The last stretch of two-lane highway through Star is finally being widened. On October 15, 2026, the Idaho Transportation Department announced that construction had begun on the SH-44 widening between State Highway 16 and Star Road, the roughly 1.5-mile downtown stretch that has long been the bottleneck on the drive between Star and Eagle. If you live in Star, commute toward Boise, or are thinking about moving here, here is what is happening and what it means.
What is being built
ITD is widening the final section of SH-44 in Star from three lanes to five: two through lanes in each direction plus a center turn lane. The project also improves pedestrian pathways on the south side of the highway. ITD pegs the cost at roughly $12 million, and the work connects directly to the ongoing SH-16 and SH-44 interchange construction that is slated to open in 2027.
This project nearly did not happen on this timeline. Local reporting says the widening was originally slated for 2029, but the schedule moved up after Star residents campaigned for it when state funding cuts threatened the work. Construction began this month, and ITD expects the project to be complete in fall or winter 2027.
What drivers should expect
The stretch through downtown Star will see lane shifts, flaggers, and slower travel through the construction window, especially during the morning and evening commutes between Star, Eagle, and Meridian. Give yourself extra time and follow the posted signage. The end result is the payoff: a five-lane SH-44 through town that connects to the new interchange, which should make the route toward Boise more reliable once both projects finish.
- Right now: construction is getting underway on the corridor, with lane shifts and slower stretches through downtown Star.
- Through 2027: expect periodic delays until the project is complete in fall or winter 2027.
- After that: a five-lane SH-44 and the new SH-16 and SH-44 interchange should take pressure off the route toward Eagle and Boise.
Ask ITD directly: the October 22 open house
ITD is hosting a drop-in information booth on the project on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Liberty Hall, 960 S. Main St in Star. It is a chance to talk to the project team, see the plans, and ask about timelines. If you cannot make it, the project page is live at itd.idaho.gov/project/44widening.
The big picture for buyers
Road projects are a running theme in Star right now: the SH-44 widening, the SH-16 and SH-44 interchange, and the larger Star Road redesign are all about keeping up with one of Idaho's fastest-growing towns. The construction years take patience, but the finished corridors are a real plus for anyone commuting from Star. Timelines can still shift, so treat these dates as the plan as of mid-October 2026 and check ITD's project page for current status. Paul Knighton can point you to the latest when you tour the home.