Upcoming changes at US-95 and Lakeshore Drive will permanently restrict left-turning traffic.

SANDPOINT - Starting tonight, pending the weather's cooperation, Idaho Transportation Department crews will begin re-striping the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and U.S. Highway 95 that will permanently restrict left turns directly from Lakeshore Drive onto northbound U.S. Highway 95. During striping operations drivers should expect flagging on Lakeshore Drive. Later this summer, a raised concrete median will be installed to physically prevent the left turning movement.

With these changes, all traffic exiting Lakeshore Drive will be required to turn right onto US-95. Drivers wishing to turn left, will also turn right, continuing south for a short distance, then using the existing median U-turn, commonly called a 'J-turn,' to safely turn around and merge into northbound traffic. Drivers who previously crossed the highway from Lakeshore Drive onto Lakewood Avenue will also follow this route. (Diagram of traffic flow)

Northbound drivers on US-95 will still be able to turn left onto Lakeshore Drive; this project will only affect traffic leaving Lakeshore Drive to access the highway.

As part of a larger, nearly $9 million safety improvement plan for the US-95 corridor, which also included the Sagle Road signal, ITD completed construction of the median U-turn in 2023 to address a history of near misses and crashes caused by drivers attempting to cross traffic. While restricting left turns was always part of the long-term safety plan, drivers were initially allowed to continue making direct left turns when gaps in traffic permitted. With traffic volumes increasing since 2023, and with support from local transportation partner agencies in Bonner County, that option will now be removed as part of this safety improvement.

Traffic in this area often becomes congested as lines of vehicles exit the Long Bridge and funnel through the intersection. Drivers attempting left turns frequently wait for extended periods, which can create backups and increase pressure to make risky decisions.

"Even when a gap looks safe, traffic conditions can change quickly," District Engineer Ryan Hawkins said. "Requiring all traffic to turn right removes that uncertainty and creates a more predictable and safer intersection."

Queued vehicles waiting to turn left often block drivers trying to use the J-turn. This leads to delays, confusion, and frequent near misses. Requiring all traffic to turn right will create a more consistent traffic pattern.

ITD is also exploring options on the east side of US-95 to prevent drivers from using private business parking lots and side streets as an unofficial turnaround.

"We understand this change may add a short amount of travel time for some drivers," Hawkins said. "However, reducing conflict points at this intersection will improve safety and reduce risk for severe crashes for everyone traveling through the area, which is our top priority."

If rain or low temperatures prevent striping operations this evening, this work will occur later in the week, or early next, as weather allows.

(Photo)