CLARKIA, ID — A major pavement rehabilitation project on State Highway 3 between Fernwood and Clarkia is set to begin next week, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

The $9 million project will cover a seven-mile stretch of highway, starting near milepost 52 at Pine Drive and moving north through the summer and fall.

Work will include a mix of improvements depending on roadway conditions. Some sections will be fully reconstructed due to aging materials dating back to the 1950s, while others will undergo Cement Recycled Asphalt Base Stabilization (CRABS), a process that strengthens the roadway by blending existing asphalt with cement. Additional areas will receive resurfacing, and crews will also replace culverts and make minor guardrail improvements.

Traffic impacts are expected throughout construction. Early work will reduce daytime travel to a single alternating lane controlled by signals, flaggers and pilot cars, with two lanes reopening overnight. Later in the season, likely from July through October, single-lane traffic will remain in place around the clock, with delays of up to 15 minutes.

Drivers entering the highway from side roads or driveways in the work zone are advised to use caution and may need to wait for a pilot car before merging. Conditions are expected to change frequently, with signage posted to guide motorists.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. Travelers are encouraged to slow down in work zones, follow posted instructions and plan for extra travel time.

A second project is also planned along Highway 3 beginning in June or July. That work will include sealcoating and sign replacement along a roughly 10-mile stretch between the SH-6 junction and Emerald Creek Road and is expected to last about one month. Similar single-lane traffic patterns and delays of up to 15 minutes are anticipated.

With both projects underway, drivers — especially those who regularly use the corridor — could see travel times increase by up to 30 minutes.