U.S. 95 Council - Build Alternative

Key Number: 8432
Project Number: NH-3110(130)

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has investigated an alternate route for U.S. 95 to be located within an area north of Jackson Creek Road, approximately two miles south of Council, to the intersection of U.S. 95 and Illinois Avenue in Council.

The purpose of this project is to improve pedestrian and traffic safety, reduce congestion, and reduce U.S. 95 through-traffic within the downtown and southerly areas in Council.

U.S. 95 is an important highway for the local community and for motorists traveling between northern and southern Idaho. Vehicles large and small, traveling through Adams County, are currently routed through the heart of downtown Council.

The highway makes two 90-degree turns within Council’s city limits. Parked cars create problems for trucks and recreational vehicles trying to make the turns. The trucks create hazards for other vehicles and pedestrians.

In 1998 the Council Chamber of Commerce submitted a “citizens’ report” to the City Council recommending that an alternate route be considered. The report identified eight possible alternatives to the current U.S. 95 alignment.

The city council gathered public input on possible U.S. 95 alternate routes. In 2000 they recommended two alternatives to ITD:

• Alternative B – This route leaves the existing U.S. 95 on the north side of the golf course and travels northeast through the Idaho Transportation Department’s maintenance yard then reconnects to U.S. 95 at the corner of Illinois and U.S. 95
• No Build - A new route would not be built

The U.S. 95 Council Alternate Route was added to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program in 2000. Preliminary development and the environmental evaluation began in early 2003.

The project team for the U.S. 95 Council Alternate Route has completed the environmental evaluation by doing topographical mapping, traffic counts, geotechnical investigations, and environmental fieldwork. This information, plus public input, helped determine roadway layout and design criteria. The information was used to recommend strategies for minimizing environmental impacts. The environmental document is complete.

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)

Project Manager
wade.christiansen@itd.idaho.gov
(208) 334-8969

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.

  • January 2004 521 kb pdf
  • June 2006 773 kb pdf

  • Jan 13, 2005
      » Welcome (pdf 846KB)
      » Meeting Purpose (pdf 853KB)
      » Project Purpose Need (pdf 734KB)
      » Project Schedule (pdf 643KB)
      » Project History (pdf 497KB)
      » ³Alternate Comparison (pdf 110MB)
      » Environmental Process (pdf 509KB)
      » U.S. 95 Council - Build Alternative (pdf 2.96MB)

  1. Complete Environmental Assessment
  2. Hazardous Materials Report
  3. Noise Report
  4. Wetlands Delineation Report

ITD Public Involvement Coordinator
comments@itd.idaho.gov
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707-1129
Phone: (208) 334-4444
Fax: (208) 334-8563
TDD: (208) 334-4458