Latest news with #IdahoTransportationDepartment
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Idaho bridge faces demolition after 92 years
Idaho's iconic Rainbow Bridge is facing demolition after 92 years. The crossing, which is also known as the North Fork Payette River Bridge, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has allowed millions of travelers to pass over since it was built in 1933 but has been deemed unsafe by the Idaho Transportation Department. 'The current Rainbow Bridge no longer meets ITD [Idaho Transportation Department] standards for highway bridges,' the department wrote . 'Despite regular maintenance and major repairs, the structure is deteriorating to the point where ITD will no longer be able to maintain it for highway traffic.' The department also cited issues including narrow lane and shoulder widths, tight curves on both sides of the bridge, and limited sight distance for drivers. Costs to repair and maintain the long-standing bridge were said to range from $20 million to $50 million over the next 15 to 20 years, transportation officials told Idaho News 6 . 'Anything that we would put in place for an observation point or an overlook would have to be designed to current standards. And it would be quite large and technically challenging to find a place for that,' an official said. Current plans have asked for public input on the future of the bridge. There are hopes that construction on the bridge's replacement will begin by 2028, according to the ITD. Highway traffic will be redirected toward a newer bridge north of the current bridge, which will be both wider and have increased visibility for drivers. To honor the iconic bridge, designers are considering a 'rainbow-like' arch design in the new plans. While the bridge would not be safe for traffic or pedestrians again, the ITD has proposed scenarios in which the bridge could be preserved. In the first scenario, costing $20.3 million, all but the historic arches would be replaced with follow up repairs occurring in 2070. Scenario two involved retaining as much of the historic bridge as possible with repairs every 25 years, costing $50.4 million. The third scenario, costing $48.4 million, would require the repair of the elements in the worst condition and repairs occurring every 10 to 15 years. Perseveration Idaho, which has been working for 50 years to preserve the state's historic places, argued that the historic landmark's demolition would be costly and environmentally wasteful, the Idaho Statesman reported. 'Rainbow Bridge, the largest single-span concrete arch structure in Idaho, remains today as a major achievement. [It] not only reflects the leading edge of bridge engineering of its time, but also exemplifies a conscious effort to meld a modern structure with a picturesque natural setting,' the National Register of Historic Places said in 1999. Many locals are torn over whether to preserve the bridge when doing so comes with such a high price tag. 'Keeping the rainbow bridge as a pedestrian bridge would be ideal, similar to the 95 long bridge,' one commenter wrote. 'Unfortunately building a new bridge is a necessity ... I don't want to be stuck in an endless money pit with rainbow bridge.' Another simply said: 'Leave the old bridge in place.' The ITD has extended their reach for public comment on the new design and the future for Rainbow Bridge until August 10. The Daily Mail reached out to the ITD for comment.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Iconic Idaho bridge on National Register of Historic Places faces DEMOLITION
Idaho 's iconic Rainbow Bridge is facing demolition after 92 years. The crossing, which is also known as the North Fork Payette River Bridge, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has allowed millions of travelers to pass over since it was built in 1933 but has been deemed unsafe by the Idaho Transportation Department. 'The current Rainbow Bridge no longer meets ITD [Idaho Transportation Department] standards for highway bridges,' the department wrote. 'Despite regular maintenance and major repairs, the structure is deteriorating to the point where ITD will no longer be able to maintain it for highway traffic.' The department also cited issues including narrow lane and shoulder widths, tight curves on both sides of the bridge, and limited sight distance for drivers. Costs to repair and maintain the long-standing bridge were said to range from $20 million to $50 million over the next 15 to 20 years, transportation officials told Idaho News 6. 'Anything that we would put in place for an observation point or an overlook would have to be designed to current standards. And it would be quite large and technically challenging to find a place for that,' an official said. Current plans have asked for public input on the future of the bridge. There are hopes that construction on the bridge's replacement will begin by 2028, according to the ITD. Highway traffic will be redirected toward a newer bridge north of the current bridge, which will be both wider and have increased visibility for drivers. To honor the iconic bridge, designers are considering a 'rainbow-like' arch design in the new plans. While the bridge would not be safe for traffic or pedestrians again, the ITD has proposed scenarios in which the bridge could be preserved. In the first scenario, costing $20.3 million, all but the historic arches would be replaced with follow up repairs occurring in 2070. Scenario two involved retaining as much of the historic bridge as possible with repairs every 25 years, costing $50.4 million. The third scenario, costing $48.4 million, would require the repair of the elements in the worst condition and repairs occurring every 10 to 15 years. Perseveration Idaho, which has been working for 50 years to preserve the state's historic places, argued that the historic landmark's demolition would be costly and environmentally wasteful, the Idaho Statesman reported. 'Rainbow Bridge, the largest single-span concrete arch structure in Idaho, remains today as a major achievement. [It] not only reflects the leading edge of bridge engineering of its time, but also exemplifies a conscious effort to meld a modern structure with a picturesque natural setting,' the National Register of Historic Places said in 1999. Many locals are torn over whether to preserve the bridge when doing so comes with such a high price tag. 'Keeping the rainbow bridge as a pedestrian bridge would be ideal, similar to the 95 long bridge,' one commenter wrote. 'Unfortunately building a new bridge is a necessity ... I don't want to be stuck in an endless money pit with rainbow bridge.' Another simply said: 'Leave the old bridge in place.' The ITD has extended their reach for public comment on the new design and the future for Rainbow Bridge until August 10. The Daily Mail reached out to the ITD for comment.
