The Idaho Transportation Department is set to restart construction on Interstate 90 over Fourth of July Pass, marking the final phase of a multi-year improvement project aimed at upgrading one of شمال Idaho’s most heavily traveled routes.
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Work resumes on a two-mile stretch near the eastern base of the pass, with additional sections scheduled to begin in April. Crews will operate on multiple segments simultaneously in an effort to recover from delays experienced during the 2025 construction season and complete the project by the end of 2026.
Once construction is underway, drivers will encounter single-lane traffic in each direction, separated from work zones by concrete barriers. These traffic controls will remain in place continuously—24 hours a day, including weekends and major holidays—until the project is complete.
Holiday travel periods such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day are expected to see particularly heavy congestion, especially with recreational vehicles and trailers traveling through the corridor.
"We know this is going to be a challenging summer for drivers over the pass with all this work happening. Delays will be inevitable and we appreciate the community bearing with us," Project Manager Tom Trutter said. "Some of what set us back last season was outside of our control. Working multiple sections simultaneously this year is our best shot at keeping the project on track and making sure we're not coming back for a third season.”
The $31.5 million project spans approximately eight miles between Wolf Lodge and the eastern side of Fourth of July Pass. In addition to full-depth asphalt replacement, the work includes installing new concrete barriers, upgrading drainage systems, and adding improved lighting near the summit ramps.
New safety features—such as barriers with embedded reflectors—are expected to significantly improve nighttime visibility and reduce accident risks along the mountainous route.
Construction originally began in 2025 but faced setbacks due to substandard asphalt materials and a regional labor strike. Both issues have since been resolved, allowing crews to move forward with the final phase.
Transportation officials say the completion of this project, along with ongoing work on nearby Coeur d’Alene River Bridges, will bring long-term relief to drivers in the Silver Valley region.
Once finished, motorists can expect smoother travel, improved safety, and fewer disruptions along this critical interstate corridor.
The I-90 improvements reflect a broader push by state transportation agencies to modernize aging infrastructure while balancing traffic demands and safety. Mountain passes like Fourth of July Pass are particularly challenging due to weather exposure, heavy freight usage, and seasonal tourism spikes.
By accelerating construction timelines and addressing past delays, officials aim to deliver durable roadway upgrades that will support regional mobility and economic activity for years to come.
Drivers are encouraged to monitor real-time updates through Idaho 511 for the latest information on road conditions and construction impacts.
Originally reported by Darlene Lambert in Big Country News Connection.
