Construction on a major expansion of Interstate 90 between State Highway 41 in Post Falls and U.S. Highway 95 in Coeur d’Alene will begin Monday, according to the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). The four-year project is scheduled for completion in 2029 and aims to address congestion, improve safety, and support continued growth along one of North Idaho’s busiest freeway sections.
Initial work will involve tree removal from the median and shoulders, installation of temporary barriers, work zone signage, minor traffic shifts, and construction on the Prairie Trail Bridge. Construction activities are expected primarily Monday through Friday during both day and night hours, with occasional weekend work possible. ITD plans to maintain two lanes of travel in each direction during daylight hours; nighttime lane reductions may occur as needed.
Variable speed limits will be enforced using digital signs that adjust based on ongoing construction activity. Drivers are advised to pay close attention to posted speed limits throughout the work zone.
This project marks the first construction phase stemming from recommendations made in the I-90 Corridor Study. It was prioritized due to its potential impact on reducing congestion between SH-41 and US-95.
Major planned improvements include expanding I-90 by two additional lanes in both eastbound and westbound directions—resulting in four lanes each way—replacing and widening bridges over Huetter Road, Atlas Road, and Prairie Trail; realigning adjacent portions of the Prairie and Centennial Trails; and lengthening several on-ramps and off-ramps at key interchanges for safer merging with highway traffic.
“Relieving congestion on this stretch of I-90 is one of the most common requests that ITD hears from the public and we are excited to begin work to improve the traveling experience on the corridor,” said Zach Feist, ITD Project Manager.
The current expansion is part of a broader effort along I-90. On its western end, construction began in 2022 on a new interchange at SH-41, which is expected to finish by 2026. At its eastern end near US-95, another major interchange remains under design with construction projected as early as 2027.
Multiple projects identified through the I-90 Corridor Study—including these interchanges—are advancing separately but follow similar timelines for design and build phases. Recent funding secured via Idaho’s Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) program has allowed some elements such as the US-95 Interchange project to proceed sooner than otherwise possible.
The TECM program forms part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative by enabling faster delivery of infrastructure projects intended to meet rapid population growth needs across Idaho.
For updates or information about this project or other efforts within the I-90 corridor, residents can visit itdprojects.org/i90corridor or sign up for email/text notifications. Real-time statewide traffic updates remain available at https://511.idaho.gov/ or through their app.
