Bonneville County is preparing to close a key intersection south of Idaho Falls beginning Wednesday to install new traffic control infrastructure, with motorists advised to seek alternate routes through the affected area.
The closure will affect the intersection of 5th East (Holmes Avenue) and 49th South (Township Road), with road restrictions extending at least a quarter mile in surrounding areas. County officials have not yet announced the anticipated duration of the full closure, though work is expected to proceed through the week.
The traffic signal installation is part of ongoing infrastructure improvements across the county. The project addresses growing traffic demands in the region as development continues south of Idaho Falls and in the Ammon area.
Recent Road Progress in the County
The new closure comes as Bonneville County completes work on other regional routes. Iona Road between Ammon Road and 45th East has reopened to traffic after remaining closed since last fall. County crews added a center turn lane along that segment to enhance traffic flow and safety for the growing number of vehicles using the corridor.
Florian Avenue north of Iona Road remains partially closed but is expected to reopen by July 25, bringing additional relief to drivers who have endured months of detours and traffic diversions in that area.
These sequential projects reflect the county’s broader strategy to modernize infrastructure and accommodate increasing travel demands. County officials have been working through a public comment period on regional roads, trails, and bike routes, seeking input on transportation priorities for the wider area.
Motorist Guidance
Drivers traveling through south Idaho Falls and northern Ammon during the week of July 22 should anticipate delays and plan extra travel time. The quarter-mile closure zone will affect multiple route options, so those familiar with the area should identify alternate pathways before Wednesday.
County transportation officials recommend checking local traffic updates and adjusting commute patterns as needed. Motorists heading to or from the Idaho Falls area via 5th East should use alternative east-west routes until the work concludes.
Similar infrastructure work has become routine across Bonneville County. Earlier improvements, such as the roundabout project that shut down Birch Street and South Boulevard for up to a month, demonstrate the ongoing commitment to road upgrades, though they often require significant traffic disruptions during construction phases.
What Comes Next
County officials will provide updates on the 5th East and 49th South closure as work progresses. Residents and commuters are encouraged to monitor local announcements for reopening timelines and any changes to the planned schedule. The reopening of Iona Road and Florian Avenue later this month should help offset some travel disruptions caused by the new closure.