BONNERS FERRY — The intersection on Kootenai Street and U.S. 95 has been revised to ban left turns.

Bonners Ferry Police Chief Willie Cowell and City Administrator Mike Klaus both filed recommendations to the Idaho Transportation Department in February to make the change. George Shutes, ITD transportation operations team leader, filed the request to the department’s district office in Coeur d’Alene. 

Bonners Ferry Street Superintendent Scooter Drake took the lead on repainting the intersection. 

ITD officials approved the request, agreeing that the revision was both feasible and practical given the high rate of accidents that occur at that intersection. Cowell said approximately six to 10 crashes happen there every year, in addition to many near misses and citizen complaints. While there have not been any fatalities at the intersection, some of the collisions have resulted in injuries. None required LifeFlight response. 

“That intersection is a hazard, so much so that I don’t like making that left turn even in a patrol vehicle lit up with sirens,” Cowell said. “This is the best way the hazard can be addressed.” 

About four years ago, ITD made improvements to the highway by redoing the pedestrian walkway on the bypass and adding fencing, which obstructs the view for both southbound traffic on U.S. 95 and drivers turning northbound onto the highway from Kootenai Street. 

Since that time, Cowell said, summertime traffic has increased exponentially. 

“We decided to take care of it now to beat the summertime influx of traffic this year, which is in full swing right now,” he said. 

The police department began discussing the revision last summer, and in February, city officials got involved and began coordinating with ITD. 

“I think it’s going to be a good thing,” Bonners Ferry Mayor Rick Alonzo said. “It’s going to save on accidents. It’s tough to pull out of there because of the fencing and the hill.” 

Currently, there is temporary signage indicating no left turns, as well as traffic cones. Permanent signage will be placed along the sidewalk, high enough so it does not interfere with pedestrians. Alonzo said there will likely also be a few additional minor adjustments to the road. 

“It will take a little bit for people to get used to,” Alonzo said. “You don’t have to go that way to get on the highway, especially if you’re northbound. You can see much better from the other intersection on Riverside Street.”