I-90 Northwest Boulevard ramp closure extended

COEUR d'ALENE - Drivers in Coeur d'Alene should plan for the westbound Northwest Boulevard on-ramp closure to continue for up to an extra two weeks as the Idaho Transportation Department completes additional work through the area.

The on-ramp for Interstate 90 was originally expected to re-open Monday, but crews identified unforeseen issues with how the newly reconstructed ramp connects to the interstate. ITD evaluated several options for addressing the issue, including a shorter-term fix that would require more closures in the future. Instead, crews will use the existing closure to complete the work now and avoid additional disruption later. The ramp is now expected to reopen around Oct. 12.

"We know extending a closure is frustrating, but we believe it is the best way to keep traffic consistent for drivers and avoid having to close the ramp again in the future," Project Manager Zach Feist said. "We'd rather be upfront about the inconvenience now and get this work completed during the closure that is already in place."

Westbound traffic entering the freeway at US-95 will continue to have its own lane and will not need to merge with traffic already on I-90. Drivers should continue to expect increased congestion near the work zone and are encouraged to use alternative routes and access points to I-90, including the westbound on-ramps at 4th Street, 15th Street or Sherman Avenue.

U.S. Highway 95 via Appleway Avenue is the closest alternate route, but drivers who can use on-ramps farther east are strongly encouraged to do so to help distribute traffic and reduce congestion.

More closures are planned for late October. ITD will share details and timing for those changes as the work gets closer and dates become more certain.

The I-90 widening project between SH-41 and US-95 is expected to continue through 2029 and will ultimately widen I-90 to four lanes in each direction.

For more information about this and other ITD projects, visit ITD's website. For the most up-to-date statewide traffic information, visit Idaho 511 online or download the Idaho 511 app.