Idaho State Police warned motorists of severe congestion on Interstate 15 southbound Sunday evening as multiple vehicle crashes combined with ongoing road construction to create bottlenecks between Pocatello and the Utah border.
At least two wrecks occurred on the southbound lanes Sunday afternoon and evening, with one collision south of Pocatello resulting in injuries. The incidents arrived as construction work had already reduced I-15 to a single lane in each direction at several locations along the corridor.
Heavy post-holiday traffic compounded delays as Utah residents returned home following the July 4 weekend, creating a backlog of vehicles navigating the narrowed roadway. State Police advised travelers to prepare for significantly slower-than-normal speeds throughout the affected stretch.
The combination of weather-related or accident-related lane closures with existing construction zones has been a recurring challenge on this stretch of I-15 during peak travel periods. Similar delays have affected the corridor in previous weeks as the Idaho Transportation Department manages multiple infrastructure projects across the region.
Drivers heading south should consider delaying travel or using alternate routes if possible. The congestion underscores the disruption caused when accidents occur on highways already operating at reduced capacity due to maintenance and improvement work.
For current traffic conditions on I-15 and other major Idaho highways, travelers can check the ITD’s 511 system or monitor Idaho State Police alerts.
What Comes Next
Construction activity on I-15 south of Pocatello is expected to continue as ITD completes planned improvements in the corridor. Motorists should remain alert to lane restrictions and prepare for potential delays, particularly during peak travel times. Idaho State Police continue to monitor conditions and issue advisories as needed.