IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
U.S. 95, Thorncreek Road to Moscow Project

Project Introduction

Thank you for your involvement in the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) U.S. 95, Thorncreek Road to Moscow Project. The U.S. 95, Thorncreek Road to Moscow project will replace approximately 6.5 miles of the existing two-lane roadway with a new four-lane divided highway. The project is expected to improve safety and highway capacity.

U.S. 95 is one of Idaho’s most important highways. It serves as the primary link between northern and southern Idaho, and it provides the backbone for all our transportation needs including commercial, agricultural, recreational and residential traffic.

For this project, ITD will:

  • Add two lanes in each direction. The lanes would be divided by a 34-foot median in the rural section.
  • Add a 12-foot center turn lane and curbs, gutters and sidewalks in the urban section just south of Moscow.
  • Improve many of the curves and make the grade less steep.
  • Widen the shoulders.
  • Add right- and left-turn lanes at county road intersections.
  • Add ditches that will keep rain and snowmelt from collecting on the roadway.
  • Combine current access points when possible and limit the number of new intersections and driveways.
  • Add a 30-foot clear zone. The clear zone is the flat area outside the shoulder. It provides a safe area if a vehicle goes off the road.
  • Improve stopping distance by reducing curves. This will allow drivers to see more of the roadway ahead.

We encourage you to stay involved, provide your input and look for project updates on our website. Your involvement is crucial to the success of the U.S. 95 Thorncreek Road to Moscow project.

Project Location

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Winter 2018/2019 Update

The Idaho Transportation Department continues to move forward with plans for the U.S. 95, Thorncreek Road to Moscow Project.

The final eastern route (E2) for the highway was chosen after a multi-year environmental review process. The Federal Highway Administration issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the project in 2016, giving ITD authority to begin final design and purchase land.

A legal motion was brought against FHWA and ITD in 2017 regarding the Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision. The U.S. District Court for Idaho ruled against the motion in favor of FHWA and ITD in August 2017.

Project opposition appealed that decision in January 2018. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the lower court’s decision on December 7, 2018.

ITD will continue right-of-way acquisition and submit a 404 permit application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After those two steps are completed, the project can be put out for construction bids. Work could begin as early as late summer 2019.

Please call Ken Helm at (208)799-5090 if you have any questions about the project.