MY TURN: BNSF inaction clogs traffic on Highway 53 near Hauser

The closure of Pleasantview Road near Prairie Avenue and State Highway 53 at Hauser has caused a major daily bottleneck for thousands of motorists. 

Heavy congestion in that area could be significantly reduced if traffic signals installed several months ago by the Idaho Transportation Department were activated. 

The problem? The arrogance of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. 

Anticipating the traffic jams — sometimes stretching for nearly a mile at Prairie and Highway 53 — the ITD installed signals last year to mitigate commuter angst. Yet the signals stand dormant due to BNSF’s apparent disregard to synchronize its railroad crossing arms and warning lights with the temporary traffic signals. 

Diligent ITD officials say they have been working closely with BNSF for more than six months on the issue, yet there is no progress or anticipated cooperation from the railroad. 

As a former reporter who attempted over the years to work with BNSF on significant railroad issues impacting Kootenai County, I am well aware of the bureaucratic black hole one encounters when attempting to communicate with BNSF. 

Indeed, the railroad has refused to respond to recent media inquiries about the signalization along Highway 53. Why? Does BNSF have something to hide? 

Closure of Pleasantview is for good reason. Crews are constructing an overpass over the railroad at Pleasantview and Highway 53 that will greatly improve safety and eliminate incessant traffic congestion along the increasingly busy highway corridor. 

Completion of the new interchange is set for the summer of 2026. 

In the meantime, motorists in that area are at the mercy of the nonresponsive BNSF who has the authority to improve safety along the dangerous stretch of highway. 

According to the Idaho Office of Highway Safety, there were 10 fatal accidents along Highway 53 in the greater Hauser area between 2014-2024, a majority of which occurred at or near the Pleasantview intersection. 

During the same period, daily traffic volume on the highway between Rathdrum and the Washington state line has increased by 24% — from 9,500 vehicles per day in 2015 to 12,500 last year, according to the ITD. 

“I think it’s a safe assumption that the future interchange will have a positive impact on safety within the overall corridor,” said Heather McDaniel, public information for the District 1 ITD. 

It’s time for the railroad to take action and address this traffic nightmare by activating the signals at Prairie and Highway 53. 

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Keith Erickson is a longtime Hauser resident.