The City of Nampa will close the intersection of Star Road and Ustick Road beginning July 20 to install domestic water and pressurized irrigation lines as part of the ongoing Ustick Road widening project. The closure, managed in coordination with the Ada County Highway District, will proceed in two phases through late August, requiring residents and commuters to use designated detour routes.
Closure Schedule and Detour Routes
Phase 1 of the closure runs from July 20 through July 26 and involves a complete intersection shutdown. During this week, drivers are instructed to avoid the intersection entirely and use alternative routes: Can Ada Road, Cherry Lane, Black Cat Road, and McMillan Road.
Phase 2 begins July 27 and extends through August 22. During this phase, Ustick Road will reopen to both eastbound and westbound traffic, allowing limited through-traffic. However, Star Road northbound and southbound traffic will remain diverted to Cherry Lane, Can Ada Road, and Ustick Road.
Broader Project Context
The Ustick Road widening initiative began in summer 2025 and spans the corridor between Phyllis Canal and Owyhee Storm Avenue. Once completed, the roadway will be expanded to four lanes, and new signalized intersections will be installed at Star Road and Owyhee Storm Avenue. The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety across this frequently traveled Canyon County corridor.
Drivers should be aware of additional road closures in the vicinity. McMillan Road is closed between Can Ada Road and Star Road due to a City of Meridian sewer project, and McDermott Road is closed between Ustick Road and McMillan Road for a separate development project. These concurrent closures may further impact local traffic patterns and detour effectiveness.
Impact on Canyon County Residents
The two-phase closure will affect residents, business owners, and commuters accessing properties near the Star Road and Ustick Road intersection. The City of Nampa has committed to coordinating local property access during both phases to minimize disruption to nearby homes and businesses.
Nampa residents relying on the Star Road corridor for commutes should plan additional travel time and use the designated detour routes. The staggered closure schedule—with Phase 2 allowing some Ustick Road traffic—is designed to reduce overall congestion, though delays are expected during the utility installation work.
What Comes Next
The City of Nampa urges the public to plan ahead and use alternate routes during the closure periods. For questions or updates about the project, residents can contact the city at (208) 465-2221 or email the project team. Additional information is available at nampa.info/ustick.
Infrastructure improvements like road widening and utility upgrades are critical components of managing growth in the Treasure Valley. For broader context on regional infrastructure challenges, transit agencies in the area have also been reviewing service options to accommodate changing community needs.