U.S. 95 intersection work slated

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d’ALENE — U.S. 95 near the Lincoln-Walnut intersection in Coeur d'Alene will be repaired starting on Monday.

Megan Sausser, Idaho Transportation Department spokeswoman, said drivers leaving downtown on Northwest Boulevard will not be able to access the northbound ramp to U.S. 95 for an estimated two days as it is repaved.

"The ramp will open at night, but during the day drivers will be directed to use Lacrosse Avenue as a detour to the highway," Sausser said.

The repairs, which are expected to last a total of about two weeks, will address the deteriorating pavement in advance of the planned intersection redesign, which has been delayed from 2021 to 2026 as part of an update to ITD’s seven-year program.

After ramp work is complete, crews will patch the bridge deck. One lane in each direction will be open, but drivers should expect short delays when traffic must be stopped to move equipment on and off the bridge. Drivers will also not be able to turn left from U.S. 95 onto Northwest Boulevard.

Work will progress north to Lincoln and Walnut avenues. Flaggers at the intersection will guide alternating traffic.

The intersection redesign postponement was due to balancing the budget and the needs of the northern five counties, Sausser said.

With the redesign, the highway will be expanded to include two lanes in each direction at the curve. Access to Lincoln Way and Walnut Avenue will be modified.

Changes are expected to make the intersection safer and easier to navigate. The current layout of the intersection allows highway traffic to flow freely but subjects all other movements to a three-way stop.

Due to high traffic volumes and the complicated layout, the intersection is a high risk for crashes and the location of many near-misses. As part of the project, existing sidewalks to the east and south of the highway will be improved.

ITD's seven-year program at https://bit.ly/30SD0qD is open to public comment until Aug. 2.

A printed copy can be reviewed at ITD’s district office in Coeur d’Alene.

Comments can be emailed to adam.rush@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to ITIP — Comments, Attn: Adam Rush, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707-1129. Copies of the plan will be provided upon request by contacting Rush at 208-334-8119 or adam.rush@itd.idaho.gov.