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ITD to help move travelers through congested
Idaho 55 during congested holiday weekend

Motorists who plan to use Idaho 55 during the Memorial Day weekend can avoid the heaviest traffic by traveling outside peak travel times or using alternate routes.

The transportation department's holiday traffic control project will assist motorists at the intersection of Idaho 55 and the Banks-to-Lowman Road on Monday (May 26), from noon to 6 p.m. Message boards on Idaho 55 and the Banks-to-Lowman Road will alert motorists. Flaggers have assisted motorists at this intersection since 1995.

"Congestion is heaviest in this area, as travelers from the Garden Valley area access Idaho 55," said ITD Regional Engineer Gary Moles. "We want everyone to have a safe and fun weekend."

The transportation department offers the following tips for holiday weekend travelers:

Congestion is heaviest on the last evening of the holiday weekend, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Consider returning from your trip before or after this time to avoid the rush.
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.

Motorists who to use Idaho 55 when congestion is heaviest are urged to exercise patience and plan an extra hour or two for the return trip to the Boise area.