ITD works on I-90 drainage issue near Kellogg, Elizabeth Park

KELLOGG — For the average Silver Valley motorist, it would appear that construction along I-90 has tempered quite a bit compared to what it looked like even a couple months ago.

Idaho Transportation Department Public Information Officer Megan Jahns explains that while that is largely the case, crews are still doing some drainage work around Kellogg and Elizabeth Park when the weather permits.

"People remember the last significant rain events over the year of work," she said. "We had some issues with water ponding and making a big puddle. So it's just to correct that."

Those driving on I-90 in those areas may see traffic cones intermittently going from the shoulder to the road and back as the work is carried out.

What has recently been slowing down Silver Valley divers recently has not been construction, but old man winter and his significant supply of snow.

"Whenever there is snow in the Silver Valley, it is all hands on deck," Jahns said.

ITD and local emergency crews saw their first significant I-90 delay of the season on Nov. 2 where a few semi-trucks slid out and block traffic on Lookout Pass.

Any seasoned driver in Shoshone County knows that crashes like these have the potential to shut down traffic for hours — especially if it occurs on or near the two mountain passes.

"Check 511 before you go. That is where we have all our live roadway conditions listed," Jahns said.

In addition to urging drivers to leave early and drive slow when winter conditions are present, Jahns stresses that passing snow plows generally isn't a good idea.

"Never pass plows, especially on the right," she said.

She warns that numerous Silver Valley I-90 crashes in the past have been the result of someone attempting to pass a snow plow.

"There is a wing plow that extends off the right side of the truck, so a lot of times, people can't see that because it's pushing snow up and over itself," she said. "They get ready to pass the plow then run right smack dab into the smaller plow off to the right."

While it is not illegal to pass a snow plow, law enforcement have been known to write "reckless driving" tickets to those who risk driving through a plume of snow created by the plow or are simply not being safe.

Work on the Kellogg/Elizabeth bridge project is expected to kick up again next year to address the westbound bridges, now that the eastbound ones had been completed in late fall.