New York Post
31-05-2025
- New York Post
Driver who caused fiery crash that killed 6 tourists outside Yellowstone had BAC twice the legal limit: cops
The pick-up truck driver who caused a fiery crash with a tour van near Yellowstone National Park last month — killing himself and six others — had a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit. Isaih Moreno, 25, had a BAC of 0.20 after his body was pulled from the wreckage, while the Idaho legal limit is 0.08, state police revealed Friday. 'This tragedy should be a wake-up call,' ISP Captain Chris Weadick said in a statement. Isaih Moreno had a blood alcohol content of 0.20 when he caused the deadly crash outside Yellowstone Park. AP 'No one plans to cause a crash or take a life when they get behind the wheel, but choices have consequences. Impaired driving isn't just illegal — it's deadly. If you see someone unfit to drive, speak up. Lives depend on it.' The deadly crash occurred just before 7:15 p.m. on May 21 when Moreno swerved across the center line and collided with the Mercedes van carrying 14 people, investigators said. Both vehicles burst into flames, and six people aboard the tour van were killed. The international victims were identified as Jian Shi, 56, of Shanghai and Xiaoming Jiang, 66, of Guilin, China, and Ivana Wen, 28, of Milan, Italy. Seven people, including Moreno, were killed. AP Two of the deceased travelers were California residents: Li Nie, 64, and Aifeng Wan, 53, both of Arcadia. The van's 30-year-old driver Yu Zhang, of Eastvale, California, was also killed. Moreno, of Humble, Texas, was also killed. The highway where the crash happened is a popular route between Yellowstone and the Grand Teton national parks in the spring, when northern roads are still covered with snow. According to investigators, the tragedy came just before the start of Idaho's 100 Deadliest Days, or the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities typically rise due to increased summer travel, holidays and impaired driving. Alcohol-related crashes remain one of the leading causes of traffic deaths in Idaho, state police said. 'Idaho's roads are especially busy during the summer,' Idaho Transportation Department Operations Manager Bryan Young said. 'With more construction, increased travel, and an influx of visitors, we're seeing more families and more drivers on the road. It only takes one impaired driver to change lives forever. This is a preventable problem, and it starts with each of us making responsible choices.'
New York Post
31-05-2025
- New York Post
Driver who caused fiery crash that killed 7 tourists outside Yellowstone had BAC twice the legal limit: cops
The pick-up truck driver who caused a fiery crash with a tour van near Yellowstone National Park last month — killing himself and six others — had a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit. Isaih Moreno, 25, had a BAC of 0.20 after his body was pulled from the wreckage, while the Idaho legal limit is 0.08, state police revealed Friday. 'This tragedy should be a wake-up call,' ISP Captain Chris Weadick said in a statement. Isaih Moreno had a blood alcohol content of 0.20 when he caused the deadly crash outside Yellowstone Park. AP 'No one plans to cause a crash or take a life when they get behind the wheel, but choices have consequences. Impaired driving isn't just illegal — it's deadly. If you see someone unfit to drive, speak up. Lives depend on it.' The deadly crash occurred just before 7:15 p.m. on May 21 when Moreno swerved across the center line and collided with the Mercedes van carrying 14 people, investigators said. Both vehicles burst into flames, and six people aboard the tour van were killed. The international victims were identified as Jian Shi, 56, of Shanghai and Xiaoming Jiang, 66, of Guilin, China, and Ivana Wen, 28, of Milan, Italy. Seven people, including Moreno, were killed. AP Two of the deceased travelers were California residents: Li Nie, 64, and Aifeng Wan, 53, both of Arcadia. The van's 30-year-old driver Yu Zhang, of Eastvale, California, was also killed. Moreno, of Humble, Texas, was also killed. The highway where the crash happened is a popular route between Yellowstone and the Grand Teton national parks in the spring, when northern roads are still covered with snow. According to investigators, the tragedy came just before the start of Idaho's 100 Deadliest Days, or the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities typically rise due to increased summer travel, holidays and impaired driving. Alcohol-related crashes remain one of the leading causes of traffic deaths in Idaho, state police said. 'Idaho's roads are especially busy during the summer,' Idaho Transportation Department Operations Manager Bryan Young said. 'With more construction, increased travel, and an influx of visitors, we're seeing more families and more drivers on the road. It only takes one impaired driver to change lives forever. This is a preventable problem, and it starts with each of us making responsible choices.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Didn't get a Real ID/Idaho Star Card? Enforcement begins today. Here's what to know.
