SH-44 widening begins Monday night in Star

STAR - The Idaho Transportation Department will begin construction Monday night, Nov. 9, to widen State Highway 44 between State Highway 16 and Star Road in Star.

Crews will mobilize equipment, set up traffic control and temporarily stripe the highway. Traffic will shift to the north side of SH-44 between Cosmo Avenue and Moyle Avenue, providing room for crews to work on the south side.

During this phase, the center turn lane will be removed, travel lanes will be narrowed and temporary markers will separate opposing traffic. Driveway access will be restricted to right turns in and out, except at Plummer Road and Seneca Springs Way. Access to all local businesses will remain open.

The project will widen SH-44 to two lanes in each direction with a center turn lane, replace the existing roadway surface and connect pedestrian pathways on the south side of the highway. These improvements will increase mobility and capacity in the growing community of Star.

Utility relocations, irrigation work, roadway excavation and concrete work will continue through the winter to prepare for roadway widening and paving in the spring. Most work is expected to take place during the daytime.

Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2027.

Drivers should expect shifting traffic patterns, lane closures and flaggers throughout construction. Plan ahead, allow extra travel time and watch for traffic changes. All work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled. For current traffic information, visit 511.idaho.gov.