Spring and Summer repainting all of the lane lines on the state highway system in southwest Idaho. The paint truck sprays two different materials almost simultaneously; the paint first and then retro-reflective beads. The combined materials help the lines remain visible under different conditions: daylight, nighttime, or rain.

Once applied, the paint cures quickly. In ideal conditions, it can be as soon as 30 seconds.

What to do if you drive on wet paint

Wet paint is considered a roadway hazard – similar to animals, debris, or potholes. It’s the responsibility of all drivers to look out for these hazards and try to avoid them.

If you do find yourself driving through wet paint and some of it splashes on your car, you can take immediate action to remove it. ITD suggests two options:

Test a small, hidden part of your car first to ensure no side-effects to the paint or finish. Spray the painted areas with Pam cooking oil. Let it sit for a few minutes. Spray off with pressure washer.
Use a chemical solvent, such as Goof Off (latex). Test a small, hidden part of your car first to ensure no side-effects to the paint or finish. Spray and wipe off small sections at a time. After you wipe off each section wash that section immediately.

Interstate 84 lane closures between Karcher and Franklin will begin Dec. 4

Interstate 84 looking west from Franklin Blvd. Interchange

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has scheduled overnight lane restrictions on Interstate 84 in Nampa next week (Dec. 4-8) to complete geotechnical tests for upcoming improvements to the Interstate. This geotechnical work is one of the first steps of designing substantial improvements to I-84 between the Karcher Interchange and Franklin Boulevard Interchange.

Weather permitting, one lane of east- and westbound I-84 will be closed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Dec. 4 to Dec. 8.

ITD is planning to widen the interstate, redesign the Northside Interchange and replace the Karcher Overpass and bridges over the railroad and Mason Creek. Improvements are expected to improve safety, capacity and traffic flow in Canyon County for many years. Construction could begin as early as the fall of 2018.

For more information about the I-84, Franklin to Karcher project, visit the project webpage.

ITD urges travelers to celebrate responsibly

The day before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest drinking days of the year.

The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year with millions of Americans hitting the road to spend time with family. The holiday’s celebratory spirit also makes it one of the most dangerous periods on our roads.

In recent years, Thanksgiving has become one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year.

“It’s the biggest drinking event we don’t talk about,” said Ken Corder from the Office of Highway Safety (OHS). “A lot of us like to catch up with old friends while we’re home for the holiday and to be honest and many of those meetings happen in a bar.”

This trend has resulted in what is being called “Blackout Wednesday” and it has been deadly on roads across our country. Over the last five years, an estimated 800 people were killed across the country as a result of impaired driving during the Thanksgiving holiday (6:00 p.m. Wednesday to 5:59 a.m. Monday). In 2016, an 37 people died each day during the Thanksgiving period.

In an effort to reduce impaired driving crashes, OHS is joining with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and every state across the country in a social media blitz.

“We want to start the conversation to get people home safely,” Corder said. “If you plan to drink, designate a driver, call a cab, or use a ride share app. You’re there to enjoy the holiday with family and friends – don’t let a bad decision ruin that for all.”

St. Maries Detour Paving to Start Next Week

Crews may start paving the detour route as early as Tuesday, Oct. 24, during daylight hours. This work will take place on Riverside Avenue, Railroad Avenue, 10th Street and 1st Street, and is in preparation for the closure of the railroad bridge.

10th Street between Idaho and Main Avenues will be closed to through traffic on Tuesday, Oct. 24, and the other roadways will be reduced to one lane intermittently as paving takes place for up to four days.

Business access will be maintained, and access through each area will be controlled by flaggers. Please expect minor dust, noise, vibrations and parking restrictions as this work is completed. Visit the project page or call 208-292-8515 for more project information.

Extension continues use of driver’s license at security checkpoints

UPDATE: Star Card deadline is now May 7, 2025

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

Originally published 10/13/2017

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will continue to allow the use of current Idaho driver’s licenses and identification cards at federal security checkpoints, such as courthouses, military bases and airport TSA screenings.

