ITD and Idaho Parks and Recreation team up to improve safety on SH-5 near Heyburn State Park

ST. MARIES — Starting next week crews will begin removing hazard trees along a 5-mile stretch of State Highway 5 near Heyburn State Park. Work will begin near Hillwood Lane and move west to Chatcolet Road over the course of four to five weeks with the highway reduced to one lane during the day in the work zone.

While the tree clearing operation is underway, ITD will provide flaggers and a pilot car to safely guide traffic through the work zone.

Work will occur on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will take a scheduled break on May 23, 24 and 28 to avoid slowing down increased traffic surrounding Memorial Weekend.

“Any tree within reach of the highway that is compromised, whether due to its health or stability, is considered a hazard due to the potential of falling onto traffic,” Project Manager James Dorman said. 

To complete this work, ITD is collaborating with the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department who is working with foresters and a local contractor to identify potentially hazardous trees for removal.

“Idaho Parks and Recreation is excited for this partnership and the opportunity to focus on safety for Idaho’s drivers and recreators alike,” stated Parks Public Information Officer Craig Quintana. “The trees that have been identified for removal are on Heyburn State Park property, but the safety concern involves ITD right of way.”

Drivers should plan ahead for delays and use the Idaho 511 system for updates.