The Idaho Transportation Department announced Wednesday that the $42 million I-90 corridor improvement project between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene will begin its next major construction phase in April, bringing lane closures, reduced speed zones, and altered traffic patterns to the busiest stretch of interstate in North Idaho for the next 18 months. The project, which has been in planning since 2022, will rebuild and widen a 6-mile section of I-90 between Exit 5 in Post Falls and Exit 12 near the Coeur d’Alene city center.
I-90 through Kootenai County carries over 55,000 vehicles per day at its peak — a volume that has increased 35% since 2015 and regularly creates congestion backups during rush hours and holiday weekends. The corridor serves as the primary east-west route connecting Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, and Hayden to Spokane and the broader Interstate system, and it is the main access route for millions of tourists visiting Lake Coeur d’Alene each summer.
What the Construction Includes
The project will add a third travel lane in each direction through the most congested section between exits 7 and 11, replacing the existing two-lane configuration. New on-ramp acceleration lanes and off-ramp deceleration lanes will be constructed at exits 7 (Pleasant View), 9 (Highway 95), and 11 (Northwest Boulevard) to reduce the merging conflicts that currently contribute to congestion and accidents.
Bridge decks at three overpasses will be replaced, and the roadway surface throughout the project area will be rebuilt with a new concrete base designed to last 40 years. Upgraded drainage systems, new LED highway lighting, and modernized electronic message signs are also included in the project scope.
ITD District 1 Engineer Doral Hoff said the project was designed to accommodate projected traffic growth through 2050. “We’re not just fixing what’s broken — we’re building capacity for the next 25 years of growth in Kootenai County,” Hoff told reporters at a project briefing in Coeur d’Alene.
Traffic Impacts and Construction Timeline
During construction, I-90 will maintain at least two lanes in each direction at all times, though lane widths will be reduced and speed limits will drop to 55 mph through work zones. Most construction will occur during daylight hours on weekdays, but some bridge work will require overnight lane closures from 9 PM to 6 AM. ITD is encouraging drivers to allow extra travel time, particularly during the evening commute when westbound traffic from Coeur d’Alene to Post Falls and Spokane is heaviest.
ITD will provide real-time traffic updates through its 511 traveler information system and electronic message signs on approaches to the work zone. A dedicated project website at itd.idaho.gov/i90kootenai will include weekly construction schedules, lane closure maps, and alternative route suggestions.
Funding and Economic Impact
The $42 million project is funded through a combination of federal highway funds ($28 million), state highway distribution funds ($10 million), and GARVEE bond proceeds ($4 million). No local taxes or assessments are required. The construction will generate approximately 200 jobs over the 18-month project duration, with ITD requiring the contractor to prioritize hiring local workers and subcontractors.
The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce expressed concern about the impact of construction on tourism and local businesses during the summer season. ITD responded by committing to suspend major lane closures during the Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day holiday weekends to minimize disruption to peak tourism traffic.
What Comes Next
A public open house is scheduled for April 2 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort to present the final construction plan and answer questions. Construction begins April 14 and is scheduled for completion by October 2027. Commuters can sign up for construction alert emails at itd.idaho.gov. Residents with questions can contact ITD District 1 at 208-772-1200.