Idaho Transportation Department

At the Idaho Transportation Department, we're more than just roads and bridges. Check out our new ITD 101 video to see how we're connecting communities, ensuring safety, and keeping Idaho moving forward.

Save the date! The 10th Annual Girls in Aviation Day is coming up on September 21, 2024! ?? It will be a day of inspiration, hands-on activities, and a chance to explore exciting careers in aviation. Let’s empower the next generation of pilots, engineers, and aviation enthusiasts! The events in Idaho will be hosted in Boise and Hayden. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gYTBTDy6

Did you know approximately 40% of Idaho’s emergency medical services (EMS) providers are volunteers? In rural areas, that number jumps up to 70%. These nearly 2,000 men and women take time out of their personal lives to be first responders. We can help make their lives a little easier. Wear your seatbelt, always plan a sober ride home, and slow down and enjoy the drive.

Attention job seekers in North Central Idaho! We are recruiting for seasonal snowplow drivers. Locations include Lewiston/Bovill, Fleming/Kooskia & many more. Apply here - https://ow.ly/tMuH50TkGYf

Saying August was a busy month is an understatement! From managing fire-related road closures to continuing our regular projects, our crews had their hands full. Their hard work and dedication kept things moving, even in challenging conditions. We’ve gathered some incredible photos captured by our employees throughout the month. Take a look to see just a glimpse of what we’ve been up to!

It’s been a busy month across the state with several active wildfires burning throughout Idaho. Ryan captured this incredible shot on State Highway 21 east of Stanley, where the road has been closed since August 22 due to ongoing fire activity. This photo was the winner of our internal photo contest for August. We want to give a big shout-out to everyone working on the fires—from firefighters and emergency responders to our own road crews. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in keeping our communities safe!

Earlier this summer, when WYDOT reached out for help with a mudslide on Wyoming SH-22, our ITD team didn’t hesitate to jump in. By the next day, the situation had escalated with a nearby catastrophic road failure. For the next three weeks, we continued to work together with WYDOT to keep commuters and travelers safe and moving. Big thanks to WYDOT and ITD crews for their teamwork and collaboration. Check out this video to see how we worked together with 'No Boundaries'!

Several active wildfires are burning around Idaho right now. Wildfires don’t just affect landscapes—they force wildlife to migrate, moving away from flames and into new areas. This means more animals are crossing roads and entering populated areas, creating unexpected encounters with drivers. As the animals travel in search of food and habitat, they are at risk of additional threats like vehicle strikes. Keep yourself safe by slowing down, staying alert and watching for wildlife on the roads. Stay safe out there!

Back in 1863, when Idaho was just a territory, traveling between the north and south was no easy feat. Politicians struggled to reach the territorial capital, and some even had to embark on extraordinary journeys. In 1877, George Frederick Shearer snowshoed from the Salmon River to Boise to fulfill his legislative duties! For decades, Northern Idaho politicians had to rely on steamboats, stagecoaches, ferries, and wagon roads through Washington and Oregon just to get to Boise. The solution? The "North & South Highway." After over 50 years of planning and 25 years of construction, the highway finally opened in 1936, connecting Weiser in southern Idaho to Porthill at the Canadian border. Today, that same route is known as US-95, the vital road that continues to unite north and south Idaho. ??

At ITD, our commitment to safety, mobility, and economic opportunity extends beyond everyday transportation. When it comes to emergencies like the wildfires across Idaho, our Aeronautics Division plays a crucial role. While our airplanes aren't directly involved in firefighting, the 32 airstrips we maintain, especially in Garden Valley, Warm Springs, and Stanley, are essential. These airstrips provide critical access for both recreation and emergency services, serving as vital bases for firefighting efforts. This fire season, they've been busier than ever, supporting firefighters and aircraft in their mission to protect our lands and communities. We're proud to play a part in keeping Idaho safe, especially during challenging times like these.