New US-95 Passing Lane Opens Ahead of the Weekend

Ferdinand, ID · September 18, 2026

Overcast skies are settling over the stubble fields this morning, setting up a quiet Friday across the Prairie. You will find smoother driving north of town and plenty of reasons to get outside before Sunday.

The Lead

Northbound travel just got noticeably smoother as the Idaho Transportation Department opens the newly paved passing lane on U.S. Highway 95 just outside town ahead of the weekend commute. The project stretches 1.1 miles between Windy Loop Road and Lauer Crossing Road, adding a durable 12-foot-wide concrete passing lane alongside a widened six-foot shoulder. For Prairie commuters and agricultural haulers frequently trapped behind slow-moving combines and heavy grain trucks during late-summer field operations, the extra pavement delivers a much-needed, dedicated zone to pass safely without dodging opposing highway traffic. Motorists are urged to keep their foot off the gas for now: the active work zone remains posted at 55 mph while contract crews finalize paint striping, gravel shoulder touch-ups, and roadside delineation. Expect flaggers on-site for brief cleanup touches before speed limits return to the normal 65 mph next week.

Today's Outlook

High 70°F · Low 49°F — Overcast
- A light fleece will keep you comfortable under today’s overcast, crisp afternoon skies.

What's On Around Town

Today

Pirates Varsity Football vs. Kendrick Kendrick High School, Kendrick, 7:00 PM The Pirates hit the road looking to stay undefeated this season.

Tomorrow

Cottonwood Recycling Drop-Off Cottonwood Recycling Site, Cottonwood, 9:00–11:00 AM · Free
Tolo Lake Shoreline Clean-Up Tolo Lake, Grangeville, 10:00 AM–Noon · Free

Sunday

Blessing of the Land Caregivers Monastery of St. Gertrude Chapel (465 Keuterville Rd), Cottonwood, 10:00 AM · Free

Spotlight & Story

Ken Mader
- After joining the Idaho Department of Correction in April 1996, Officer Mader spent three decades shaping operations at the North Idaho Correctional Institution near Cottonwood. Serving as Property Officer and Field Training Officer, he mentored generations of recruits before retiring this month.

Ferdinand Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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