ID-55 project between Smiths Ferry and Round Valley to start September 8

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) starts road work on the Idaho Highway 55 safety-enhancement project between Smiths Ferry and Round Valley on September 8.

The public is invited to attend a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, September 2, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. where ITD representatives will give an overview of the project and take questions. The link to attend will be posted on the project website, itdprojects.org/ID55smithsferry, 15 minutes prior to the meeting.

Work will largely be done in fall, spring and summer months, with construction stopping during the winter. This fall, travelers can expect full closures on the roadway Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to allow for blasting and rock removal.

Motorists can find additional details on road closures and traffic patterns on the project website, and can sign up for email and text updates.

“Our goal with this project is to enhance the safety of this mile-long section of the roadway,” Project Manager Alex Deduck said. “Construction crews will remove about 146,000 tons of rock from the hillside, which we want to do very carefully to not create rockslides or impact the river.”

Crews will work on widening shoulders and straightening the curves of the road. This project will also provide a smoother, safer ride for motorists by adding guardrail.

Motorists should anticipate reduced speeds and lanes reduced to one-way alternating traffic during construction. Seasonal closures and traffic patterns will be as follows:

Fall (September – November): One-way alternating traffic controlled by a temporary signal; daytime and nighttime work, seven days a week; full road closures Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Winter (December – Mid-March): No construction expected; all lanes open
Spring (Mid-March – Mid-May): One-way alternating traffic controlled by a temporary signal; daytime and nighttime work, seven days a week; full road closures Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Summer (Mid-May – August): One-way alternating traffic controlled by flaggers; daytime and nighttime work, Monday – Friday

The project is expected to be completed by late fall 2022. ITD and the Idaho State Police advise motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program seeks input on plan, sets public-meeting schedule

Public comment to help guide ITD’s Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) program with its multi-year methodology is being sought through August 24. The DBE program works to provide a level playing field for minority-owned or under-represented businesses in the design and construction of federally funded transportation projects.

Due to Covid-19, two virtual meetings will be held online. The virtual meeting log in and call-in instructions can be found below. The DBE document for public review can also be found below.

WebEx/Call-In Instructions for August 6 meeting

DBE document for public review

The two online public meetings are scheduled for:

July 29 from 4-5:30 p.m. (MST)/3-4:30 p.m. (PST) DONE

Aug. 6 from 5-6:30 p.m. (MST)/4-5:30 p.m. (PST)

If you have any questions, concerns, or program comments, please contact Ester Ceja at (208) 334-8567 or Ester.Ceja@itd.idaho.gov

Comment today on shoulder widening for US-12 east of Kooskia

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites community input on shoulder widening plans for US-12 east of Kooskia via an online meeting at itdprojects.org/us12rangerstationtoholly from today (June 4) to June 25.

“We aim to enhance safety for motorists and bicyclists alike with the improvements we are proposing,” ITD Resident Engineer Joe Schacher said. “The design is simple, but one we have used previously and hope to extend throughout the corridor.”

The online meeting will focus on US-12 between the Lochsa Ranger Station at milepost 121 and Holly Creek at milepost 131. Major changes include widening shoulders to be two feet wide on either side and adding centerline rumble strips in no-passing zones.

“This project won’t go to construction until 2023,” Schacher said, “but it is part of our ongoing mission to improve safety from Syringa to Warm Springs.”

Comments may be submitted via the website, calling (208) 799-4233, emailing joe.schacher@itd.idaho.gov or sending mail to P.O. Box 837 in Lewiston at the attention of Joe Schacher.

Those who do not have the ability to engage online should use the contact information above, and a member of the project team will provide other resources to participate.

Two-week online discussion opens June 4 for Idaho 75 project in Ketchum

Image of ID-75 in relation to the Elkhorn Road to River Street project

The Idaho Transportation Department invites community members to give input on improvements to Idaho 75 in Ketchum via an online discussion at itdprojects.org/idaho-75-elkhorn-road. The online discussion will be open from June 4 to June 18.

“During this time of social-distancing restrictions, we recognize that community involvement is still essential to the success of this project,” said ITD Project Manager Nathan Jerke. “We encourage all community members to join us for the online discussion.”

The online discussion will include a short presentation introducing the project and its background. There will also be an opportunity for individuals to provide input and see comments from other community members.

Growth and development in recent years have resulted in increased congestion on Idaho 75. This project will result in design plans for widening the highway between Elkhorn Road and River Street, rebuilding the Trail Creek Bridge and improving drainage and other infrastructure.

