Traffic impacts for Huetter Road and I-90 ramps begin tomorrow, through next week

COEUR d'ALENE - The Idaho Transportation Department is preparing for the next phase of ramp reconstruction work as part of ongoing Interstate 90 expansion between Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls.

Two temporary ramp closures are planned in sequence over the coming weeks:

• I-90 eastbound on-ramp from Northwest Boulevard, starting June 1
  • Primary detours: From the south, drivers will use Ironwood Drive to access I-90 at U.S. Highway 95. From the north, drivers will use Appleway Avenue to access I-90 at 4^th Street. (Map)
• I-90 eastbound off-ramp for US-95, starting June 8
  • Primary detour: Drivers will exit at 4th Street and use Appleway Avenue to access US-95. (Map)

Each closure is expected to remain in place 24 hours a day for approximately one week while crews reconstruct ramps to accommodate future traffic growth and ongoing expansion of the I-90 corridor.

While the US-95 off-ramp is closed, ITD is routing detour traffic through the 4th Street Interchange to reduce congestion on Northwest Boulevard and Ironwood Drive, which are the primary routes used by emergency vehicles and ambulances transporting patients to the hospital.

"We appreciate the public's patience as crews continue this important work along the I-90 corridor," Project Manager Zach Feist said. "We realize these closures and detours can be inconvenient, but they are necessary to complete improvements that will support future growth and improve traffic flow for the region. We also appreciate drivers helping preserve access through critical areas like the Kootenai Health corridor by using alternate routes when possible."

In addition, Huetter Road beneath I-90 will be closed overnight May 27 between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. while crews set bridge girders, horizontal beams that support the bridge deck. North of the closure, drivers should use Mullan Avenue to get to State Highway 41 to the west or use Poleline Avenue/Hanley Avenue to travel east around the closure. On the south side of I-90 drivers can use Seltice Way to get to an alternate route. (Official detour map)

During this work, motorists should also expect nighttime lane and speed reductions on I-90 over Huetter Road. Ongoing and intermittent impacts to Huetter Road are anticipated for several weeks following this closure as crews continue to build the bridge deck.

Temporary paving to widen westbound I-90 between the rest area and SH-41 will also take place in early June. ITD reminds motorists to slow down and stay alert with heavy equipment and crews active throughout the work zones.

Drivers should expect increased congestion and delays near these work zones and are encouraged to use alternate routes and interchanges when possible. Motorists traveling through the corridor should keep left to allow space for vehicles to safely merge near work zones. Much of the work, especially paving, is weather dependent, so rain or other inclement weather may shift timelines unexpectedly.

Digital message boards, roadway signs, and Idaho 511 will provide updated traffic information and detour guidance throughout construction.

Once complete, the I-90 widening project will expand the corridor to four lanes in each direction, improving safety and reducing congestion along one of North Idaho's busiest routes. Construction is expected to continue through 2029.

For more information about the project or to sign up for email and text updates, visit ITD's project website.

For the latest statewide traffic information, visit Idaho 511 or download the app.