Idaho

Idaho Could Switch Road Construction to Nights

Published

2 years ago

May 14, 2024

Idaho Could Switch Road Construction to Nights

Nearly 25 years ago, my daughter and I were driving to Vermont. We were traveling on Interstate 87 along the western shore of Lake Champlain. You drive through northern New York State until you get to the old Revolutionary War site at Crown Point. From there, a bridge takes you across the lake to Vermont.

It was just past 11:00 a.m. and we noticed lights ahead. Floodlights. These were being used to illuminate road construction. The state was doing the work after hours when fewer drivers were on the roads. The policy had been adopted after a proposal from a candidate named Howard Stern. Yes, that Howard Stern. He had been a Libertarian Party candidate for Governor, and he was sick of being delayed during daytime construction.

I thought about the policy last week as I drove to Burley for a Chamber of Commerce luncheon. At one point I drove at 12 miles per hour on the Interstate for seven miles. On my return trip, I noticed eastbound traffic was at a standstill. There was paving underway at a construction site.

State Legislators from District 27.

At the luncheon, there were three state legislators in attendance. I asked if off-peak construction was a possibility. The idea has been floated before, according to Senator Kelly Anthon. He explained it’s a challenge to even find an available contractor. Labor and material shortages have Idaho in competition for resources with neighboring states. Institute night-time construction and contractors are likely to make Idaho a low priority.

Representative Clay Handy pointed out that Idaho has seen some nasty accidents in construction zones, and he fears it could even be worse at night.

Is there a solution to the delays? Yes, patience. Or Route 30 as an alternative between Burley and Twin Falls.

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Idaho

Brush fire prompts temporary railroad closure north of Idaho Falls – East Idaho News

Published

11 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Press Room

Brush fire prompts temporary railroad closure north of Idaho Falls – East Idaho News

IDAHO FALLS — A large brush fire prompted the closure of a section of railroad tracks on Wednesday.

According to a news release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department, firefighters responded to the brush fire around 1:50 p.m. near the tracks off of North Haroldsen Drive. The fire reportedly threatened nearby structures and businesses.

When crews arrived, they encountered “multiple spot fires and burning debris across a dry grass area,” which created quickly changing conditions and challenging access.

Officials believe the fire was caused by metal work in the area, which produced sparks that ignited nearby dry grass.

The fire burned about 150 yards long and 800 feet wide, extending from a fence line toward the railroad tracks. Due to multiple spot fires, the total affected area has not yet been measured.

A large brush fire North of Idaho Falls prompted the closure of a railroad Wednesday morning. | Idaho Falls Fire Department

Fire crews deployed two Type 3 brush trucks, one Type 6 brush truck, one tactical tender, three Type 1 engines and a ladder truck. Dispatch coordinated with the railroad to halt train traffic in the area during suppression efforts.

Crews quickly contained the fire and stayed on scene to monitor conditions, extinguish hot spots and prevent rekindling due to continued wind. No significant property damage was reported.

“This was a fast-moving fire in a complex area to access, and our crews executed a strong, coordinated response,” said Idaho Falls Fire Chief Johan Olson in the release. “They did an outstanding job stopping the fire before it could impact nearby businesses or cause significant loss. With the unusually dry conditions we’re experiencing, we urge the public to treat current conditions more like mid-summer. Please use extreme caution with anything that could create sparks around dry vegetation.”

The Idaho Falls Fire Department reminds residents that increased heat, wind and dry conditions significantly elevate fire risk. Avoid activities that may produce sparks near dry grass, and report any signs of fire immediately.