December 23, 2008 – The Idaho Transportation Department is advising Eastern Idaho residents not to drive today. They have closed seven state highways since yesterday, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. Winter storms are the cause of the closings.
Idaho Road Conditions and Closed State Highways
If you live in Eastern Idaho, be aware that these state highways are currently closed:
* Idaho 32
* Idaho 33
* Idaho 47
Residents of Southeastern Idaho also have dangerous road conditions to contend with this holiday season. Also closed are Idaho 77, Idaho 81 and Interstate 84.
According to the Idaho Transportation Department roads may be re-opened if the weather cooperates and the road conditions improve.
Tracking Idaho Road Conditions
Winter brings joyous holidays and hazardous road conditions together. If you’re about to travel in Idaho or have relatives driving in for the holidays, it’s a good idea to track Idaho road conditions.
Idaho Road Conditions in Maps
Idaho road conditions are graded as good, fair or difficult on the Idaho Department of Transportation maps. Closures and blockages are also included.
The maps can be found at 511.idaho.gov.
While traveling, drivers may also call 511 for the latest information about Idaho road conditions.
Boise, Idaho
Check Boise, Idaho road conditions and traffic web cams here Achd.ada.id.us/ATIS/default.aspx.
Western Region National Weather Service – Wrh.noaa.gov
Track wintry road conditions in Idaho on the website of the Western Region National Weather Service.
Safe Winter Travel Tips and Dangerous Idaho Road Conditions
Beware of Black Ice on Bridges
Ice can be tricky and you may not know it’s there, particularly on overpasses and brides, according to IDT.
Leave Early
The key to driving in bad Idaho road conditions, or any winter weather is to drive slowly and cautiously. If you have to go out or travel, leave ample travel time. Racing around on dangerous Idaho roads is not the way to start your Christmas holiday.
Spare Windshield Wipers
Snow and ice can break windshield wipers during the winter. Be prepared by keeping a spare set of windshield wipers in your vehicle. Even if one breaks, when you continue to use the wipers you could scratch your windshield.
Use Prestone De-Icer or a similar product. This type of windshield wiper fluid can help keep windshields cleaner in wintry conditions, and help with visibility.
Fill All Fluids
Top off all fluids before heading out, including gas, windshield wiper fluid, anti-freeze and oil.
Emergency Supplies
Travel with a blanket, drinking water, a flashlight or flares, a charged cell phone and a spare tire when facing hazardous Idaho road conditions.
Travel Only When You Must
If you do not have to venture out, don’t. Your best safety net against hazardous Idaho road conditions is to avoid them completely.
Sources
Idaho Transportation Department, http://itd.idaho.gov
511 Idaho, http://511.idaho.gov
“Winter storm closes seven state highways,” http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/Apps/MediaManagerViewer/NewsRelease/NewsRelease.aspx?Id=1666
Western Region National Weather Service – Wrh.noaa.gov
