Local NewsNovember 10, 2024

ITD faces delays in paving and must finish bridge work on new route south of Moscow

Liesbeth Powers/Moscow-Pullman Daily News
Construction continues along U.S. Highway 95 south of Moscow Tuesday.
Construction continues along U.S. Highway 95 south of Moscow Tuesday.Liesbeth Powers/Moscow-Pullman Daily News
Construction continues along U.S. Highway 95 south of Moscow Tuesday.
Construction continues along U.S. Highway 95 south of Moscow Tuesday.Liesbeth Powers/Moscow-Pullman Daily News

MOSCOW — The new U.S. Highway 95 route between Moscow and Thorn Creek Road will not open to traffic until the end of 2025, according to the Idaho Department of Transportation.

ITD planned to open a portion of the new highway to traffic this year, but delays in the paving process means the roadway will not be ready for drivers.

“While crews have constructed 4.8 miles of the new 6-mile highway project including two large bridges over Eid Road since work began in 2022, wetland bridge and retaining wall work is needed on the south end while pavement construction is planned on both connections next year,” ITD said in a statement.

Crews are working to realign and expand 6 miles of the highway to add capacity, reduce travel times and improve safety on the roadway.

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According to ITD, the new U.S. 95 will ascend a gentler grade up Reisenauer Hill to the prairie below Paradise Ridge.

Some areas of the existing U.S. 95 will continue to have 45 mph speed restrictions through the winter.

Portions of this project are funded as part of Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s Leading Idaho transportation funding initiative.

Kuipers can be reached at akuipers@dnews.com.

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