Stanley lovers, rejoice: Idaho 21 highway will reopen, with some delays. Here’s when
A popular stretch of Idaho highway will soon reopen after the Wapiti Fire forced officials to close it nearly a month ago.
The Idaho Transportation Department in late August closed all lanes of Idaho 21 near Grandjean, between milepost 92 by the Warm Springs Airport to milepost 107 by Banner Creek Summit, according to the agency’s website. That area was later expanded to the section between Ten Mile Creek Road and Stanley Lake Road.
“This decision is not made lightly,” the department said in a social media post last week. “We understand the importance of this route for businesses in Lowman and Stanley, but safety is our top priority.”
Officials did not provide a reopening time until Wednesday, when the department announced the highway would open at 8 a.m. Friday.
Starting Friday, drivers should expect “significant delays” as crews manage traffic through flagging, a pilot car that will guide other vehicles and a temporary reduced speed limit of 45 mph, according to an ITD news release.
The transportation department asked drivers to avoid unnecessary trips and stopping along the highway, particularly in burn areas.
Recent rain helped suppress the Wapiti Fire but caused rock slides and boulders that now need to be removed, according to the department. ITD continues repairs to the roads from wildfire damages, which include rebuilding eroded hillsides, clearing the roads from hazardous trees and replacing guardrail, according to the Wednesday news release.
“ITD crews continue to work alongside emergency contractors to address the significant damage caused by the Wapiti Fire,” the department said.
The Boise National Forest’s Wapiti Fire, which was sparked by a July 24 lightning bolt near Stanley, is now more than 125,000 acres in size and 71% contained, meaning a control line has been set up around the majority of the fire to stop the spread.
This story was originally published September 18, 2024 at 12:39 PM.
