North Idaho Republican Staff

Construction crews began repaving Interstate 90 on Friday morning, leaving a single travel lane open between Northwest Boulevard and Highway 95 through Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls.

The traffic restriction is scheduled to remain in place through Wednesday, Oct. 21. Drivers have reported added travel times of 20 to 30 minutes, while backups have also moved onto local Coeur d’Alene streets.

Elizabeth Galvan described unusual congestion away from the freeway. “There’s just so much traffic where there usually isn’t,” Galvan said.

Transportation officials are encouraging motorists to use alternate routes when possible. Seltice Way has provided a way around some of the heaviest delays for certain drivers.

Brian Tilley said he has been using an e-bike rather than joining freeway traffic. “I’m actually ahead of some people that leave Post Falls on the highway,” Tilley said.

The work is part of a broader I-90 expansion initiative intended to ease congestion and accommodate regional growth.