Comments may be submitted via the website, calling (208) 886-7809, emailing SH75ElkhornRoadToRiverSt@itd.idaho.gov or sending mail to the Idaho Transportation Department, 216 S Date St., Shoshone, ID 83352 at the attention of Nathan Jerke.

Those who do not have the ability to engage online should use the contact information above, and a member of the project team will provide other resources to participate.

Transportation department seeks public comment in July on planned projects

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking public comment from July 1 – July 30 on the FY 2019-25 draft of the Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP), and all transportation stakeholders are encouraged to participate.

The ITIP is a seven-year “roadmap” for planning and developing transportation projects, including:

– Highways and bridges
– Bicycle and pedestrian facilities
– Highway safety
– Railroad crossing safety
– Airports
– Public transportation
– Transportation planning
– Freight

The transportation department is offering an online, interactive map that allows users to choose specific project categories, and learn about work that is planned for the area of Idaho they’re interested in. It’s called the Idaho Transportation Project Map.

View the draft ITIP and interactive map.

The draft ITIP document lists projects by highway route and location, identifies projected years for right-of-way acquisition, preliminary engineering, construction and estimated project costs. It also lists local construction projects that are federally funded.

The projects start in 2019, and go through 2025.

Public comments will help the department determine if proposed projects meet the department’s three main objectives of improving safety, mobility and economic opportunity.

Production of the ITIP is a year-round process that relies on input from elected officials, citizens, tribal governments, other state and federal agencies, Idaho’s metropolitan planning organizations, the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, and other interested organizations.

Comments can be e-mailed to adam.rush@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to ITIP – Comments, Attn: Adam Rush, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707-1129. Paper or CD copies of the ITIP will be provided upon request by contacting Rush at (208) 334-8119 or by e-mail at adam.rush@itd.idaho.gov.

A request for a paper copy or CD also can be mailed to: Idaho Transportation Department, Adam Rush, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID 83707-1129.

A printed copy can be reviewed at any of ITD’s district offices in Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, Boise, Shoshone, Pocatello and Rigby.

All comments on the draft will be reviewed after July 30. After approval by the Idaho Transportation Board, the ITIP is submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Give ITD feedback on Mountain Home plans

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking public comment on several long-range plans in Mountain Home.

The Department and the City of Mountain Home have worked together to create concepts for the interchanges at Exits 90 (Old US-30) and 95 (American Legion) as well as access control along American Legion Blvd (Idaho Highway 51 and US-20). You can see project details and leave a comment by visiting the project website.

The redesign on Exit 90 is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of the interchange. It also accommodates a future connection to NW Mashburn Road.

At Exit 95, ITD is asking for public comment on three alternative designs. Each design has its own advantages and trade-offs. Your input will be valuable in helping to determine the best choice.

The access study is a collaborative effort between ITD and Mountain Home to provide long-range guidance on safer configurations for American Legion Blvd. The design promotes safety while ensuring the public can access businesses along the corridor. Once finalized, this plan will provide up-front information for businesses seeking to develop in the area, enhancing the local economy.

The comment period for this study will end May 15, 2018.

ITD Public Transportation seeking comment through end of February on rural transit grant applications

Through Feb. 28, 2018, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Public Transportation office is inviting public participation and encouraging public comment on rural public transportation grant applications.

These awards, for the 2018-2020 grants cycle, will fund operating, capital, and administration projects to enhance public transportation systems in Idaho, and promote safety, mobility, and economic opportunity.Proposed projects will be funded through three Federal Transit Administration (FTA) programs, and one ITD grant program for public transportation.

– FTA’s section 5310 program provides funding for the purpose of meeting transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities. 5310 funds can be used to enhance mobility options designed to serve seniors and disabled persons through operational support or capital investment.

– FTA’s 5311 rural program provides capital, planning, and operating assistance to support public transportation in rural areas with populations of less than 50,000 people.

– FTA’s 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program provide funding to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase new buses, equipment, and technology. FTA’s 5339 program also can be used to fund construction of bus facilities, purchase technology, or modify low or no emission vehicles or facilities.

Idaho Transportation Department’s Vehicle Investment Program provides capital funding for demand response providers to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase vehicles to support the continuation and expansion of public transportation services.

