The City of Lewiston announced on Apr. 17 that night work will begin next week for the Snake River Avenue Improvements project, which stretches from Southway Avenue to 11th Avenue. Residents and commuters are advised to expect periodic lane closures and flagging operations as crews continue construction through October.
This project is significant for local transportation, as it aims to enhance safety and mobility along a key corridor in Lewiston. Maintaining two-way traffic with one lane in each direction will be prioritized whenever possible, though traffic patterns may shift as construction progresses.
Daytime construction began on April 13, with typical working hours from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The multi-phase project will evolve over time, starting at the south end near the Southway Avenue roundabout and moving north past 11th Avenue. Initial phases include stormwater drainage system installation and roadway reconstruction, while later phases will focus on widening Snake River Avenue into three lanes—two through-lanes and a shared center turn-lane—as well as installing new sidewalks, ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, stormwater infrastructure, curbs, gutters, and other enhancements.
Final paving, striping, and signing are scheduled for late fall. The city said this long-planned project has been under development since 2014 in coordination with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC), with J-U-B Engineers providing engineering support.
J-U-B Engineers will coordinate directly with businesses and property owners adjacent to the area throughout construction by updating Idaho’s traveler information system (Idaho 511), addressing concerns via ongoing public engagement efforts, and posting updates online. The city expressed appreciation for public patience during this period of improvement.
