In April 2019, heavy rains saturated slopes along U.S. 12 causing mud, trees, and rocks to fall onto the roadway. State roads ID-13 and ID-162 were already closed due to slides and high water. Two days later, a drain broke, causing the debris to wash into the highway and sections of concreate into the river. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) had to come up with a solution to clear the road and get travelers moving again safely. Working collaboratively with the American Red Cross, the Nez Perce tribe and the local community, ITD was able to address the emergency and begin the clean-up of the highways. The skilled operations of the department allowed for U.S. 12 to reopen to the public in a short amount of time, allowing travelers to resume their normal commutes and ensuring their safety.
America's Transportation Awards 