Trucking Firm To Avoid U.S. 95 Swift Says Highway Too Dangerous; Decision Cuts State’s Tax Revenue

One of the country’s largest transportation companies plans to circumvent Idaho’s main north-south highway, which could mean the loss of significant highway dollars for the state.

Swift Transportation Co. has announced it no longer will route its trucks along U.S. Highway 95 between Lewiston and Council because of safety concerns.

For their part, state Transportation Department officials say they have no immediate plans to rebuild the road, but will talk with Swift about its concerns.

Swift’s Lewiston safety director, Jack Morris, wrote in a June 29 letter to the state the company will drive its trucks through other states to avoid the 180-mile stretch.

“We’ve run that highway for years and years, but now it’s a hazard to drivers and the motoring public,” Morris said.

A large number of Swift vans carry finished paper goods for Potlatch Corp. in Lewiston.

Swift’s move revives a decades-old conflict over the poor condition of the road, which former Gov. Cecil Andrus referred to as the “goat trail.”

Adding insult to injury, Morris said in his letter that Idaho ranks as one of the top five states for the highest road and fuel taxes. He estimated the decision will affect about 30 Swift trucks daily.

Morris said his trucks will take a detour through Pendleton, Ore., and then north to Walla Walla.