Traffic briefly shut down Wednesday morning; ISP urges caution in construction zones

POWER COUNTY, ID – Eastbound traffic on Interstate 86 near American Falls was disrupted Wednesday morning after a reckless driver caused a semi-truck loaded with hay bales to brake hard, spilling its cargo across the highway.

According to Idaho State Police, the incident occurred around 9:38 a.m. at milepost 44. A 46-year-old man from Pocatello was driving a 2004 Peterbilt semi and had begun slowing down for a reduced-speed construction zone when another vehicle abruptly cut in front of him. In an effort to avoid a collision, the semi driver braked aggressively, shifting the load and sending several large hay bales onto the roadway.

Both eastbound lanes were blocked for approximately an hour and a half. Crews from the Idaho Transportation Department responded with equipment to remove the hay and debris, and traffic resumed once the road was cleared.

No injuries were reported, and authorities did not identify the reckless driver involved.

Idaho State Police are reminding drivers that semi-trucks require significantly more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Drivers are urged to obey speed limits—particularly in construction zones—and maintain a safe following distance.