Idaho Transportation Department completed a 6.5-mile reconstruction of U.S. 95, building a new four-lane expressway to improve safety, reliability, and travel times along a critical rural corridor between Thorn Creek and Moscow. The $88.9 million project addressed longstanding safety concerns on a two-lane section of highway with a history of serious crashes.

Between 2012 and 2021, this stretch of U.S. 95 experienced 172 crashes, including 56 that resulted in fatalities or suspected, minor, or serious injuries. Several intersections and a passing lane located on a steep grade along the previous alignment were frequent sites of severe crashes. To address these risks, the highway was shifted approximately three-quarters of a mile east, allowing for the construction of a safer, modern roadway.

Key improvements include increased sight distance, flatter curves, reduced grades, wider shoulders, improved drainage, and a 30-foot recoverable clear zone. The new alignment also eliminates numerous intersections and driveways over a six-mile segment, significantly reducing conflict points and improving overall traffic operations.

Supported by $24.9 million in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding, the project has enhanced safety, improved navigation, and reduced travel times between Lewiston and Moscow. By modernizing a vital transportation corridor, the new expressway strengthens regional connectivity, supports economic activity, and delivers a safer, more reliable travel experience for residents, freight operators, and visitors alike.