Idaho Highway 12 Near Arrow Bridge Temporarily Reopens Overnight as Crews Continue Slope Stabilization
On November 21, 2025, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced that all lanes of U.S. Highway 12 near the Arrow Bridge would temporarily reopen overnight. Crews have been working for days to stabilize a steep hillside that looms over milepost 26, where a rock slide earlier this month sent debris onto the roadway and forced an extended closure. According to ITD, the progress made on slope stabilization allows them to offer travelers a window of access: from about 5:30 p.m. the highway will be open until 8:00 a.m. the following morning, when work will resume. Flaggers and pilot vehicles will escort traffic through the area during the overnight opening, and motorists should expect short delays and reduced speeds.
The closure, which began after saturated soils and fractured rock threatened to fall onto U.S. 12, has been disruptive for residents and commercial drivers who rely on this east‑west route between Lewiston and Missoula. Stabilization crews have been scaling loose rock, removing debris, and installing protective barriers along the hillside. ITD warns that even during the temporary opening, the highway is still an active construction zone. Drivers are required to slow to 25 miles per hour, follow instructions from flaggers, and stay alert for equipment and workers on the shoulder. Because rockfall is still possible, motorists should not stop in the work area.
ITD’s news release notes that U.S. 12 will close again at 8:00 a.m. so crews can continue working safely during daylight hours. The department plans to reopen the highway each evening at roughly 5:00 p.m., but cautions that the schedule may change depending on weather conditions and progress on the slope. Travelers are encouraged to check the Idaho 511 system or call 5‑1‑1 for real‑time updates before heading out. The overnight openings are designed to provide necessary access for local communities, long‑haul truckers and visitors while still prioritizing worker and driver safety.
For DMVAppointments.org users, this highway news is important because U.S. 12 serves as a primary link for residents of Orofino, Kamiah and other Clearwater River communities who need to reach DMV offices in Lewiston or other regional centers. The closure has meant detours of more than an hour via alternate routes. With the new overnight opening, residents have a limited window to travel for driver’s license renewals, vehicle registrations and other essential errands. ITD advises motorists to plan ahead, budget extra travel time, and remain patient as crews continue the critical slope‑stabilization project. Once the hillside is secure, the agency hopes to return the roadway to normal operations and ensure the long‑term safety of everyone who uses this scenic Idaho corridor.