I-84/US-93 Interchange Ramp Construction

UPDATE: Daytime and nighttime ramp closure on the I-84 Westbound ramp Aug. 29 – Sept. 11. Daytime ramp closure affords construction crews the ability to expedite ramp paving. Project remains on schedule to be completed mid-October.

TWIN FALLS – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) begins construction on the I-84 and US-93 interchange on and off-ramps at Exit 173 in August 2023 which is expected to last approximately two months. Located just north of Twin Falls, the project will resurface the ramps, upgrade signals, and construct a right turn lane for the westbound I-84 off-ramp.

The public can expect the following traffic impacts:

Lane reductions in place at the on and off-ramps south of I-84.
Temporary closures will occur at the on and off-ramps 8 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Motorists will drive on a gravel surface during the day on the westbound on and off-ramps.
Construction will be staggered and no more than one ramp will be closed at a time.
Each ramp closure is expected to last for approximately eight nights.
Motorists will need to use alternate routes when closures are in place.
Signs and possibly flaggers or a temporary signal will be in place to direct traffic.

Download map for alternate route descriptions at https://itd.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/I84-US93-IC-RampClosures-1.pdf.

Travelers are reminded to check 511.idaho.gov for impacts to traffic from construction.

Variable speed limit signs in place in the I-84 South Jerome to Twin Falls work zone to improve safety

JEROME – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has installed variable speed limit signs to improve safety as crews widen I-84 between the South Jerome and Twin Falls Interchanges. The new signs are controlled remotely, allowing ITD to lower speeds when crews are working near traffic.

The current posted speed limit in the work zone is 70 mph. When crews are working near traffic, ITD will lower the speed limit, and a flashing beacon will notify drivers that speed limits have been lowered. When crews are not as close to traffic, ITD will raise the speed limits to 70 mph.

Variable speeds have been successfully implemented in other work zones, including the one on I-84 between Caldwell and Nampa. Research shows that variable speed limits reduce crashes, reduce travel times, and improve safety.

The signs will be removed when construction is complete in late fall of 2025.

Details about the I-84 South Jerome to Twin Falls project are available at ITDProjects.org/84jerometotwin or by texting 84JTF to 1-866-483-8422.

Rolling Closures on I-84 from South Jerome to Twin Falls through mid-July

The Idaho Transportation Department is continuing work on I-84 between the South Jerome (Exit 168) and Twin Falls (Exit 173) Interchanges. Crews are blasting rock in the median of I-84 on weekday afternoons through mid-July.

What you need to know:

Rolling closures will occur on I-84 through mid-July.
Delays will range from 20-30 minutes.

A pilot car will slow motorists down several miles before the blast area to allow crews to blast rock and clean up debris.

Details about the I-84 South Jerome to Twin Falls project are available at ITDProjects.org/84jerometotwin or by texting 84JTF to 1-866-483-8422.

Lane restrictions June 20-25 for Perrine Bridge and Glenns Ferry Bridges

TWIN FALLS – Lane restrictions on Perrine Bridge and Glenns Ferry Bridges are scheduled for June 20-25. Drivers can expect traffic delays across the bridges while Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) crews conduct routine bridge inspections.

Glenns Ferry Bridges

June 20-23 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Traffic on both east- and westbound bridges at milepost 121.6 on Interstate 84 will be reduced to one lane in either direction when crews begin work on the eastbound bridge with an 11-ft width lane restriction starting Tuesday, June 20 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Westbound right-lane closure will begin when eastbound work is completed.

Perrine Bridge

June 24-25 from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in either direction while crews move from the south end of the bridge to the north end with an 11-ft width lane restriction:

– Southbound right lane closure: Saturday, June 24 from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

– Northbound right lane closure: Sunday, June 25 from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“These special bridge inspections only take a couple of days to accomplish, while routine inspections take a week or more and both are important to ensure the safety and longevity of our state bridges,” said ITD Bridge Inspector Amy Bower.

