6/29/2005
Mollie McCarty
ITD Chief External Affairs Officer
208-334-8804
mollie.mccarty@itd.idaho.gov
Idaho 55 Fourth of July travelers encouraged to avoid traffic congestion
BOISE - Recreationists who use Idaho 55 over the Fourth of July weekend can avoid heavy traffic by traveling outside peak travel times or by using an alternate route, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The transportation departments holiday traffic control project will assist motorists at the intersection of Idaho 55 and Banks to Lowman Road on Monday afternoon and evening (July 4). Flaggers have assisted motorists at this intersection since 1995. Congestion is heavy in this area, as recreationists traveling from the Garden Valley area attempt to access Idaho 55.
The transportation department offers the following tips for holiday weekend travelers:
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Congestion is heaviest on the last evening of the holiday weekend, from 3 to 7 p.m. Consider returning from your trip before or after this time to avoid the rush.
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Consider using an alternate route. To use U.S. 95, travel north on Idaho 55 from McCall, take U.S. 95 south and use Interstate 84 to return to the Treasure Valley. This route may take less time than using Idaho 55 on a congested day. Recreationists leaving the Garden Valley area may want to use Idaho 21 to return to the Treasure Valley.
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If you choose to use Idaho 55 when congestion is heaviest, be patient and plan an extra hour or two for your return trip.