Gem State Wire

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has announced the upcoming closure of Pleasant View Road between State Highway 53 and Prairie Avenue, expected to begin in early March. Drivers will be directed to use Prairie Avenue or McGuire Road for access to SH-53. This closure is part of a broader construction project on the SH-53, Pleasant View Road Interchange that commenced last fall. The project aims to improve safety along the busy SH-53 corridor by removing three railroad crossings, streamlining access, and increasing capacity on both SH-53 and Pleasant View Road.

In preparation for this closure, barricades will be placed at the intersection of Prairie Avenue and Beck Road during the week of February 17. These barriers will prevent left turns from both streets. Northbound drivers on Beck Road must turn right onto Prairie Avenue and navigate a roundabout to reach westbound SH-53. Meanwhile, westbound drivers on Prairie Avenue will need alternative routes to access southbound Beck Road.

Additionally, ITD is collaborating with BNSF Railway to install a temporary signal on SH-53 at Prairie Avenue, which is expected to become operational by early summer. These traffic restrictions are set to remain until the completion of the Pleasant View Road Interchange in summer 2026.

“ITD understands that construction of this new interchange and associated improvements will significantly impact travel patterns for local and regional drivers,” said Project Manager James Dorman. “Safety is a top priority, and the measures taken during construction are done so with this objective in mind. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work to increase safety and mobility for people using this corridor.”

Initial construction efforts include building footings for a bridge over railroad tracks at Pleasant View and realigning SH-53 between Hauser Lake and Hollister Hills Roads north of its current path. One lane in each direction will generally remain open on SH-53, with work occurring primarily during daylight hours on weekdays.

This project has been made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration awarded in mid-2023. The grant program aims to enhance safety at rail crossings nationwide, benefiting American communities by saving lives, time, and resources. Additional funding comes from ITD's partners: BNSF Railway and the Post Falls Highway District. The total estimated cost for this construction project is $30 million.

For more information about the project or statewide traffic updates along the SH-53 corridor, visit itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh53corridor or call 511.