Star Card for Idaho The only visual difference between the current Idaho driver's license and ID card design and the Star Card is the Star in the upper right hand side of the card. Both allow you to legally drive and prove your identity for tasks like buying alcohol, obtaining social services, or registering to vote, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. (Courtesy of the Idaho Transportation Department) Starting today, Transportation Security Administration officials will not accept state-issued driver's licenses or ID cards that are not REAL ID compliant. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Under the new REAL ID enforcement rules, all airline passengers 18 and older will need REAL ID-compliant identification or another federally accepted ID at airport security checkpoints. The requirement applies to all passengers 18 and over for all flights, including short domestic flights, transportation officials said. In Idaho, the Idaho Star Card meets the REAL ID enhanced security requirements, Idaho Transportation Department officials said. Standard Idaho driver's licenses that are not an Idaho Star Card do not meet the TSA REAL ID requirements, although those are still valid for driving purposes. What other forms of ID are federally recognized to get on flights? It is not mandatory for Idahoans to obtain a STAR Card, but Idahoans will need a STAR Card or some other federally accepted form of identification at airport security checkpoints starting today. If Idaho air travelers did not obtain an Idaho Star Card yet, they can present another federally-accepted form of identification, including a U.S. passport, military ID or an photo ID issued by a federally recognized Native American Tribe, said Britt Rosenthal, a public information officer for the Idaho Transportation Department. 'Some people are upset because they think it's a mandate (to obtain a REAL ID), but it's not a mandate,' Rosenthal said in a phone interview Thursday. 'There are lots of ways to meet the federal ID requirement, including a U.S. passport.' According to the Idaho Transportation Department, other acceptable forms of ID include: U.S. passport U.S. passport card Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Native American Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or First Nation and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation worker identification credential U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) What's the worst case scenario for air travelers who don't have a Star Card or other federally accepted form of ID? Transportation officials say travelers could miss their flight or be subjected to a lengthy enhanced screening and identification process. An American Airlines plane takes off from Los Angeles International Airport on Oct. 1, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. () What is a REAL ID and why would travelers get one? In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID act in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the 9/11 Commission report. The REAL ID Act requires certain enhanced security features for drivers licenses to be accepted at airport security checkpoints and certain federal buildings. 'The Real ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists,' said Adam Stahl, a TSA senior official, in a written statement issued April 11. 'TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports.' Idaho Star Cards feature enhanced security features, including holograms and ghost images that are difficult to forge. 'Really what it's about is enhanced security, and there are some really cool security features baked straight into the card,' Rosenthal said. 'It's not about policing people or making things harder for people.' To obtain an Idaho Star Card, Idahoans need to provide multiple documents to prove their identity, their Social Security number and their Idaho residency. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, Social Security card and two proofs of Idaho residency, such as a mortgage statement or lease agreement and a utility bill. Requirements to obtain an Idaho Star Card are very specific, and the Idaho Transportation Department has posted a list online and offers a free online 'Add the Star tool' that walks Idahoans through a checklist of documents they need to get a Star Card. Rosenthal said Idahoans who are obtaining a Star Card can save themselves time and avoid disappointment by reviewing the Star Card required documents before their appointment at the Division of Motor Vehicles. 'We acknowledge that getting a Star Card is a more in-depth process than getting a passport and that it is more difficult for women,' Rosenthal said. 'To mitigate that stress we have added tools like the Add the Star tool interactive checklist that shows what documents are needed in or to give as much information to the public and make it as accessible as possible.' REAL ID Enforcement begins today, but Idaho STAR Cards will remain available Although TSA officials begin enforcing REAL ID requirements today, there is no deadline to obtain a STAR Card. Idaho Transportation Department officials will continue to offer new Star Cards even after enforcement begins. 'It's not a deadline, it's an enforcement date,' Rosenthal said. 'Anyone can get a Star Card at any time. So if you are not planning to travel any time soon, you don't have to sweat it – you can take your time.' Many Idaho Division of Motor Vehicle county offices are available by appointment only, and appointments may not be available for a couple of weeks due to a surge in demand associated with the upcoming REAL ID enforcement date, Rosenthal said. To help meet demand, the Idaho Transportation Department began offering a temporary, walk-up Star Card station on April 24 at its campus located at 11331 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 8, in Garden City. Appointments are not required and service is available from 8 a.m to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. At the temporary Star Card station, officials will only accept new Star Card applications and only accept credit and debit card payments – no cash or checks. No other DMV services are available at the temporary Star Card station. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
