STAR — The Idaho Transportation Department will shift traffic at the State Highway 16 and State Highway 44 intersection overnight, starting tomorrow evening. 

Drivers can expect nighttime flagging and reduced speeds from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. as crews move traffic into a new configuration. The shift will allow two lanes of traffic in each direction along SH-44 while crews continue constructing the north-side interchange ramps. 

Beginning Thursday a new traffic pattern will be in place at the intersection. In response to community feedback, ITD rephased construction to reopen two lanes in each direction on SH-44 during the next stage of work. This change is expected to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow during peak travel times. 

During this phase, motorists can expect: 

“We have been challenged with finding ways to improve traffic flow in this corridor, and this traffic shift is a significant step forward,” ITD Design and Construction Engineer Styles Salek said. “Reopening two lanes on SH-44 should reduce delays and improve travel through the work zone.” 

The SH-16, SH-44 interchange is part of ITD’s long-term plan to develop SH-16 as a limited-access freeway between Interstate 84 and SH-44. When complete, drivers will access the corridor through interchanges at I-84, Franklin Road, Ustick Road, U.S. Highways 20 and 26 and SH-44. 

Drivers can sign up for text or email updates by texting HIGHWAY16to 866-483-8422. Project information and maps are available at itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor.