BANKS, Idaho — Work to clear dead and dying trees between Horseshoe Bend and Banks will mean delays for drivers on Idaho Highway 55 over the next several weeks, the Idaho Transportation Department said Friday.
ITD is working with the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to cut down dead trees along the highway between mileposts 72 and 79. The goal is to improve overall forest health and minimize risk to drivers.
Crews will be on site each weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the tree-removal work.
"While we're dropping trees on the highway, it isn't safe to allow traffic to pass underneath," Operations Field Manager Eric Copeland said in an ITD news release. "Crews will temporarily close the highway, remove several trees, clear the road and then let traffic through."
Drivers should expect delays of up to 30 minutes while crews are working. No work will take place on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.
ITD encourages travelers to check the 511 website for any delays before setting out on a trip.
ITD, the Forest Service and the BLM started discussions in late 2022 about removing hazard trees along the highway. ITD also said the agencies are working on a long-term solution to manage the Highway 55 right of way, which is maintained under an easement.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.