Idaho: US-95 Thorn Creek to Moscow

Moving a Highway to Save Lives

Challenge: A 6.5-mile stretch of Highway 95 running through the rolling hills of north-central Idaho is often treacherous. The road connecting Thorn Creek and Moscow saw 172 crashes between 2012 and 2021, according to Megan Jahns of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). She told the Idaho Capitol Sun at least three of the crashes resulted in fatalities and 65 resulted in serious, minor, or suspected injuries.

Solution: Moving the highway three-quarters of a mile east allows ITD to build a safer route. With help from the IIJA, lanes will be added, shoulders widened, curves made easier to navigate and the grade will be less steep. New ditches will keep rain from collecting and a 30-foot clear zone will provide a safe area if a vehicle goes off the road.

What they’re saying: “…I’m glad we’re moving forward. The bottom line is that we want to save lives.” – Ken Helm, ITD, project manager (Lewiston Tribune, 1/24/21)