Ashton highway improvements protect historic sign

Idaho Transportation Department crews are making safety improvements to the intersection of Idaho Highway 47 and US 20 through the city of Ashton.

ITD approved a traffic signal at the intersection at the request of the city some time ago, but, due to issues during project design, it was pushed back from 2020 to 2023. Among the issues, the Frostop Root Beer sign, which the State Historical Preservation Office considers to be historic.

Now, ITD will install a flashing stoplight on Idaho-47 at the intersection, install rumble strips to alert drivers of the approaching the intersection, and reduce the speed limit on US 20 through Ashton from 45 mph to 35 mph. In the future, the intersection will also include flashing school zone warning signs on US 20 through the city of Ashton.

The eventual project is estimated to cost $1.5 million.