10/21/2024
Mark Pfeifer
ITD Communication
208-799-4305
mark.pfeifer@itd.idaho.gov
Public Invited to US-95 Aht’Wy Interchange Ribbon-Cutting
LEWISTON – The public and media are invited to a
ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Nez Perce Tribe on Thursday, October 24
to mark the completion of the Aht’wy Interchange project. The recently built
interchange, located on U.S. Highway 95 adjacent to the Clearwater River Casino
& Lodge, is a collaborative effort between various entities, including the
Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BIA) Northwest Region, Federal Highway Administration, and the U.S.
Department of the Interior BIA – Division of Transportation.
The Aht’Wy Interchange, the first of its kind
for Idaho’s north central region, will enhance safety by accommodating vehicles
merging on, off, and across the highway without impeding the primary flow of
traffic. The interchange features deceleration and acceleration ramps that
connect Aht’Wy Plaza seamlessly to U.S. Highway 95.
“The completion of the Aht’Wy Interchange
project has been long awaited to improve traffic safety on the highway in this
area. The Nez Perce Tribe, ITD District 2, federal programs, and others can
finally see the fruits of their labor after years of dedicated work and
collaboration,” stated Mary Beth Clark, Nez Perce Tribe Transportation Manager.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, October 24
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: 17825 Nez Perce Road, Lewiston, ID
(Parking will be available at the Aht’Wy RV Park
directly east of the Clearwater River Casino & Lodge. The ceremony will be
held outdoors at the northernmost ramp of the interchange.)
The event will include Nez Perce drummers from
Lighting Creek, a ceremonial demonstration of Nez Perce horsemanship across the
overpass, and a prayer from Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Chaplain Mary
Jane Miles. Federal, state, county, and local officials associated with the
project will then share remarks with the community. The event will close with a
ribbon-cutting by project partners to commemorate this historical milestone.
“We appreciate support for this project from the
state of Idaho, the Idaho Congressional Delegation, especially Senator Risch,
and the communities in this area. Without their support and a commitment by the
Tribe to address the safety concerns in this area, this project may not have
been possible. We invite all to come be a part of the ribbon-cutting for the
completion of this critical section of highway infrastructure in our region,”
concluded Clark.