Drivers on Interstate 84 near Jerome should prepare for several weeks of travel disruptions as crews begin tearing down an aging bridge at the Lincoln Avenue interchange. The demolition is part of a major improvement effort to widen I-84 and increase traffic capacity in the region.
Starting Sunday, construction teams will begin removing the old Lincoln Avenue bridge at Exit 168, a key step in the freeway expansion project, according to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). The agency confirmed that nightly shutdowns will take place to ensure safe demolition work and to keep debris from falling onto active traffic lanes below.
The closures will run from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on most nights, forcing drivers to exit the freeway, use the interchange ramps, and then re-enter I-84. ITD noted that “closures will not occur on Friday and Saturday nights,” allowing weekend travelers to move through the corridor without delays.
Because the project is “weather-dependent and may be delayed if necessary,” traffic impacts could shift as conditions change, according to ITD. In addition to the nighttime closures, drivers on Lincoln Avenue can expect daytime lane reductions and flaggers directing local traffic as demolition and reconstruction progress.
During the work period, ITD urged motorists to remain alert: drivers should slow down, remain cautious through the construction zone, and plan routes in advance. The department emphasized that reduced speeds and extra awareness are critical for worker and driver safety.
The demolition of the outdated bridge marks another milestone in Idaho’s growing investment in rural highway infrastructure. The widening of I-84 through Jerome County is intended to support freight movement, reduce congestion, and improve long-term safety on one of southern Idaho’s most heavily traveled corridors.
As traffic volumes continue to rise across the Magic Valley, the new bridge is expected to accommodate wider lanes, modern safety elements, and improved access for local drivers.
The work serves as a reminder of the continued upgrades along I-84, with Idaho anticipating more interstate improvements in the coming years as population growth reshapes travel and development across the region.
Originally reported by Cole Quinn in KMVT.
