Construction will impact Huetter Road, I-90 ramp

COEUR d'ALENE — The Idaho Transportation Department is preparing for the next phase of ramp reconstruction work as part of the ongoing Interstate 90 expansion between Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls.

Two temporary ramp closures are happening over the coming weeks:

• I-90 eastbound on-ramp from Northwest Boulevard, starting June 1

Primary detours: From the south, drivers will use Ironwood Drive to access I-90 at U.S. 95. From the north, drivers will use Appleway Avenue to access I-90 at Fourth Street.

• I-90 eastbound off-ramp for U.S. 95, starting June 8

Primary detour: Drivers will exit at Fourth Street and use Appleway Avenue to access U.S. 95.

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

While the U.S. 95 off-ramp is closed, ITD is routing detour traffic through the Fourth 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, according to a press release.

"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," said Project Manager Zach Feist.

Temporary paving to widen westbound I-90 between the rest area and Highway 41 will also take place in early June. 

Once complete, 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. ITD expects construction to continue through 2029, ITD said.