12/26/2007
Idaho 21 reopened Wednesday afternoon
BOISE - Idaho 21 between the Grandjean junction and Banner summit reopened Wednesday shortly after 1 p.m., the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The section of highway was closed Monday morning to allow crews to clear snow from an avalanche.
Idaho 21 is a regional route between Stanley and the Treasure Valley. The 9-mile section of the highway between the Banner summit and the Grandjean junction, called Canyon Creek, has numerous avalanche chutes. Idaho 21 between the Banner summit and the Grandjean junction experiences about 90 percent of the avalanches in the state.
Motorists seeking alternate routes to the Stanley area are advised to use U.S. 20, then connect with Idaho 75. From Mountain Home, U.S. 20 heads in a northeast direction and connects with Idaho 75. Idaho 75 then heads north through Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum and the Sun Valley area. From the Twin Falls area, motorists can take U.S. 93 to the north. U.S. 93 turns into Idaho 75 and heads north through the same communities.
The transportation department encourages drivers to take extra precautions when traveling on Idaho highways during the winter months.
Plan ahead. Before leaving, dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov on the Internet for updates on winter road and weather conditions, emergency closures and access to tourist information.
Slow down. Leave a few minutes early and allow extra time to reach destinations. It is better to be a few minutes late than put oneself and others at risk by driving too fast for conditions.
Buckle up. Wearing a seat belt is one of the easiest safety precautions to take. Also, children must be properly secured in a safety seat that is right for their age and weight.
Use extra caution. Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges. Take caution against black ice. Drive less than the speed limit if conditions warrant.
Drive safely around snowplows. Keep at least two car lengths behind snowplows for every 10 mph of car speed. Do not pass a snowplow, and never drive through the snow being ejected from the plows because the force of the spraying snow can throw a car out of control.
Be prepared. Winter conditions increase the importance of a well-maintained vehicle. Keep car windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice. Make sure tires and brakes are ready for the extra demands of winter. Visit a mechanic and ensure car battery and fluid levels are good and heating units are working.
Keep emergency supplies in the car: flashlights, extra batteries, first aid kit, pocket knife, blanket or sleeping bag, extra clothing, small sack of sand or cat litter for generating traction under vehicle wheels, small shovel, bottled water, booster cables, rope, energy bars or other food, brightly-colored scarf to attract attention in case of an emergency, waterproof matches or cigarette lighter and a map of the area.
If carrying a cell phone, make sure it is charged and have a list of emergency telephone numbers available. Also, share travel plans with family or friends. Include estimated departure and arrival times, route and destination.
The section of highway was closed Monday morning to allow crews to clear snow from an avalanche.
Idaho 21 is a regional route between Stanley and the Treasure Valley. The 9-mile section of the highway between the Banner summit and the Grandjean junction, called Canyon Creek, has numerous avalanche chutes. Idaho 21 between the Banner summit and the Grandjean junction experiences about 90 percent of the avalanches in the state.
Motorists seeking alternate routes to the Stanley area are advised to use U.S. 20, then connect with Idaho 75. From Mountain Home, U.S. 20 heads in a northeast direction and connects with Idaho 75. Idaho 75 then heads north through Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum and the Sun Valley area. From the Twin Falls area, motorists can take U.S. 93 to the north. U.S. 93 turns into Idaho 75 and heads north through the same communities.
The transportation department encourages drivers to take extra precautions when traveling on Idaho highways during the winter months.
Plan ahead. Before leaving, dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov on the Internet for updates on winter road and weather conditions, emergency closures and access to tourist information.
Slow down. Leave a few minutes early and allow extra time to reach destinations. It is better to be a few minutes late than put oneself and others at risk by driving too fast for conditions.
Buckle up. Wearing a seat belt is one of the easiest safety precautions to take. Also, children must be properly secured in a safety seat that is right for their age and weight.
Use extra caution. Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges. Take caution against black ice. Drive less than the speed limit if conditions warrant.
Drive safely around snowplows. Keep at least two car lengths behind snowplows for every 10 mph of car speed. Do not pass a snowplow, and never drive through the snow being ejected from the plows because the force of the spraying snow can throw a car out of control.
Be prepared. Winter conditions increase the importance of a well-maintained vehicle. Keep car windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice. Make sure tires and brakes are ready for the extra demands of winter. Visit a mechanic and ensure car battery and fluid levels are good and heating units are working.
Keep emergency supplies in the car: flashlights, extra batteries, first aid kit, pocket knife, blanket or sleeping bag, extra clothing, small sack of sand or cat litter for generating traction under vehicle wheels, small shovel, bottled water, booster cables, rope, energy bars or other food, brightly-colored scarf to attract attention in case of an emergency, waterproof matches or cigarette lighter and a map of the area.
If carrying a cell phone, make sure it is charged and have a list of emergency telephone numbers available. Also, share travel plans with family or friends. Include estimated departure and arrival times, route and destination.