Idaho Transportation Department

Idaho 19 Corridor Study

Study Facts

Key Number: 89973
Project Number: P083540

The Idaho 19 corridor plan will develop a near-term (10-year) plan that identifies current and future highway needs within and along State Highway 19 beginning at Caldwell and extending to Wilder, then south through Homedale to the Oregon State Line (finishing at Oregon State Highway 201, a total of 19.8 miles. It shares the route of U.S. 95 between Homedale and Wilder.

The Corridor Study is being done to comply with Idaho Transportation Department Board policy, which is also consistent with federal planning guidance. The study and subsequent adopted plan will be used to chart Idaho 19 road improvements in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

Planning

The completed plan will include:

• Identification of existing and projected environmental, roadway, and land use conditions.

• Analysis of future travel demand and performance in the corridor.

• The need for improved access-control policy

• A 10 year plan for the corridor.

• Identification of corridor priorities.

Design Policy and Project Standards

The engineers will propose a variety of typical section alternatives. A typical section is a cross section of the highway that includes:

• Number of lanes

• Left turn deceleration lanes

• Shoulder width

• Medians

• Roadside features, such as curb, gutter, sidewalks, pathways, landscaping and lighting

ITD will evaluate associated costs

Environmental Review

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires that an environmental scan be completed before right-of-way can be acquired with federal funds. ITD will not complete the NEPA-level environmental review. An environmental scan will constitute a high-level review of environmental constraints that will enable planners to identify environmental obstacles to meeting the highway’s functionality and safety needs. The Idaho 19 Corridor Preservation Study will result in an environmental review that identifies impacts to:

• Local land use

• Community facilities and businesses

• Cultural and historical resources

• Noise and air quality

• The natural environment

The engineers will determine the costs and property impacts of the various alternatives.

Study Background

Highway 19 is a rural roadway that runs from the Oregon State Line to Caldwell. The nearly 20-mile route was originally called the Idaho-Oregon Highway.

The road is primarily used by commuters, commercial delivery and agricultural vehicles, especially in the connection area between the highway and Highway 55, and is a collector minor arterial for traffic heading moving to and from Caldwell or to the Interstate from Homedale, Wilder and Greenleaf.

It handles fewer than 1,000 vehicles per day at the Oregon line. Near Homedale it approaches 5,000 vehicles per day, and nearly reaches 15,000 vehicles per day as it nears Caldwell.

Study Description

Highway 19 is in Canyon and Owyhee Counties and impacts the communities and jurisdictions of Caldwell, Greenleaf, Wilder, Owyhee County, Homedale, Canyon Highway District No.4, Golden Gate Highway District and Homedale Highway District.

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

Phil Choate, Project Manager
phil.choate@itd.idaho.gov
(208) 334-8901

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.