Highway 16 has reopened at West Colton Lane in Boise following a multi-vehicle crash that temporarily closed the roadway on Friday afternoon. The Idaho Transportation Department confirmed the highway was restored to normal traffic flow by 6:15 p.m., after crews completed debris removal and safety inspections.
The incident, which occurred around 3:45 p.m., involved two passenger vehicles and resulted in minor injuries to one driver, who was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Authorities from the Boise Police Department and Ada County Highway District responded to the scene, diverting traffic via alternate routes including State Street and Franklin Road during the closure.
According to preliminary reports, wet road conditions contributed to the collision, though no citations have been issued as the investigation remains ongoing. The Idaho State Police are reviewing dashcam footage and witness statements to determine the exact sequence of events.
Official Response and Traffic Impact
“We worked quickly to clear the scene and assess roadway safety before reopening,” said Lisa Brady, spokesperson for the Idaho Transportation Department, in a statement released Friday evening. “Our priority is always restoring safe travel conditions as efficiently as possible.”
The closure affected westbound lanes of Highway 16 between West Colton Lane and Ustick Road, causing delays of up to 25 minutes during peak commute hours. Real-time traffic monitoring showed congestion extending nearly a mile upstream before alternate routing was implemented.
No public transit routes were disrupted, as ValleyRide confirmed its buses continued operating on adjusted schedules using surface streets. Pedestrian and bicycle access along adjacent sidewalks remained open throughout the incident.
Safety Reminders for Drivers
Authorities urged motorists to exercise caution on wet pavement, particularly during spring weather fluctuations that can create slick conditions even after rainfall ends. The National Weather Service had issued a hydrologic outlook earlier in the day noting elevated moisture levels in the Treasure Valley.
Drivers are reminded to increase following distance, reduce speed in adverse conditions, and avoid distractions — especially in high-traffic corridors like Highway 16, which sees an average of 18,000 vehicles daily according to 2024 ITD traffic volume data.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
The Boise Police Department’s Traffic Division continues to investigate the crash and has not ruled out contributing factors such as speed or distraction. No arrests have been made, and officials expect to release a preliminary findings report within five to seven business days.
Highway 16 remains under periodic review for safety improvements, with ITD planning a long-term corridor study later this year to assess intersection performance and potential upgrades near West Colton Lane.
For real-time traffic updates, commuters are encouraged to use the Idaho 511 traveler information system or follow @ID511 on X for live alerts.
If you witnessed the incident or have dashcam footage, contact the Boise Police Department non-emergency line at (208) 343-2121. We welcome your thoughts on road safety in the comments below — please share this article to support keep our community informed.