DHS is beginning to enforce compliance of minimum security standards for credentials created by the REAL ID Act. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will begin issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards in early 2018. These will be called Star Cards.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2020 DHS will require REAL ID-compliant credentials for security checks. Compliant credentials include a Star Card driver’s license or ID, a passport, or military ID – to name just a few. Between now and the Oct. 1 deadline, Idahoans can continue to use their current Idaho driver’s license or ID at security checks.

Getting a Star Card is not mandatory, but it (or another compliant credential) will be required to get through security at airports, courthouses, and military bases. More information about the Star Card can be found at itd.idaho.gov/starcard.

Obtaining a Star Card will require additional documentation. ITD has developed a helpful “Add the Star” tool online the public can use to find out their options.

For a full list of compliant credentials, visit the TSA website at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

Idaho Transportation Board approves additional $100 million in funding I-84 corridor

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Board approved a resolution to allocate more than $100 million toward funding expansion in the Interstate 84 Caldwell to Nampa Corridor during the monthly meeting today (Thursday, Oct. 12) in Boise.

“The Transportation Board recognizes the need to address congestion in this corridor and are focusing funds here to make greater gains toward improving the corridor,” said Transportation Board Chairman Jerry Whitehead.

Funding sources include the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) Program money for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 approved by this year’s legislature, 2018 General Fund Surplus, and several other state funding sources. These funds are still pending spending authorization from the 2018 legislature.

The money approved today also will be used to strengthen an application for $90 million in a federal grant for this corridor.

“Combining these new state dollars toward the I-84 expansion allows ITD to leverage our resources to address this crucial corridor, and potentially free up and leverage funds for other needs,” said Whitehead.

4 myths about road tripping for the solar eclipse in Idaho

The August 21 solar eclipse has everyone talking. Unfortunately, some of those conversations are filled with made up assumptions, inaccuracies, or straight-up lies. So, in this age of alternative facts, here are four road myths surrounding the eclipse we want to clear up.

#1. The interstate will be turned into a one-way – FALSE

We’ve heard it from all over the state of Idaho: “The route in my backyard will be changed to go just one direction.” This is absolutely false. This rumor is so untrue, the pants set on fire by those telling it runs the risk of burning down the entire state.

So, let’s be very clear. Whatever the configuration of the road is today will be the configuration before, during, and after the eclipse. I-15 will remain a north- and southbound road; same for U.S. 95 – and so on and so forth.

#2. Semi-trucks will not be allowed on the road – MOSTLY FALSE

Most commercial traffic will be allowed to travel during the eclipse – though we want to throw out there that traffic will likely be congested. There will be a restriction on very large loads.

The Division of Motor Vehicles is implementing a “holiday protocol” for those big rigs. Starting Sunday, Aug. 20^th at 4 p.m. and ending at dawn Aug. 22 loads exceeding 10’ wide, 100’ long or 14’6” may not travel on Interstate or State highways south of Lewiston.

For questions, call the overlegal permits department at 208.334.8420 or email at permits@itd.idaho.gov

#3. All construction will be suspended during the eclipse – SOMEWHAT TRUE

Okay, construction is complicated. The window for crews to get into a place and do work that may take months to complete can be narrow. Where projects can be suspended to improve traffic flow and safety, we are doing that. For some projects, we can’t – if we’ve only got one lane done on a bridge, we can’t pull up and make a difference.

If it helps, we’ll have flaggers out to help move people along. Please use extra caution and patience in active work zones.

#4. Traveling for the eclipse is like driving to work. I don’t need to take extra steps – FALSE

Areas where the moon will completely block the sun – the “Path of Totality” – generally fall on pretty remote parts of Idaho. We’re talking bad or no cell signal, sparse services like gas stations, and lots of big critters that can cross the road. Also, much of southern Idaho is a desert, full of dry grass just waiting to catch fire.

Plan ahead and make smart choices during your trip. Your GPS may not work in the mountains so bring a physical map (they still make those), extra food and water, and fill your tank full before you cross into the hinterlands. Also, make sure nothing is hanging low from your car or trailer. A dropped muffler can hit the road and spark, which is a great way to start a wildfire.

This total solar eclipse is a rare opportunity to see something amazing and we are excited so many people want to come to beautiful Idaho to see it. Help share these truths and bust those myths out there!