The Idaho Transportation Department closed the westbound on-ramp at Interstate 84 Exit 173 in Twin Falls on Monday, forcing commuters to use a temporary detour along Highway 93 for up to three months while the ramp is rebuilt.
The closure affects drivers heading west out of Twin Falls and comes just weeks after ITD announced substantial completion of the Jerome to Twin Falls I-84 widening project that has been underway for two years.
Temporary Traffic Pattern in Place
ITD has installed a temporary turn lane with a signal on Highway 93 to accommodate the detour. Northbound drivers who need to access westbound I-84 will now use the southbound on-ramp instead of the loop ramp, according to ITD spokesperson Courtney Wagner.
The department decided to move forward with the project sooner than originally planned. Wagner said the closure was initially anticipated to begin in one to two months, but officials decided to advance the timeline.
Concrete Replacement for Longer Lifespan
ITD is rebuilding the entire ramp using concrete to improve durability and extend its service life. Wagner said the department had additional funding and time available after completing the major widening project and decided to upgrade the ramp while crews and equipment were already in the area.
The reconstruction is separate from ongoing work at the new Jerome overpass, which remains under construction as part of the two-year I-84 widening effort.
What Comes Next
ITD estimates the ramp reconstruction will take between one and three months, with completion targeted before July 4th. The timeline depends on weather conditions and other construction variables. Commuters should plan for the detour to remain in effect through late spring or early summer.