Long-awaited Island Park traffic signal expected to be operational July 1
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ISLAND PARK — Work to install Island Park’s first traffic signal is back on track after a temporary delay this spring, with the signal expected to be ready for drivers by Wednesday.
Locals and seasonal visitors have been eagerly awaiting the new traffic signal, as long waits and backed-up traffic at the intersection are frustrating during peak tourist season.
Idaho Transportation Department crews began overnight work Friday, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Saturday. Traffic on both U.S. Highway 20 and Yale-Kilgore Road is stopped for up to 15 minutes at a time while signal poles are lifted into place.
Additional work will continue during daylight hours beginning Tuesday, when crews apply pavement striping. Traffic will be reduced to one lane, as needed, during those operations.
“The signal is expected to become operational July 1, just ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, when Island Park typically sees a surge in recreational traffic,” said Sky Buffat, an ITD spokesperson.
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Crews had begun installing the signal earlier this year but were forced to pause the project after discovering a custom piece needed to mount the signal poles had to be fabricated.
According to ITD, that component is now complete, allowing the project to move forward.
“Once the signal is activated, traffic engineers will monitor it and make adjustments if needed. U.S. Highway 20 will receive priority, while green lights for traffic on Yale-Kilgore Road will last up to one minute,” Buffat said.
Drivers are encouraged to use caution, expect delays and watch for changing traffic patterns while work is underway.
Current work zone information is available through the Idaho 511 app and at 511.idaho.gov