District 1 of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is launching a Transportation Access Study along the corridor of SH-53 from the Washington State line to the junction of US-95. The purpose of the study is to review and analyze the existing access situation along the corridor, and to assess the present and future access and circulation needs along the highway. The goal of the study is to develop and adopt Transportation Access Plans jointly with the city of Hauser, the city of Rathdrum, Kootenai County and ITD for the purpose of managing access points and operations along the corridor.

The study will be conducted in two phases. Phase I is an assessment of current conditions, and includes identification and evaluation of existing access points, current safety issues, recommended access changes for the current condition, and a preliminary GIS system for managing access and approach permit data. Phase II is anticipated to focus on the development of a long range Transportation Access Plan, including the examination of planned growth areas, and future land uses within the cities of Hauser and Rathdrum, as well as the unincorporated Kootenai County. ITD has hired David Evans and Associates (DEA) to assist in conducting the study.

Inter-jurisdictional collaboration, community involvement, and stakeholder engagement are critical to the success of this Transportation Access Study.  The public participation process will be used to identify needs, determine community characteristics, gain consensus about future forecasting results, seek public input on improvement scenarios, and gain concurrence with implementation strategies. 

ITD envisions utilizing a project steering committee consisting of involved agencies and stakeholders to inform and advise ITD and its consultants, guide the study process, and ensure inter-jurisdictional collaboration. The steering committee will be engaged in the first phase, and is anticipated to continue through completion of the second phase of the study.  The steering committee will be comprised of representatives from affected jurisdictions, including but not limited to:

• the Cities of Hauser and Rathdrum;
• Kootenai County;
• Post Falls Highway District and Lakes Highway Districts;
• Lakeland School District and Post Falls School District;
• Kootenai County Sheriff and Idaho State Police;
• KMPO

 

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.