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, 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.

Shoshone railroad crossing closed for repairs May 16-18

SHOSHONE – 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.

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.

Motorists 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, 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.

Construction is underway to widen I-84 between South Jerome and Twin Falls interchanges

JEROME – As part of Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho Transportation initiative, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has begun a project to widen I-84 between the South Jerome Interchange (Exit 168) and the Twin Falls Interchange (Exit 173). Construction begins this week on this 2.5-year project.

I-84 serves as a primary interstate route, and traffic counts are expected to increase substantially over the next 20 years. The existing interstate will not be able to accommodate anticipated future traffic volumes. These improvements will increase capacity and improve safety on I-84 to serve South-central Idaho for years to come.

In 2023, motorists should expect:

I-84 will be restricted to one lane in each direction at night. Occasional daytime lane restrictions may be necessary.
- Rolling closures on I-84 will occur this spring/summer for blasting rock in the median.
Traffic shifts will be used throughout construction.
The speed limit on I-84 will be reduced.
400 South Road will be closed intermittently.

Funding for this project comes from the Leading Idaho TECM Program. The program allows ITD to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build. Concrete Placing Company is the contractor for this $92.9 million project.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in late fall of 2025. Those who are interested in learning more about the project are invited to visit the project website at itdprojects.org/84jerometotwin or call (208) 391-3735.

Information in Spanish can be found on the project website or by calling (208) 398-3696.

SH-36 closed due to mud slides

POCATELLO – At approximately 6:30 pm on Tuesday a mud slide necessitated the closure of SH-36 between Ovid and Preston. Continued warming temperatures resulted in two more slides in the area. As of 2:30 pm Wednesday the highway remains closed north of Mink Creek.

ITD crews are working to clear ditch and culverts to help the spring runoff waters move away from the highway. However, the safety of the travelling public is the primary concern and the road will remain closed until engineers are confident the roadway is safe.

To travel between Preston and Montpelier motorists can detour via SH-34 and US-30.

As Idaho enters the late spring, this winter’s heavy precipitation in the Franklin, Caribou, and Bear Lake Counties presents a significant chance of flooding. Motorists need to be aware of local conditions and not drive through water running over the roadways.

To get the latest updates on road conditions and closures, please check 511.idaho.gov or download the 511 app.

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.

Drivers need to be careful in upcoming storm

RIGBY – With a severe winter storm predicted by the National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/pih/), the Idaho Transportation Department in East Idaho reminds drivers to take precautions in case roads close or motorists become stranded. Extreme cold temperatures, snow, and wind can make for a dangerous combination.

“We do everything we can to keep roads open,” said Bryan Young, D6 Operations Engineer. “However, we also have to consider the safety of the traveling public and our crews.”

ITD asks the public to think ahead and determine whether a trip can be delayed or avoided during winter storms. Check 511.idaho.gov or the 511 app to learn if roads are closed and to view conditions. If you are driving, be careful to leave extra distance between vehicles, never pass a snowplow on the right, and pay close attention to changing conditions.

Other safety tips include:

Keep survival supplies in your vehicle: blankets, flashlight, water, and food.
Fill your vehicle’s gas tank before leaving.
Be sure your car is well-maintained with fluids at proper levels, tires properly inflated, wipers, brakes, and battery are all in good condition.
Dress appropriately for cold weather: heavy coat, boots, gloves, and have extra socks.
Prepare to self-rescue if your vehicle is stuck by having: a shovel, kitty litter, tire chains.
Inform others of when you are leaving, what route you are taking, and what time you expect to arrive.
Ensure your cell phone is charged before leaving.
If your vehicle becomes stuck, check to be sure the tail pipe is clear so exhaust fumes do not build up in the cabin.
Crack a window to avoid carbon monoxide build-up and only run your vehicle for 10 minutes per hour to keep the cabin warm.