The Idaho Transportation Department has moved to physically restrict vehicle movements at a hazardous intersection in Idaho Falls, citing a persistent pattern of unsafe driving and high crash rates. As first reported by eastidahonews.com, crews are installing concrete barriers along U.S. Highway 26 near Iona Road to eliminate left turns and prohibit crossing the highway from the side street.
The infrastructure changes aim to address safety concerns that have plagued the corridor for years. According to ITD data, the intersection of U.S. 26 and Iona Road recorded 90 crashes between 2021 and 2025. That period included two fatalities and 21 separate incidents in 2025 alone. The crash volume at this specific junction exceeds that of nearby intersections, including the busy crossing at North Woodruff Avenue and Hitt Road.
Physical Barriers Replace Signage
For months, drivers have been warned of upcoming changes through signage and temporary cones placed on August 31. However, enforcement of those warnings proved difficult without physical impediments. ITD officials noted that illegal U-turns were observed at the entrance to Arnold Machinery Company shortly after initial traffic control measures were implemented. Additionally, a semitruck tore down a stop sign early Wednesday morning while attempting an unauthorized right-hand turn from Iona Road onto U.S. 26.
To prevent such maneuvers, the new concrete barriers will extend 400 feet north and south from the center of the intersection. The design prohibits vehicles on Iona Road from turning left or crossing U.S. 26 entirely. It also eliminates both left and right turns for traffic traveling on U.S. 26 that wishes to enter Iona Road. Drivers must now use alternative routes to navigate between these roads, a change intended to streamline traffic flow and reduce conflict points.
Sky Buffat, an ITD spokeswoman, emphasized the urgency of the physical intervention. “We’ve gotten a ton of public feedback over the years about safety concerns for this intersection,” Buffat told the EastIdahoNews.com. She added that officials have witnessed numerous near-miss incidents and decided it was time to address the problem proactively rather than waiting for further tragedies.
Traffic Disruptions and Law Enforcement Presence
The installation process required temporary lane reductions on U.S. 26. During the work, the highway was narrowed to a single lane in both northbound and southbound directions. As the project neared completion, ITD reopened the road to its standard two-lane configuration. Idaho State Police monitored traffic near the site during the barrier installation to ensure public safety and manage driver confusion.
The timing of these improvements aligns with broader infrastructure plans for the area. ITD intends for the Iona Road changes to coincide with scheduled upgrades to Hitt Road in 2027. By addressing multiple high-risk intersections in the same corridor, the department hopes to create a more cohesive and safer transportation network for Idaho Falls residents and commuters.
A Pattern of Unsafe Behavior
The decision to install permanent barriers reflects a shift from passive traffic control to active prevention. Signage alone has failed to deter drivers from making dangerous maneuvers at this location. The recent incident involving the semitruck destroying a stop sign underscores the risks associated with heavy vehicles attempting turns that may not be structurally or legally supported.
Local businesses, including Arnold Machinery Company, have been directly impacted by the erratic driving behavior observed in the area. Illegal U-turns near business entrances pose significant liability and safety risks for both employees and customers. By extending barriers 400 feet from the intersection, ITD aims to eliminate these shortcuts entirely.
The project represents a significant investment in road safety infrastructure. While traffic disruptions during installation are inconvenient, the long-term goal is to reduce crash frequency and severity. With two fatalities recorded at this intersection over five years, the stakes for effective intervention are high.
Looking Ahead
As the barriers take effect, drivers will need to adjust their routes accordingly. The prohibition on left turns and crossing movements means that navigation through this part of Idaho Falls will require more planning. ITD expects that once drivers adapt to the new traffic patterns, overall safety will improve.
The department continues to monitor crash data at other intersections across the state. If the Iona Road project proves successful in reducing incidents, similar barrier installations could be considered for other high-risk locations. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the U.S. 26 and Iona Road intersection becomes a safer place for all road users.
Residents of Idaho Falls and surrounding areas should remain cautious as traffic patterns stabilize. The Idaho State Police will likely continue to enforce the new restrictions strictly in the coming weeks. Drivers who attempt to bypass the barriers or make illegal turns may face citations, reinforcing the seriousness of the safety measures implemented by ITD.