The Idaho Transportation Department will shift southbound traffic on Interstate 15 into newly constructed lanes north of Chubbuck beginning Sunday as part of a major highway expansion project affecting the region.
Southbound entrance and exit ramps at the Northgate Interchange (Exit 73) will close from 6 p.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. Monday to accommodate the traffic shift between the 2½ Mile Road Bridge and Chubbuck Road Bridge. Motorists using the southbound on-ramp at Northgate should divert to the Chubbuck Interchange (Exit 61) or Pocatello Creek Road Interchange (Exit 71) instead. Those exiting southbound at Northgate should use the Chubbuck off-ramp as an alternative.
In addition to the ramp closures, intermittent nighttime lane reductions will affect both directions of I-15 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday nights. The department will maintain two lanes in each direction during daytime hours to preserve traffic flow through the work zone. A reduced speed limit of 55 miles per hour will be enforced in the construction area during nighttime operations.
Major Expansion Project Underway
The weekend work is part of a $200 million initiative to expand I-15 from three lanes in each direction between Northgate and Fort Hall. The project began in 2025 and is scheduled for completion in 2027, representing a significant infrastructure investment for the corridor that serves as a major north-south route through southeastern Idaho.
Drivers traveling through the area should plan for potential delays during the weekend closures and allow extra travel time. The nighttime speed reduction is intended to improve safety for both construction workers and motorists navigating the active work zone.
The Northgate area has been a focal point for highway improvements across the region. Idaho Falls recently kicked off a microsurfacing project on four city streets, reflecting broader infrastructure maintenance efforts underway in Bonneville County and surrounding communities.
What Comes Next
Motorists should monitor Idaho Transportation Department announcements for updates on project progress and additional closure schedules. As construction continues toward the 2027 completion date, additional weekend and nighttime work windows are expected. Travelers are encouraged to check conditions before departing and consider alternate routes when feasible during announced closures on I-15.