POST FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will launch one of North Idaho’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings Monday, kicking off a four-year project to widen Interstate 90 between State Highway 41 in Post Falls and U.S. Highway 95 in Coeur d’Alene.

The project, expected to wrap up in 2029, will add two additional lanes in each direction, creating four lanes eastbound and four lanes westbound along one of the region’s busiest corridors.

ITD officials say the work is critical to keeping pace with North Idaho’s rapid growth, reducing daily congestion, and improving safety for tens of thousands of drivers.

“Relieving congestion on this stretch of I-90 is one of the most common requests that ITD hears from the public and we are excited to begin work to improve the traveling experience on the corridor,” said Zach Feist, ITD Project Manager.

Initial Construction Activities

Starting Monday, crews will:

• Remove trees from the median and shoulders.
• Install temporary barriers and work zone signage.
• Shift traffic lanes slightly to accommodate work areas.
• Begin construction on the Prairie Trail Bridge.

Work will typically take place Monday through Friday, both day and night, with some weekend work possible.

• Two lanes will be maintained in each direction during daylight hours.
• Nighttime work may require lane reductions.
• Variable speed limits will be in effect, with digital signs adjusting based on work activity.

Drivers are urged to watch speed limits closely and plan extra travel time.

Major Improvements Coming

The project includes:

• Eight total lanes (four each direction) between SH-41 and US-95.
• Replacement and widening of bridges over Huetter Road, Atlas Road, and Prairie Trail.
• Realignment and upgrades to the Prairie and Centennial Trails to improve safety and access for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Extended on- and off-ramps for safer merging at:
  • All ramps at Northwest Blvd. Interchange.
  • Eastbound off-ramp at US-95.
  • Westbound off-ramp at US-95.

Part of a Larger Corridor Plan

The widening is the first construction project from the I-90 Corridor Study, which identified priority projects to address congestion and safety.

It will ultimately be flanked by two new interchanges:

• SH-41 interchange (began 2022, to be completed in 2026).
• US-95 interchange (design phase now, construction could start in 2027).

The work is funded primarily through Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative, which accelerates major transportation projects.

Why This Matters

This stretch of I-90 carries tens of thousands of vehicles daily, connecting commuters, freight, and tourists traveling through the rapidly growing Coeur d’Alene–Post Falls area. Population growth and increasing commercial traffic have strained the existing freeway, leading to daily bottlenecks — especially during rush hours and summer tourist season.

By expanding capacity, ITD hopes to:

• Reduce travel delays.
• Improve emergency response times.
• Enhance safety by reducing sudden lane changes and merge conflicts.

Staying Informed

ITD encourages drivers to:

• Visit itdprojects.org/i90corridor for project updates.
• Sign up for email or text alerts.
• Check 511.idaho.gov or the mobile app for real-time traffic conditions.

Originally reported by Heather McDaniel in Idaho Transportation Department.