Blasting to close U.S. 95 at Granite Hill today

A blast is scheduled at 1 p.m. today as part of efforts to expand U.S. 95 over Granite Hill north of Athol.

The Idaho Transportation Department reported that all traffic will be stopped during the blast. Delays are expected to be less than 30 minutes.

Blasting will make room for Vintage Road, a new frontage road to the west, and will continue throughout the final season of work. Several blasts will be possible each month.

Starting in early March, crews will work to rebuild 95 to four lanes over Granite Hill and finish Vintage Road. Additional lanes over Granite Hill will provide better mobility. Frontage roads will improve safety by routing drivers to improved intersections to enter the highway.

Both routes are expected to open by August. Construction is expected through October.

Once Vintage Road opens, Homestead Road and Williams Lane will lose direct access to the highway and will instead use the frontage road to access 95.

Drivers can expect two lanes through most of construction.

Info: itdprojects.org/us-95-granite-north-improvements