ATHOL — With tree removal and utility relocation mostly complete, the Idaho Transportation Department announced Thursday that construction is set to begin on the stretch of highway from State Highway 41 to Greystone Road near Athol.

Starting this week, the right-of-way along the south side of Highway 54 — including the unofficial off-road trails — will be closed to all traffic due to the active work zone with heavy equipment. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of everyone, including those using the trails, construction crews and others on the adjacent roadway.

Why is the right-of-way area closing?

The first phase of highway expansion, which will occur from early spring through mid-summer, will primarily focus on the south side of the highway, ITD said in the announcement. Significant demolition and construction will take place in the right-of-way area adjacent to the roadway, including excavation, ditching and paving. This work will involve heavy equipment and work crews, making the area unpredictable and unsafe for any kind of traffic — motorized and non-motorized. This includes motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, bikes, pedestrians and equestrian riders.

"We understand that these closures may cause frustration, especially for those who have come to rely on the trail as a secondary route of travel," ITD said in the announcement. "The main concern, however, is safety."

Who will be affected?

All trail users will be affected by this closure. With the proximity to Timberlake High School and Timberlake Middle School, ITD said it’s important for parents to understand this route will also not be accessible for students, teens or drivers who use the trail to travel to school or extracurricular activities.

What does this mean for off-road vehicle traffic?

Since the unpaved right-of-way area along Highway 54 will be closed during construction, it will not be acceptable for any unregistered off-road vehicles or unlicensed drivers to use the state highway as an alternative route. Highway traffic is governed by strict regulations, and the presence of off-road vehicles or unlicensed drivers would pose serious safety risks to both those operating ORVs and other road users. Off-road vehicles cannot legally operate on public highways unless appropriately registered and licensed for street use.

All ORV users will need to plan alternative routes or transportation. Young, unlicensed drivers are asked to avoid using the highway as a shortcut.

"We are committed to working together with the community to help navigate through this closure as safely as possible," ITD said. 

Will there be room for a new trail in the right-of-way after the project is complete?

No. Once the highway expansion project is completed in 2026, the entire width of the right-of-way will be dedicated to shoulder space and sloping to meet modern roadway engineering standards. This space is necessary to improve traffic flow and ensure the highway complies with current standards and practices that prioritize the safety of users. As a result, there will not be room for an off-road vehicle trail or shared-use path.

The expanded roadway is designed to accommodate future growth and to provide a safer, more efficient route for everyone, ITD said. While this change may limit access to the area for off-road vehicles, the improvements will help reduce traffic hazards and provide a safer environment for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, by including 6-foot shoulders.