US-95: Culdesac Canyon Passing Lane
Phased construction in the canyon will add an 11-mile passing lane from Winchester to Culdesac to provide southbound drivers safer opportunities to pass.
Phased construction in the canyon will add an 11-mile passing lane from Winchester to Culdesac to provide southbound drivers safer opportunities to pass.
Work began in March 2022 to build the next 2.3 miles of a new passing lane for southbound drivers.
Construction began with tree removal on both sides of the highway. Blasting will start in May and be concentrated in the spring to make room for the extra lane. Blasts will be timed to avoid peak hours and will typically require a one-hour closure. Pay attention to signs in the work zone to learn about the timing of the next blast or check 511.idaho.gov.
In this phase, crews will also replace the culvert for Rock Creek. For most of construction, drivers can expect all existing lanes to remain open. The contractor may reduce the highway to one lane at night.
More on constructionThe Idaho Transportation Department is in the process of adding a passing lane for southbound drivers on Winchester Hill through the canyon. Work started in 2016 and will take several years to complete.
Construction costs are expected to be more than $50 million. Once completed, the passing lane will be 11 miles long. Culverts and other structures will be upgraded to be more fish-friendly as well.
Blasting begins in May, with the first scheduled for May 10. Read more.