skip to main content
Idaho Official Government Website Contact Us

US-20 Rexburg Interchanges

The Idaho Transportation Department is making plans to improve the US-20/University Boulevard and US-20/SH-33 interchanges (exits 332 and 333) in Rexburg.

This project will reduce delay times and improve mobility.

Read More

Project Update

Thank you to all those that participated in our third open house in March 2023 where we shared final design plans, gathered feedback on construction information and discussed next steps. The project team has reviewed all comments submitted during the meeting and is continuing to make plans for next steps.

 

About this project

US-20 is the main transportation corridor for Rexburg and much of northeast Idaho. As the area continues to grow, delays at two interchanges (US-20/University and US-20/SH-33) are expected to reach unacceptable levels.

ITD has been working with the city of Rexburg, Madison County and BYU Idaho to evaluate and design possible improvements for both interchanges.

Planning improvements

The goal of this project is to:

  • Increase safety by improving traffic flow.
  • Reduce delay times between now and 2045.
  • Be financially feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions, we've got answers! Here are some of the most common questions we've received about this project.
Filter By Type:
General
All
General
How will the Diverging Diamond Interchange design improve safety?
How will the Diverging Diamond Interchange design improve safety?

State and national data clearly shows that the DDI design improves safety. For example, the number of severe accidents has significantly declined at the Chubbuck Interchange – also a DDI – since it was constructed. Reasons include:

  • Left-turning traffic uses a dedicated “crossover” lane to safely turn, instead of waiting for oncoming traffic to stop.
  • The design reduces the number of potential conflict points. (A traditional diamond interchange has 26 potential conflict points, while a DDI has 14.)
  • The DDI design also reduces the opportunities for head-on collisions.
General
How will this be different from the Chubbuck Interchange?
How will this be different from the Chubbuck Interchange?

The Chubbuck Interchange is also a Diverging Diamond Interchange. While the Chubbuck Interchange goes over I-86, the two DDIs in Rexburg will be constructed under US-20. This allows ITD to use the existing highway overpasses. Keeping these structures will dramatically reduce construction costs as well as construction time.

General
Will the Diverging Diamond Interchange(s) include a traffic signal?
Will the Diverging Diamond Interchange(s) include a traffic signal?

Yes. Both interchanges will have multiple traffic signals, including signals at the northbound and southbound exit ramps into Rexburg. A signal will also be constructed at the left-turn “crossover” location at each interchange.

General
How will ITD accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic?
How will ITD accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic?

ITD has designed two 8-foot shared-use pathways on the north and south sides of both interchanges. In addition, each interchange will include crosswalks and pedestrians signals. The design also includes islands where pedestrians and bicycles can safely wait to finish crossing the interchange.

General
What are the plans for landscaping and other features?
What are the plans for landscaping and other features?

The City of Rexburg and ITD are working together to develop plans for landscaping at both interchanges. It is important that landscaping still allows clear lines of sight from every direction. Landscaping plans will be available at the next public meeting for review and comment.  The City of Rexburg will maintain the landscaping once the project is complete.

General
How will ITD educate drivers about the new interchange design?
How will ITD educate drivers about the new interchange design?

Each Diverging Diamond Interchange will include several directional signs for motorists. The design also includes curb and gutter to help guide motorists through the interchange. As construction gets closer, ITD will provide educational materials for drivers. More information will also be available at the next public meeting later this year.

General
When will construction begin? How will construction affect drivers?
When will construction begin? How will construction affect drivers?

ITD anticipates construction will begin in 2024/2025. While it is still too early to know exact details about construction phasing, ITD will keep the community informed as the construction date gets closer.

General
What are the plans for snow removal at the new interchanges?
What are the plans for snow removal at the new interchanges?

Removing snow from a Diverging Diamond Interchange is no more difficult than removing snow from a traditional interchange. Snow removal at the new interchanges will continue as it does today. ITD will continue to remove snow from state and U.S. highways. The City of Rexburg will continue to be responsible for snow removal on city streets and sidewalks.

2014
Work began to identify future demands in Madison County
2017
Early evaluation of interchange designs
2020
Design process begins
Dec. 2020
Community invited to give input on design options
2021
Ongoing technical analysis and engineering
March 2022
Community invited to give input on final design plans
2023
Finalize design plans and prepare for construction
2024/2025
Begin construction
© Copyright 2023 Idaho Transportation Department Visit ITD Website

Send us your comments

Default Project Comment Form

Maximum file size: 8MB

Maximum file size: 104.86MB

Send a comment about the US-20 Rexburg project

Signup Form