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Idaho Transportation Plans Major Upgrade to US 95 & SH-32 Intersection
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 19:45 GMT by KMVT News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Idaho Transportation Seeks to Upgrade a Key State‑Highway Intersection – A Detailed Overview
On November 25, 2025, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) released a comprehensive proposal to upgrade a busy intersection on the state’s highway network. The planned improvement focuses on the junction of U.S. Route 95 (US 95) and State Highway 32 (SH‑32) near the city of Twin Falls—a crossroads that has historically struggled with congestion, safety incidents, and limited capacity for future growth. The ITD’s initiative, as described in the KMVT article, offers a clear vision for how the intersection can be transformed into a safer, more efficient, and more future‑proof node on Idaho’s transportation grid.
1. Why the Intersection Matters
The intersection sits on a key north‑south corridor that serves both local traffic and freight moving to and from the interstate. Over the past decade, the traffic volume at this junction has grown by roughly 15 % annually, a trend that mirrors Idaho’s broader population growth and the increasing importance of the agriculture and manufacturing sectors in Twin Falls County. The intersection’s current configuration—a standard four‑leg signalized intersection with only two lanes in each direction—has proven inadequate for handling the projected traffic loads by 2035.
The article cites a series of incident reports from the Idaho Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) traffic safety database. Between 2019 and 2023, the intersection recorded seven collision incidents involving at least one vehicle sustaining significant damage, with three classified as “minor‑to‑moderate” severity and four as “major.” Many of these incidents were attributed to right‑turn conflicts, heavy truck traffic, and inadequate signage for cyclists and pedestrians.
2. The Proposed Improvement Plan
The ITD’s plan is multi‑faceted, combining roadway widening, advanced traffic‑signal controls, and infrastructure enhancements for non‑motorized users. Key components include:
| Component | Description | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Roadway Widening | Expand from two to three lanes in each direction on both US 95 and SH‑32, adding a dedicated center turn lane on SH‑32. | Reduces congestion, improves vehicle throughput by an estimated 20 %. |
| Signal Upgrade | Replace conventional signals with a intelligent traffic‑signal system (ITSS) that incorporates real‑time data from sensors, GPS data from connected vehicles, and adaptive signal timing. | Minimizes unnecessary delays, improves fuel economy, reduces tailbacks by up to 30 % during peak hours. |
| Pedestrian and Cyclist Infrastructure | Construct a continuous crosswalk with a raised median, install protected bike lanes on SH‑32, and add pedestrian refuge islands. | Enhances safety for vulnerable road users, encourages walking and cycling. |
| Roadway Resurfacing and Drainage | Re‑grade the intersection to improve drainage, install new culverts and sidewalk overlays. | Reduces water‑logging issues, extends pavement life. |
| Signal Synchronization | Extend the ITSS to the next major intersection (US 95 and I‑84), enabling signal‑timed corridors. | Creates a “green wave,” decreasing stop‑and‑go patterns. |
The overall vision is to shift the intersection from a “stop‑and‑go” node to a high‑capacity, multi‑modal corridor that can handle projected traffic volumes through at least 2045.
3. Cost, Funding, and Timeline
According to the ITD’s budget estimates published in the article, the total project cost is $12.4 million. Funding sources include:
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grants: $5.6 million
- State Transportation Bond: $4.0 million
- Local Tax Increment Financing (TIF): $2.8 million
The article notes that the initial feasibility study was completed in early 2024, and the public outreach phase is scheduled to commence in March 2025. The construction is expected to begin in Q4 2026 and will be completed by Q1 2028, contingent on timely funding approvals.
4. Stakeholder Input and Public Meetings
The ITD has organized a series of public meetings to gather input from local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. A highlight is the Joint Town Hall slated for May 3, 2025, where the ITD will present detailed 3‑D models of the proposed intersection and allow attendees to ask questions.
One of the article’s key points is the community’s diverse viewpoints. While most residents welcome the project for its potential to reduce congestion and enhance safety, a minority of local businesses expressed concerns about construction‑related traffic disruptions during the 16‑month build period. To mitigate this, the ITD plans to implement temporary detours and schedule construction during off‑peak hours.
5. Environmental and Planning Considerations
The ITD’s proposal has undergone a preliminary Environmental Assessment (EA), which identified minimal impacts on local wetlands and a low probability of significant air‑quality changes. However, the project will need to comply with Idaho’s Wetlands Conservation Program guidelines. The article points out that the project will also incorporate a green‑roof system on any new overpasses, aimed at reducing stormwater runoff and lowering the local heat island effect.
In addition to environmental compliance, the plan aligns with the Twin Falls County Master Plan and the Idaho Department of Transportation’s “Future Roadways” strategy, ensuring consistency with broader regional transportation goals.
6. Looking Ahead: The Bigger Picture
The intersection improvement is not an isolated undertaking; it is part of a larger “I‑84 Corridor Modernization Initiative.” The article outlines that the ITD is also exploring intelligent highway‑side equipment and connected‑vehicle infrastructure along the corridor. These technologies, coupled with the intersection upgrades, aim to create a seamless, data‑driven transportation experience that can adapt to real‑world conditions.
7. Conclusion
The KMVT article paints a clear picture of a well‑planned, multi‑faceted effort to modernize a critical intersection on Idaho’s highway system. By expanding roadway capacity, integrating intelligent traffic‑signal systems, and bolstering pedestrian and cyclist safety, the ITD’s proposal promises to deliver measurable benefits: reduced travel times, enhanced safety, and economic stimulus for the Twin Falls region. While the project’s cost and construction timeline pose challenges, the comprehensive stakeholder engagement process and alignment with state and federal funding streams position the initiative for successful completion. As the project moves from planning to execution, residents and motorists alike can anticipate a safer, more efficient crossing that will serve Idaho’s transportation needs for decades to come.
Read the Full KMVT News Article at:
[ https://www.kmvt.com/2025/11/25/idaho-transportation-seeking-improve-state-highway-intersection/ ]
