ITD - Idaho 16 Improvement Study

Idaho 16 Improvement Study

Project Facts

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) proposes to improve approximately 14 miles of Idaho 16 from the junction of Idaho 44 (State Street - milepost 0.000) north to Idaho 52, (South Washington Avenue - milepost 13.927) in Emmett. The entire length of Idaho 16 from Idaho 44 to Idaho 52 was studied.

Project Background

Idaho 16, between Emmett and the junction of Idaho 44, is an important corridor that connects Gem and Ada counties. The once rural area is changing from farms and orchards to subdivisions and businesses. Increased traffic is creating safety and congestion concerns.

The Idaho 16 Improvement Study will create a 20-year transportation plan using a step-by-step planning process that:
- collaborates with local governments,
- includes extensive public participation opportunities, and
- links transportation planning with local land-use planning.

Project Description

The improvement study will examine long-term highway needs and will provide ITD with the environmental clearance needed to proceed with projects. The study will create a 2030 transportation plan.

The improvement study recommends replacing the existing two-lane road with a four-lane, divided highway using Type IV access control. Under Type IV access, the minimum spacing between highway access points is one mile in rural areas and one-half mile in urban areas. This project will upgrade access to match the most current functional classification by utilizing joint use approaches and developing frontage and backage roads.

Safety concerns along Idaho 16 coupled with the number of farm and wide recreational vehicles prompted ITD to design 10-foot shoulders to provide drivers with more area of refuge along the traveled way. From Substation Road to Idaho 52, the road will include four 12-foot travel lanes, 8-foot shoulders, 6-foot sidewalks on both sides and a 14-foot median.

Intersection improvements will be made at all intersecting roadways with the addition of turn lanes. All crossing will be at-grade intersections, with the exception of cherry lane/Sand Hollow road which will have a diamond interchange.

Make Comments

The Idaho Transportation Department values your input. Submit written comments using one of the forms below or contact for more information.
• Email Us please include your name and address
• Download a comment form (word doc)

Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is committed to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related regulations and directives. ITD assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any ITD service, program, or activity. The department also assures that every effort will be made to prevent discrimination through the impacts of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. In addition, the department will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for persons with Limited English Proficiency.