Idaho local data guide

Planned Interchanges Along the State Highway 16 Extension

As part of the Idaho Transportation Department's (ITD) effort to convert State Highway 16 (SH-16) into a limited-access, north-south freeway, five specific interchanges are currently in development. This project connects Interstate 84 (I-84) in the south to State Highway 44 (SH-44) in the north, with the full corridor expected to reach completion in 2027.

Updated with grounded research as of 2026-10-13.

The short answer

The State Highway 16 (SH-16) extension project includes five planned, limited-access interchanges designed to facilitate efficient north-south travel between Interstate 84 and State Highway 44. These interchanges are critical infrastructure components intended to reduce congestion and improve connectivity across the Treasure Valley as the project reaches its anticipated 2027 completion date.

Key facts

Project Completion Target
The entire SH-16 extension corridor is on schedule for completion in 2027.
Interchange Count
There are five planned limited-access interchanges along the extension route.

Planned Interchange Locations

To manage traffic flow and provide safe access points, ITD has designed five distinct interchanges along the SH-16 extension. These locations are engineered to handle projected traffic volumes and support the regional transportation network.

  • I-84: System Interchange
  • Franklin Road: Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI)
  • Ustick Road: Tight Diamond Interchange
  • US-20/26: Partial Cloverleaf
  • SH-44: Partial Cloverleaf

Project Overview and Scope

The SH-16 extension represents a significant infrastructure investment for Idaho, transforming the route into a limited-access freeway. This design limits entrance and exit points to the specified interchanges, which is intended to increase travel speeds, improve safety, and reduce the stop-and-go traffic typically associated with major arterial roads in rapidly growing urban areas.

Regional Connectivity

By creating a direct, high-speed connection between I-84 and SH-44, this project serves as a vital corridor for commuters and freight moving north and south through the Treasure Valley. The configuration of these interchanges is specifically planned to accommodate current and future traffic patterns, providing a reliable alternative to existing north-south routes.

Common questions

When will the SH-16 extension be fully operational?

The Idaho Transportation Department anticipates that the entire SH-16 extension corridor, including all planned interchanges, will be completed and operational by 2027.

Why is the SH-16 extension being built as a limited-access freeway?

The limited-access design is intended to improve safety and traffic flow by restricting entry and exit points to designated interchanges, rather than allowing access from every intersecting local street.

Related Idaho questions

  • What is the expected completion date for the State Highway 16 extension?
  • How does the SH-16 extension impact traffic in the Treasure Valley?
  • Where can I find current construction updates for the State Highway 16 project?

Sources and verification