Idaho Falls US-26 and Hitt Road Intersection Project Goes to Bid, Work Starts 2027

IDAHO FALLS — A long-planned rebuild of the US-26 (Yellowstone Highway) and Hitt Road (25th East) intersection in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is out to bid. In its November 2026 project update, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) said the bid is open now, a contractor will be selected within the month, and construction is expected to begin in April 2027 and last into the fall.

ITD said the US-26 and Hitt Road project was delayed when plans went through several revisions to work for area business owners and keep traffic moving safely, and each change needed more environmental review. With that work complete, the project moved to bidding.

What the US-26 and Hitt Road project includes

ITD says the project will improve safety and capacity at the intersection by replacing the traffic signals and widening Hitt Road from two lanes to up to five lanes, with two more lanes at the intersection. The work also replaces the roundabout at Iona Road and Hitt Road with a traffic signal, creates three lanes on Iona Road, and adds sidewalks and lighting for people walking through the area.

Iona Road changes already in place

Turning US-26 and Iona Road into a right-in, right-out intersection was always part of the plan. After several severe crashes on US-26 in 2026, ITD and Bonneville County moved that change up. Temporary median barriers went in during August, and drivers have been sent to the signals at Hitt Road and Woodruff Avenue. ITD says those barriers and signs will become more permanent during construction in 2027.

What drivers should expect in 2027

During construction through spring and summer 2027, drivers could see as many as seven traffic shifts in the work zone. ITD says traffic is planned to keep moving in both directions as much as possible, business access will be maintained, and all changes will be signed, with flaggers as needed. More details are in ITD's contractor presentation. Questions go to ITD project manager Eric Larson at (208) 745-5671.

Living on the east side of Idaho Falls

Hitt Road is a main north-south route on the city's growing east side near Ammon. See the Idaho Falls city guide and the Ammon city guide, browse new home communities in Idaho Falls like Sand Creek Estates and Teton View Estates, check homes for sale in Idaho Falls, or read about the new Idaho State Police District 6 office and more Idaho Falls growth news. Thank you for reading Treasure Idaho.