The Idaho Transportation Department announced it will initiate numerous safety improvements this year to the U.S. Highway 20 corridor through Island Park.

The projects include installing flashing lights on signs to alert drivers to approaching speed limit reductions, and installing dynamic Your Speed signs to inform those traveling southbound of their speeds, according to a department press release. A similar sign for northbound traffic already exists.

Megan Stark, transportation department public information officer, said the estimated cost of the safety projects is $1.62 million in an email to the Standard Journal.

The current condition of US-20 from Ashton to the Montana state line is in need of repairs and reconstruction, Stark said. This section of the roadway was originally built in the 1950s and 1960s and has reached the end of its design life.

Highway 20 is a well-travelled highway that connects to Yellowstone National Park, generating high volumes of traffic, Stark said. The transportation department also expects to see increased traffic in the future and has plans for expansion projects in that area.

The department will also cut back trees within the highway right of way in the corridor by the end of 2021. According to a transportation department press release, this will improve the line of sight for drivers and remove hiding places for wildlife approaching the road. Trees that could fall on the highway will be eliminated and sunlight will have better access on the road to melt icy spots.

In order to provide a safer corridor for the traveling public, ITD plans to make the appropriate short-term safety improvements to help improve the drivers line of sight, eliminate potential safety hazards and encourage drivers to drive safely, Stark said.

For fiscal year 2023, the department plans to add a signal light at the intersection of Highway 20 and state Highway 47.

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Safety projects coming to US Highway 20 near Island Park - Rexburg Standard Journal