Interchanges getting lighting upgrade

SPRAGUE – The state Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan for traffic delays on Interstate 90 over the next week weeks between Sprague and Four Lakes.

Single-lane closures were expected to begin Tuesday, Oct. 10, as crews begin work on a $4,145,233 interchange lighting improvement project.

A total of 51 lights at five interchanges – Exit 245 at Sprague, Exit 254 at Fishtrap, Exit 257 at Tyler, Exit 264 at Salnave, and Exit 270 at Four Lakes – are being upgraded, Transportation officials said.

When complete in the fall of 2024, the new lights will feature LED fixtures.

In the meantime, there will be intermittent shoulder and lane closures with possible flagging along in work zones, officials said. Drivers should expect “minor” delays from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Work began Tuesday, Oct. 10, with right-lane closures as crews began installing new light poles, working from Four Lakes to Sprague, officials said. Once the westbound interchange poles are done, crews will replace the eastbound poles.

On and off ramps will remain open during the work, officials said, noting the installation of poles should be finished by Thursday, Oct. 19.

But on Friday, Oct. 13, the I-90 westbound Salnave off-ramp will be closed for several hours during the daytime as part of a separate project.

The pole installations are the first part of the project.