BONNERS FERRY — Nearly everyone who responded to a recent survey expressed concern about driving the U.S. 95 corridor from Ponderay to the Canadian border, according to findings released by the Idaho Transportation Department. 

The results were shared during a Jan. 30 safety workshop in Bonners Ferry, held in partnership with Idaho State Police and the Office of Highway Safety. The event aimed to gather community input and outline future projects for the stretch of highway from Sandpoint to the border, which has recorded more than 100 crashes annually over the past five years. 

A total of 272 people participated in the workshop, including 125 who attended in person and 147 who took part online. 

Seventy-one surveys were completed, with nearly 70% of participants stating they drive the corridor daily. 

Among those surveyed, 87% said they were very concerned about the drive from Ponderay to Canada, while another 10% said they were somewhat concerned. 

Respondents identified several factors contributing to unsafe conditions, including unsafe passing, speeding, aggressive or reckless driving and a lack of passing lanes. Other concerns included dangerous turning movements, traffic congestion and slow-moving vehicles causing backups. 

About two-thirds of those surveyed identified the stretch from Deep Creek Loop to Samuels Road as the area of greatest concern along the corridor.

Elmira Road was the second most frequently cited location. Respondents noted issues such as dangerous turning conditions and limited sight distance. 

The area near Naples was also mentioned, with concerns about the narrow bridge and challenging access points. 

McArthur Lake drew significant feedback as well. According to ITD, comments focused primarily on the approaches north and south of the bridge rather than the bridge itself. 

From 2020 through Jan. 30, 2026, there were 750 crashes on U.S. 95 in Boundary County. Of those, 31% were wildlife-related and 22% were intersection-related. Approximately 73% resulted in property damage only, while 204 involved injuries. Thirteen fatalities were reported during that period, including three in 2025. 

Future improvements identified through ITD’s seven-year planning process are scheduled to begin in 2028, with three pavement preservation projects planned through 2029. Additional safety improvements are slated for 2030 along Kootenai Trail, Mountain Meadows and Elmira roads. 

Other potential safety measures include improved signage and driver information systems, roadside visibility enhancements and roadway width improvements. 

Nearly three-quarters of respondents said the workshop was very or somewhat effective in improving their understanding of the corridor’s issues.

Additionally, 62% of respondents said they felt somewhat or very confident in coordination among agencies working along the corridor.