The Idaho Transportation Department has shuttered the Lower Lewiston Port of Entry for a construction project aimed at modernizing commercial vehicle services and adding public restroom facilities, with the closure expected to stretch into early 2027.
The facility, situated one mile east of Lewiston where U.S. Highway 12 and U.S. Highway 95 converge, will remain closed for the duration of the renovation. An exact reopening date has not yet been set.
What the Renovation Will Add
Port of Entry program manager Frank DeCarvalho described the scope of the upgrades. “The new port design will feature improved access to commercial vehicle services, such as registration and permit requests, as well as public access to restroom facilities,” DeCarvalho said.
Idaho’s ports of entry serve as weigh stations along major transportation corridors, verifying that commercial motor vehicles — including semitrucks — meet weight limits, carry proper permits and registration, and are in safe operating condition. The facilities are a front-line tool for protecting both professional drivers and the general traveling public on Idaho highways.
Lewiston Hill POE Remains Open; Online Options Available
Truckers and commercial operators will not be left without options during the closure. The Lewiston Hill Port of Entry, located seven miles north of Lewiston along U.S. Highway 95, will continue normal operations throughout the construction period.
The Idaho Transportation Department is encouraging commercial vehicle customers to schedule registration and permit appointments through the department’s online portal rather than attempting in-person visits. Carriers with inspection-related questions can reach the Lewiston Hill POE directly by phone.
The temporary routing and online service push reflects a broader effort by state transportation officials to minimize disruption to freight movement through the Lewis-Clark Valley — a region where commercial trucking plays a significant role in the local economy, particularly in connection with the Port of Lewiston and surrounding regional infrastructure.
What Comes Next
The Idaho Transportation Department has not released a firm reopening timeline, noting that the facility is expected to reopen in early 2027. Commercial operators working along the Highway 12 and Highway 95 corridors should plan for continued use of the Lewiston Hill location in the interim. Updates on the project’s progress are expected as construction advances. For more on infrastructure and transportation developments affecting Nez Perce County, visit Idaho News for statewide coverage.