Idaho Transportation Department

I-90, Beck Road Interchange

Project Description:

The Interstate 90 (I-90), Beck Road Interchange project emerged as a result of future traffic demands associated with growth at the western edge of Post Falls, Idaho near the Washington state border. Consistent with the City of Post Falls Comprehensive Plan, much of this area is being developed as a regional retail and employment center, and is expected to experience increased demand for access to and from I-90. New access to I-90 near Beck Road would relieve current and future congestion on the adjacent I-90 Interchanges, as well as on surrounding public roads. The approximate one mile spacing of Beck Road between the adjacent interchanges is an efficient interstate access location to serve this area.

Construction Update:

A notice to proceed for construction on the interchange was issued by the Idaho Transportation Department in late June, 2012.
Work proceeded quickly throughout the summer and fall, with pier and abutment construction taking place in July and August, girder erection taking place in September, and ramp construction during October/November.

The goal of opening the interchange for traffic by Black Friday was accomplished; in fact, the interchange was opened on Thanksgiving morning, one day ahead of schedule. Curb, sidewalk, and other final project construction activities will continue through the spring of 2013.

Project Funding:

The project was privately funded by The Pointe LLC, developer of The Pointe at Post Falls, a commercial development on the north side of I-90 near Beck Road. Under the State Tax Anticipated Revenue (STAR) Legislation approved by the Idaho Legislature in 2007, the private company will be eligible for reimbursement of up to $35 million of approved project expenses using sales tax reimbursements from retail development within the project area.

Intersection Justification Report:

An Interchange Justification Report (IJR) was completed for the project in October 2010, and has been provisionally approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The IJR evaluated various improvement alternatives and recommended a new standard diamond interchange connecting I-90 to Pointe Parkway (to the north) and Riverbend Avenue (to the south). The FHWA accepted the interchange location from an engineering and operational standpoint, subject to Federal procedures for environmental approval and permitting.

Because the new interchange would provide access to I-90, which is a Federal facility, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures must be followed to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the project. The FHWA determined that an Environmental Assessment (EA) satisfies disclosure and compliance requirements of NEPA for this project.

Beck Road Interchange Public Hearing

An open house and public hearing was held at the Post Falls City Hall to gather public comment on the Environmental Assessment for a new interchange at N. Beck Road.
Additional information can be found by clicking on the link below, then choosing "Projects".
http://www.postfallsidaho.org/psengineering.html

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.