Rolling closures on I-15 Sunday morning for elk relocation project

The following is a news release from Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

FORT HALL — On Sunday, April 9, beginning at 7 a.m., the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Fish and Game Department, Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho State Police and the Idaho Transportation Department will begin a joint project to push elk to the east side of Interstate 15. During this project, the ISP will enact rolling closures to slow traffic. A helicopter will also be operating to assist with moving the herds.

The closure will occur between milepost 73 (Northgate Interchange) and milepost 89 (South Blackfoot Interchange). A smaller band of about 150 elk will be moved first from the area around Exit 80. Once that herd is moved, a larger band of about 450 elk will be moved. There is no time estimate for how long it will take to move both herds.

ITD indicates the lowest traffic counts occur on Sunday mornings. The migratory habits of the elk also dictate the timing of the move.

Motorists should expect slowdowns and possible detours. The primary concern for all involved is the safety of the traveling public. This winter, elk have been wintering near the Interstate and occasionally wandering onto the roadway. By pushing the elk east into the mountains, the movement can occur during the safest possible time.

“We appreciate the cooperation from the public in ensuring that this is a safe process for all and would like to thank the agencies involved in the collaborative efforts,” stated Chad Colter, Fish and Wildlife Director.