I-86 East American Falls Interchange Project

I-86 East American Falls Interchange Project

Project Facts

Key Number: 8671
Project Number: IBR-1721(102)

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is preparing environmental documentation, preliminary engineering and design to replace the East American Falls Interchange at exit 40 over I-86.

The I-86 East American Falls Interchange Project evaluated interchange options on I-86 within an area approximately 1,500 feet west and 250 feet east of the current interchange location.

Project Background

The project will build on alternatives studied in the East American Falls Interchange Feasibility Study (2003) or new alternatives proving feasible. The project follows the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to develop a preferred alternative that meets all safety, environmental and design criteria of the project. The design of the project is anticipated to take approximately 2 ½ years to complete. Once the design is finalized the project becomes eligible for construction depending on the availability of funding.

The Exit 40 Interchange is one of the oldest in the State of Idaho and is one of two access points to I-86 for the American Falls community. Current design standards are higher than those in effect when the original interchange was built. Issues that must be addressed include replacing the bridge deck, the substandard turn radius at the off-ramps, and the deficient clearance height over the interstate mainline. A new structure will provide better traffic flow, improved user conditions, a better turn radius and increased clearance for truck traffic. The reconstructed/realigned rural interchange is expected to be one-lane each direction with a center turn lane going over/under the existing four-lane interstate.

What’s Happened So Far

East American Falls Interchange Feasibility Study (2003)
The feasibility study explored the need for an interchange improvement project and possible alternatives. The major objectives of the interchange feasibility study are summarized below:

Identify any existing design or operational deficiencies in the bridge structure and interchange design.
Develop and analyze a list of feasible repair, reconstruction or replacement alternatives.
Develop cost estimates for the project in order to plan and budget for the necessary upgrades.

The study indicated that there are deficiencies in the width of the interchange as well as poor turning radiuses that need to be addressed. The feasibility study did not perform a detailed environmental analysis on the alternatives.

Power County Joint Transportation Coalition (May 2005)

The project team met with the Power County Joint Transportation Coalition to discuss the project and gather comments from the coalition and to
Present the four build alternatives and the no build alternative that are being evaluated for environmental clearance as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Environmental Process

Federally funded projects require that a complete environmental analysis be performed according to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

NEPA requires that:

Federally funded projects be examined for potential impacts to cultural and environmental resources.
Impacts to cultural and environmental resources be balanced with the public’s need for a safe and efficient transportation system.
An environmental document be prepared for any project likely to have cultural or environmental impacts.

Project engineers studied in detail those transportation concepts that appear reasonable, meet the future transportation needs and best address issues that have been identified. A No Build alternative is always included. The range of potential concepts were available for public review and comment at the Open House on August 16th. An environmental document detailing the concepts also was available for public review at a public hearing later in the process.

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)

Contacts

James Omer, Project Manager ITD District 5
(208) 239-3358
james.omer@itd.idaho.gov

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.