COEUR d'ALENE — Out of 13 options being considered for the Rathdrum Prairie Transportation Plan, Kootenai County residents learned details Wednesday about five projects moving toward consideration.

Helen and Jon Furbee were especially interested in the Huetter Bypass project. 

"If we go to Spokane, we take the prairie way more often and if you have the Huetter Bypass, it’s much easier,” Helen said at the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber building. “You have these bottlenecks and the improvements to 41 are great, but it’s going to turn into 95.”  

Kyle Bozarth also put stock in the Huetter Road project. 

After living in Hayden, Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene over the last two decades, he said the overpass would be a positive for keeping traffic fluid over the prairie. 

Bozarth also wants ITD to maintain access to businesses along U.S. 95.  

“Highway 95 is an integral artery for the entire state for commercial trucking and our county needs a thruway with no obstruction,” Bozarth said. 

Information sessions were held in Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls where residents were asked to reflect on what's most important when it comes to transportation on the Rathdrum Prairie and whether they agreed with current ITD project recommendations. 

Both meetings had an open-house style so people could drop in anytime. Displays showed updates, and staff answered questions and gathered feedback. 

ITD's Heather McDaniel said the agency will analyze responses and choose a few options to pursue by summer 2026. 

The goal is to reduce congestion, enhance connectivity and keep traffic moving efficiently throughout the Rathdrum Prairie.

The large-scale study began with more than 50 projects. Some may be combined if that seems to benefit residents. 

“If there’s one clear standout, we’ll move forward with that item,” McDaniel said.  

Residents wanting to comment on the Rathdrum Prairie Transportation Plan are invited to submit their thoughts before Oct. 1 at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/rathdrum-prairie-pel.

Helen and Jon Furbee were excited to see the Idaho Transportation Department alternative involving improvements to Huetter Road move forward as part of the Rathdrum Prairie Transportation Plan Wednesday at Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce.

    Members of the public interested in how roads may change across Rathdrum Prairie were invited to discuss their feelings with officials Wednesday at Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce and Thursday at the Q'emiln Trailhead Event Center.