U.S. 2 project on track

A highway road construction project is on track for completion in mid-November barring any unexpected setbacks, Idaho Transportation Department officials said.

Traffic conditions in the project area north of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber office on U.S. 2, will stay the same for now. The roadway also serves as U.S. 95 and Fifth Avenue.

Drivers can expect one lane of traffic open in each direction until the project is completed, said Heather McDaniel, public information officer for the Idaho Transportation Department.

“Overall, we expect traffic to be slower through the area, especially for these first few weeks of ‘back to school,’ but we don’t expect any major backups or delays,” she said.

However, with Boyer Avenue reopening, it is likely that congestion could ease up in that area, she said.

Construction to build another lane for southbound traffic on U.S. 2 began in late May, the Idaho Transportation Department website said.

“Adding another lane will make the highway four lanes and consistent with other sections, removing the bottleneck drivers currently experience,” Erica Aamodt, project manager, said at the time.

The project also increases clearance underneath the railroad bridge so that taller vehicles and commercial trucks can pass through safely.

“U.S. 2 serves as an alternate route for U.S. 95, so increasing the clearance to the current standard of 17 feet will allow a greater range of commercial vehicles to pass through without difficulty,” Aamodt said.

The lane addition is among multiple roadwork projects taking place in the greater Sandpoint area. As winter draws near, many will be pausing for harsher weather.

“As always, we remind drivers to slow down through work zones, pay attention to signage and temporary traffic control, and always drive according to conditions.” McDaniel said.

Drivers can download the 511 app or check 511.idaho.gov to learn more about traffic projects.