The Idaho Transportation Department will close the southbound off-ramp at Exit 80 Thursday evening as crews shift traffic onto newly constructed median lanes. According to eastidahonews.com, the ramp closure is part of a broader effort to widen Interstate 15 in southeastern Idaho.
The Fort Hall Interchange exit will be shut for approximately one hour, beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday. During this window, southbound motorists traveling from Sheepskin Road Bridge toward the area north of the 2 ½ Mile Road Bridge will need to use alternative routes. Drivers are advised to plan ahead and consider exiting at the Northgate Interchange (Exit 73) or the South Blackfoot Interchange (Exit 89) if possible.
Project Timeline and Scope
This overnight work is part of a larger infrastructure initiative that began in fall 2024. The $200 million project aims to expand I-15 from the Northgate Interchange to Fort Hall, adding a third lane in each direction to improve traffic flow and safety. Completion is expected in 2027.
Beyond the Thursday ramp closure, motorists should expect intermittent southbound lane closures between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. throughout the work period. During daytime hours, two lanes will remain open in each direction to maintain steady traffic flow.
The expansion addresses long-standing congestion issues along this critical corridor connecting Pocatello and Blackfoot. As part of the Idaho News Network, we track these infrastructure updates to help local commuters navigate changes on IdahoNews.co. For more information on regional transportation improvements, including recent wildlife underpass projects on U.S. 30, visit our coverage of Three Wildlife Underpasses on U.S. 30 Near Montpelier Set to Cut Animal Collisions.