Construction resumes on I-90 over Fourth of July Pass tomorrow

CATALDO - The Idaho Transportation Department will resume construction on Interstate 90 over 4th of July Pass beginning tomorrow, kicking off the final season of a major repaving and barrier replacement effort on the pass.

Work will begin on a two-mile section of the interstate between milepost 30 and 32 near the eastern base of the pass. Starting in April, crews plan to work on additional sections of the interstate immediately to the west simultaneously in an effort to make up for delays experienced during the 2025 construction season and complete the project by the end of 2026.

Once traffic control is in place, concrete barrier will separate single lanes of travel from the work zone for the duration of the construction season. That configuration will remain in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week-including weekends and holidays- until construction is complete.

Drivers should expect to encounter single-lane traffic in each direction over Memorial Day, 4th of July, and potentially Labor Day weekend. This section of I-90 sees heavy recreational traffic on those holidays, including many vehicles towing campers and trailers. Lane widths through the work zone will be12 feet, which will accommodate those vehicles, but drivers should expect congested, slow-moving conditions and plan for extra travel time.

What to expect:

• Single lane in each direction through all active work zones
• Speed limit reduced to 45 mph through the work zone
• Lane restrictions for oversized loads in effect 24/7, including holidays

"We know this is going to be a challenging summer for drivers over the pass with all this work happening. Delays will be inevitable and we appreciate the community bearing with us," Project Manager Tom Trutter said. "Some of what set us back last season was outside of our control. Working multiple sections simultaneously this year is our best shot at keeping the project on track and making sure we're not coming back for a third season."

The $31.5 million project covers approximately 8 miles of I-90 between Wolf Lodge and the east side of Fourth of July Pass. Work includes a full-depth asphalt replacement on the roadway, concrete barrier replacement, drainage improvements, and new lighting at ramps near the top of the pass. New barriers also have embedded reflectors which greatly increase nighttime visibility for drivers and enhance safety.

Construction began in 2025 and experienced delays related to asphalt materials that did not meet quality control specifications, and a regional labor strike. Both issues have been resolved, and the project team is working to complete construction by fall 2026.

With the Coeur d'Alene River Bridges in Cataldo also expected to wrap up this year, drivers in the Silver Valley can look forward to a welcome break in travel disruptions in the seasons ahead.

Drivers are encouraged to use Idaho 511 as the best source of updated information on road conditions, construction and travel impacts through the work zone.

(Work zone photo here, upgraded barrier photo here)