The Idaho State Police issued a traffic advisory on the afternoon of July 5 for drivers heading south on Interstate 15 and U.S. Highway 91 between Pocatello and Inkom, warning of significant slowdowns caused by ongoing construction work.
Construction in the corridor has narrowed southbound traffic to a single lane, creating bottlenecks during peak travel periods. The warning came as holiday weekend travel was expected to surge, with motorists planning summer trips ahead of the Fourth of July period.
The state police advised drivers to “plan ahead, allow extra travel time and maintain a safe following distance” while navigating the affected stretch. AAA had projected high volumes of travelers for Sunday, making the construction zone a potential flash point for delays.
The advisory underscores ongoing challenges on Idaho’s major north-south corridor as infrastructure work continues across the region. Recent concrete replacement on Yellowstone Avenue spanning Chubbuck and Pocatello through 2027 and resurfacing projects in Twin Falls have similarly affected traffic flow throughout Southeast Idaho this summer.
Motorists should consider alternate routes or adjust their travel schedules to avoid the peak congestion hours. The Idaho Transportation Department has been managing multiple construction projects statewide, though budget constraints have shelved over $1 billion in road work following legislative action on the transportation budget.
The southbound delays on I-15 and U.S. 91 are expected to persist as long as construction remains active in the Pocatello-Inkom area. Drivers should monitor traffic conditions and allow additional time for their journeys through the region.