In summary, the project proposal applications for this cycle fall under the following federal and state funded grant programs:

– FTA’s 5310 Rural Transportation Program for Elderly and Persons with Disabilities
– FTA’s 5311 Rural Formula Program
– FTA’s 5339 Rural Bus and Bus Facilities Program
– ITD’s Vehicle Investment Program (VIP)

Copies of the applications and technical review recommendations may be viewed at https://itd.idaho.gov/pt/ under the Application Program Tab.

The public comment period is open Jan. 30–Feb. 28, 2018 at midnight. Public comments may be directed to Kim McGourty at kim.mcgourty@itd.idaho.gov.

For more information, call ITD Public Transportation at (208) 344-4475.

Comment sought on Public Transportation Plan for next 30 days

For the next 30 days, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Public Transportation Office (ITD-PT) is asking for input on their draft Statewide Public Transportation Plan, and six Local Coordinated Plans.

The plans are located in the ITD-PT website page.

The overarching goal of the Idaho Statewide Public Transportation Plan is to support and help provide a framework for an integrated public transportation system that meets the mobility needs of Idahoans. The Statewide Plan identifies and will support programs and projects in line with the Federal Transit Administration’s programs goals, as well as the Idaho Transportation Department’s mission of Your Safety, Your Mobility, Your Economic Opportunity.

In addition, the plan will be supplemented by the Local Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plans from the rural jurisdictions within the six ITD Districts around the state.

The Statewide Plan and the Local Coordinated Plans examine the current state of public transportation in Idaho, what gaps and needs exist, how those gaps and needs can be addressed, and what public transportation in Idaho can look like in the next five years.

Anyone interested in having their voice heard and would like to comment is asked to send remarks to ITD-PT Grants Officer Rachel Pallister at Rachel.Pallister@itd.idaho.gov.

A final draft will be presented to the Idaho Transportation Board for adoption following the comment period.

$8M in funding available for Transportation Alternatives Program involving walking, biking

The Idaho Transportation Department is looking for walking or biking projects to be funded by nearly $8 million available through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). TAP uses federal funds to provide a variety of alternative transportation projects that advance ITD’s strategic goals of safety, mobility, and economic opportunity.

Programs and projects such as on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects that improve access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, and safe routes to school educational projects, are eligible for TAP funding. Eligibility is contingent upon a project sponsor’s cash-only contribution to the project, right of way must be secured, and environmental requirements that do not exceed certain thresholds.

Please visit the TAP section of the department’s website at: https://itd.idaho.gov/alt-programs/ to access the new application and instructions for submitting.

Final applications must be submitted to ITD electronically by December 1, 2017 at 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Nearly 100 attend Targhee Pass workshop July 27 in Island Park

RIGBY – Nearly 100 people attended the July 27 alternative-development workshop in Island Park for the Targhee Pass Environmental Assessment (EA) being conducted by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).

Targhee Pass is a four-mile portion of the U.S. 20 corridor. In addition to serving Yellowstone National Park, Targhee Pass serves many popular recreational and tourist destinations. The highway functions as the regions Main Street, providing primary access to year-round residences, vacation homes, hunting and fishing lodges, state park and national forest areas, and a variety of community commercial establishments.

At the July 27 meeting, the public reviewed information on the EA process, timeline, and the EA updated purpose and need statements. Several citizens reviewed materials and screening criteria, and then drew or commented on their ideas for potential alternatives on blank maps of the study area.

“We were very pleased with attendance from the community and the level of engagement of citizens,” said ITD Project Manager Eric Verner. “We appreciate the passion people have for Island Park and the Targhee Pass area. Feedback from the community is important to our study team, providing valuable insight into area issues, challenges and opportunities.”

Those unable to attend Thursday’s meeting can access displays, information and resources from the event at http://islandparkus20.com/helpful-resources/public-meeting-opportunities-materials/. Please send comments/suggestions to the study team by Aug. 10. Input will help ITD officials develop alternatives and then schedule another public meeting later this summer (before Labor Day).

There will be an opportunity to comment on proposed alternatives at the next public meeting, prior to these alternatives being carried forward for analysis in the EA.

For questions, or to submit feedback, please contact the team:
Targhee Pass Study Team
(c/o The Langdon Group)
677 South Woodruff Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
(208) 220-5937
targheepass@langdongroupinc.com

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is the lead agency on this study, responsible to sign the final study document. The study is being completed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. For more information on the EA, please contact Andrea Gumm at 208-220-5937.