Highway acceleration: Idaho 16 corridor in Ada County to open earlier than expected
It’s been a long road, but the opening of the entire Idaho Highway 16 corridor just got bumped up thanks to new funding, according to the Idaho Department of Transportation.
New funds, the result of a state budget surplus, are allowing the department to speed up construction of multiple interchanges along the highway in the central Treasure Valley, allowing the full corridor that connects Interstate 84 to Emmett to open by 2027, the department said Friday in a news release.
“ITD is able to accelerate these interchanges due to a number of factors, including additional funding and efficient management,” District Engineer Jason Brinkman said in the release. “We are very proud of the work that has been accomplished, and we are confident this project will improve the mobility for large parts of Ada, Canyon, and Gem counties.”
The project is part of the second phase of the highway’s construction, which began in 2022 and included building the mainline highway, part of the Interstate 84 Interchange, and several overpasses and local road adjustments, according to the release.
The first phase of construction — between U.S. 20 and Idaho Highway 44 — was completed in 2014.
Construction is set to extend the hours of work and require extended nighttime detours, according to the release. Find out more at the department’s detour map.)
This story was originally published February 7, 2025 at 2:57 PM.
