ITD Begins SH-44 Widening Project in Star Through Fall 2027

Drivers navigating the corridor between State Highway 16 and Star Road should prepare for significant changes starting Monday night, Nov. 9. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is launching a major widening project on State Highway 44, a move designed to address the capacity constraints of one of the region’s fastest-growing communities.

Construction crews will begin mobilizing equipment and implementing traffic control measures immediately, according to official project updates from the Idaho Transportation Department. For the thousands of commuters who rely on this artery daily, the work marks the start of a multi-year effort to expand the highway to two lanes in each direction, complete with a center turn lane and updated pedestrian infrastructure.

Traffic Shifts and Construction Impacts

The immediate physical impact on local traffic will be a shift to the north side of SH-44 between Cosmo Avenue and Moyle Avenue. By moving traffic away from the south side, crews can begin the necessary excavation and concrete work. During this initial phase, the existing center turn lane will be removed, and travel lanes will be narrowed to accommodate the construction zone. Temporary markers will be installed to separate opposing traffic, and motorists should expect frequent lane closures and the presence of flaggers throughout the project duration.

Access to local businesses along the corridor will remain open, though the project introduces a new constraint for drivers: driveway access will be restricted to right turns in and out for most locations. Notable exceptions to this rule include Plummer Road and Seneca Springs Way, where access patterns will differ. The ITD advises drivers to plan for extra travel time and remain vigilant as traffic patterns fluctuate over the coming months.

Winter Preparations and Long-term Timeline

While the heavy lifting of roadway widening and paving is slated for the spring, the upcoming winter months will not be idle. Crews are scheduled to focus on utility relocations, irrigation system adjustments, and initial roadway excavation. This preparatory work is essential for the long-term goal of the project, which aims to provide a more robust infrastructure to match the rapid residential and commercial development in Star.

State highway with great clouds and cell phone

The construction is currently scheduled for completion by the fall of 2027. Project officials emphasize that the work schedule is weather-dependent and subject to adjustment. Drivers are encouraged to consult 511.idaho.gov for real-time traffic updates and to stay informed on potential changes to lane configurations as the project progresses.

The Human and Economic Stakes

For the residents of Star, this project represents the intersection of infrastructure investment and the daily reality of rapid regional growth. The widening of SH-44 is not merely a logistical upgrade; it is an attempt to mitigate the congestion that has become a defining feature of the commute for those living in the Treasure Valley’s suburban fringes. The economic health of Star’s business district relies heavily on the accessibility of this main thoroughfare, making the management of construction-era traffic a critical factor for local commerce.

While the expanded capacity is intended to improve long-term mobility, the construction period creates a temporary friction point. The challenge for the Idaho Transportation Department will be balancing the necessity of a faster, more efficient commute with the immediate need to maintain safe and reliable access to the shops and homes that define the highway’s frontage.