ISP, road workers offer advice on navigating interstate construction

JEROME, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) – A serious accident on I-84 over the weekend caused a major mess for drivers west of Twin Falls. An accident involving a semi-trailer occurred at a construction site along the highway.

Courtney Wagner of the Idaho Department of Transportation said Sunday’s accident did not impact construction progress on I-84.

According to Idaho State Police, the semi’s tire suffered damage, causing it to hit the median and then hit two other vehicles.

As a result of the accident, several people were taken to hospital and the highway was blocked for many hours.

Work continued Monday after crews cleaned up the scene, Sgt. Benjamin Foster of the Idaho State Police warns that accidents in work zones are common and advises people to be vigilant.

“We have cones and you have limited space on the track, just like with the Jerome Winding design. We have concrete barriers on both sides of the road,” Foster explained. “So if something happens where a car has to pass another car, people won’t have a way to escape.”

Kale Weekes, traffic control coordinator for the roadworks, said most of them pay close attention to speed limit signs and many local drivers have become accustomed to the roadworks but are noticing a different problem.

“A lot of people are looking down, whether it’s at their cell phone or at the screen in their car or wherever,” Weekes said. “I just look and see a lot of people looking down or not looking at the road and paying attention to where they are going.”

Weekes is urging drivers to keep an eye on the road to keep him and the rest of his crew safe.

Sgt. Foster added that due to heavier traffic in the area, drivers should try to get on the road earlier.

“If it takes 15 minutes to get somewhere, leave 20 minutes. Give yourself that extra bit of time. You don’t feel rushed, you don’t have to go faster,” Foster explained. “You won’t have to crowd the car in front of you, so you’ll have time to react.”

Idaho State Police are still investigating the crash. They also expect to talk to construction companies and Idaho Department of Transportation officials to discuss how to prevent another such disaster.