Memorial Day weekend is here and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is issuing several travel advisories for those planning to drive from the Boise area of conditions on and along area highways.
Construction impacts
Interstate 84
There are two active projects on I-84 to the east and west of Boise. Bridge rehabilitation over Purple Sage Road west of Caldwell has I-84 reduced down to a single lane in each direction. Speed limits are lowered and drivers should expect delays in the area.
Pavement rehabilitation and construction on the third westbound lane are active east of Mountain Home. Drivers will be channeled into a single lane and speed limits are lowered in the area.
U.S. 95
There are two construction projects that will have impacts over the weekend. Two bridges are being replaced and there is currently only one travel lane. The first project is located about 10 miles north of Council. The second is the Little Rainbow Bridge about 13 miles north of New Meadows. Both construction areas are controlled by temporary signals. Drivers should expect delays if they are headed on this route.
Idaho Highway 55
One active project on ID-55 will be temporarily stopped over the busy travel weekend. The highway south of Smiths Ferry is getting repaved. Work will end Friday, May 24 and will not continue until Tuesday, May 28. Drivers in the area should use caution and obey traffic signs. There will be uneven surfaces as the project remains partially finished.
Another project on ID-55 in Canyon County is the bridge and road reconstruction in Marsing. Construction will continue over the weekend. Travel will be reduced to one lane in each direction and drivers should expect delays in the area.
Travel conditions
Prolonged rainfall and cooler temperatures means the mountains are saturated. There is an increased risk of rockfall and mudslides. Drivers should be aware of the possibility of hazards on the road and drive with caution. ITD reminds drivers to remove distracts and DriveWell, focusing on the task of engaged driving.
Congestion is common on mountain highways during summer holidays. The intersection of ID-55 and Banks-Lowman Road sees heavy traffic. To help with the increase, ITD will flag this intersection on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
ITD is encouraging drivers traveling from the Sun Valley area to Boise consider alternate routes or travel outside busy times (noon to early evening) to avoid delays at the intersection of ID-55 and Banks-Lowman Road.
Be sure to check 511 before leaving on your vacation to see the latest road conditions and impacts. You can call, visit the website or download the app available on both Apple and Android devices.
