Idaho DOT to Implement Major Changes for Westbound I-90 Traffic in Coeur d'Alene Next Week
Drivers traveling westbound on Interstate 90 through Coeur d'Alene will face a very different route next week as the Idaho Transportation Department prepares for the next phase of an interchange improvement project. On June 19, 2026, the agency announced that construction crews will close the I-90 westbound off-ramp at Northwest Boulevard and reduce traffic to a single westbound lane through downtown Coeur d'Alene. The changes are expected to begin next week and will remain in place until the new configuration can safely handle traffic.
The closure of the Northwest Boulevard off-ramp is designed to provide crews with enough room to reconstruct the ramp and the adjoining westbound lanes. To reach downtown Coeur d'Alene or U.S. 95 during the closure, drivers are advised to exit the freeway earlier at 4th Street and follow detour signs via Appleway Avenue. By routing westbound traffic off at 4th Street, the Idaho Transportation Department hopes to maintain a safer merging environment where vehicles have more distance to slow down and separate before re-entering the highway.
In addition to the ramp closure, only one westbound lane will be open between the U.S. 95 interchange and just west of the Northwest Boulevard on-ramp. Traffic engineers warn that motorists should prepare for significant slowdowns in this area. Motorists should plan extra travel time and be patient when approaching the work zone, where crews will be working close to moving vehicles. The lane reduction will allow workers to widen the existing lanes and install new drainage and utility improvements that are necessary for the overall reconstruction of the interchange.
Non-motorized travelers will also be affected. The Prairie Trail, a popular paved multi-use path that passes under I-90 near the work site, will be closed for several weeks. A signed detour will route pedestrians and cyclists south along 9th Street to Park Avenue, then west on Atlas Road and north on Seltice Way to return to the trail. The Idaho Transportation Department urges trail users to follow the marked detour for their own safety and to avoid trespassing into the work zone.
These changes are part of a larger project to redesign the I-90/State Highway 41 and I-90/Northwest Boulevard interchanges. In addition to replacing aging bridges and ramps, the project will improve access to the growing Coeur d'Alene area and reduce congestion. Officials ask all travelers to stay alert, drive slowly through the work zones, and obey posted signs and flaggers. Detailed project updates and detour information can be found on the Idaho Transportation Department website. Plan ahead and stay informed to minimize delays and keep everyone safe.