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2/7/2008






Challenging driving conditions force closure of 12 Idaho routes
BOISE - Severe winter weather, snowfall and high winds, continue to make travel difficult throughout much of Idaho today. The Idaho Transportation Department's 511 Traveler Services system indicated late this morning that a dozen highways, from Lewiston and Moscow to Montpelier were closed because of hazardous conditions.

ITD and the Idaho State Police encouraged motorists to avoid travel on highways that have received continual snowfall and are susceptible to high winds, blowing snow and low visibility.

Road closures reported this morning are:
  • U.S. 95 between Lewiston and Moscow (mileposts 312-343) because of blizzard-like conditions, high winds, low visibility and drifting snow
  • U.S. 95 between Whitebird and Cottonwood (mileposts 223-255), heavy snow, strong winds, low visibility
  • U.S. 12 between Lowell and Lolo Pass (mileposts 99-174), removal of four avalanches that occurred Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
  • Idaho 21 from the Grandjean Junction to Banner Summit (mileposts 93-105), avalanche danger
  • U.S. 20/26 from Carey to Arco (mileposts 205-243), blowing snow, reduced visibility
  • U.S. 20 between the junction of Idaho 22 and Idaho 33 (mileposts 263-305), snow on the highway, winds, drifting snow
  • U.S. 20 from Ashton to the junction of Idaho 87 (mileposts 361-401), blowing and drifting snow, truck crash
  • Interstate 86 from the junction of I-84 and Chubbuck (mileposts 0-63), winds, reduced visibility
  • U.S. 30 between Soda Springs to Montpelier (mileposts 372-434), winds and reduced visibility
  • Idaho 33 between Newdale and Tetonia (mileposts 107-131), heavy snow, reduced visibility
  • Idaho 32 from Ashton to Tetonia (milepost 0-29, between the junctions of Idaho 33 and Idaho 47), blowing and drifting snow, low visibility
  • Idaho 51 from Riddle to Grasmere near the Idaho-Nevada state line (mileposts 13-32) reduced visibility, winds
Many of the routes closed today have been intermittently closed the past two weeks because of blowing and drifting snow. Closures and openings can occur with little advance notice because of rapidly changing conditions.

Travelers are encouraged to check the 511 Traveler Services Web site (511.idaho.gov) or dial the phone system 5-1-1 for the latest closures and highway conditions. Reports are updated twice daily during the week, once each day on weekends, and anytime during the interim as conditions change.

To access the telephone system from areas near the Idaho border or from other states, motorists can call toll-free, (888) 432-7623.

 
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