Be prepared, and patients, for the summer of road work

Exasperating. 

Maddening.

Infuriating.

Those are a few of the words being tossed around these days when talking about what seems to be an unending number of construction projects on our streets and highways.

Whether you're on Interstate 90, U.S. 95, Highway 41, Highway 53, Prairie Avenue, Sherman Avenue, Atlas Road, crossing a bridge or using an off-ramp or an on-ramp, it seems this is the summer of road work. Streets are closed, detour signs are posted, big rigs are rolling and signs are telling us to expect delays. Two lanes are squeezed into one day. The 70-mph speed limit suddenly became 55 mph because you just entered a construction. Take a short trip east of Coeur d'Alene over Fourth of July Pass and you'll find yourself in stretches of one-lane traffic at reduced speeds. 

And it goes on, it seems day and night. You cannot escape it. And just when you think you're free and clear, another sign telling you to slowdown, road work ahead, appears. It's best to do as suggested unless you want to risk a ticket, which as you know, doubles in work zones.

This isn't new. Summer is generally when most road projects take place because the weather is good. And with all the growth and increased traffic, our streets and highways are going to show wear and tear. It is imperative they be maintained, as wheeled transportation is critical to the economy. If people can't travel by vehicle safely, we have a problem. This work must be done.

Perhaps, though, some of this work could be coordinated so less of it is going on at the same time. Being stuck in traffic backups, delays and detours, one after another, tends to frustrate drivers, who then make decisions, such as speeding up, running red lights and making sudden lane changes, that can lead to accidents. It also can lead to close calls, flaring tempers and even road rage.

Which is where patience is required.

We mention this because the Interstate 90 eastbound off-ramp for US-95, starting June 8, will be closed. Drivers are encouraged to exit at 4th Street and use Appleway Avenue to access US-95.

This closure is expected to remain in place 24 hours a day for about a week while crews reconstruct ramps to accommodate future traffic growth and ongoing expansion of the I-90 corridor.

While the US-95 off-ramp is closed, ITD is routing detour traffic through the 4th Street Interchange to reduce congestion on Northwest Boulevard and Ironwood Drive, which are the primary routes used by emergency vehicles and ambulances transporting patients to the hospital.

That's not all.

Temporary paving to widen westbound I-90 between the rest area and SH-41 will be taking place in early June. ITD says drivers should expect increased congestion and delays near these work zones and are encouraged to us alternate routes and interchanges when possible. 

Sounds like a pain, but there is light at the end of all this.

Once complete, per ITD, the I-90 widening project will expand the corridor to four lanes in each direction, improving safety and reducing congestion along one of North Idaho’s busiest routes. Construction is expected to continue through 2029.

ITD Project Manager Zach Feist said they appreciate the public's understanding.

“We realize these closures and detours can be inconvenient, but they are necessary to complete improvements that will support future growth and improve traffic flow for the region," he said in a press release. "We also appreciate drivers helping preserve access through critical areas like the Kootenai Health corridor by using alternate routes when possible.”

And please, try to remain calm.