Idaho Office of Highway Safety holding open houses across the state

BOISE– The Idaho Office of Highway Safety wants to hear from you! Come join us for a series of SHIFT open houses across the state. SHIFT is our ongoing initiative to reduce the number of crashes on Idaho roads. By shifting our behavior and focus while we drive — even in the smallest ways — we can save lives. We know safe roads make for happy communities. Let’s work together to drive engaged and keep each other safe out there.

Do you have concerns regarding traffic safety in your neighborhood? Have ideas to solve problems you see in your community? Drop by our next open house to learn about SHIFT and available funding resources. We’re here to help and answer your questions.

Southwest Idaho 

  • Date: Wednesday, March 15
  • Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
  • Location: ITD East Annex Building
  • Address: 3293 Jordan Street, Boise, ID 83703

For accommodation requests, please contact Jillian Garrigues by emailing jillian.garrigues@itd.idaho.gov or calling 208-334-8557. TTY/TDD Users: Dial 711 or 1-800-377-3529 to use Idaho Relay System.

Comments and feedback will be accepted both in-person at the open house and online. Check out our website shift-idaho.org and submit your input through this online form.

Save the date now for the following future open houses. Exact meeting times will be shared as soon as available.

North Idaho

  • Date: Thursday, April 13
  • Location: ITD District 1
  • Address: 600 West Prairie Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815

South Central Idaho

  • Date: Wednesday, May 24
  • Location: ITD District 4
  • Address: 216 South Date Street, Shoshone, ID 83352

North Central Idaho

  • Date: Wednesday, June 21
  • Location: ITD District 2
  • Address: 2600 Frontage Road, Lewiston, ID 83501

Southeast Idaho 

  • Date: Wednesday, July 19
  • Location: ITD District 5
  • Address: 5151 S. 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83204

East Idaho

  • Date: Wednesday, August 23
  • Location: ITD District 6
  • Address: 206 North Yellowstone, Rigby, ID 83442

View selected design plans for I-84 Interchanges at Burley and Heyburn

Public meeting

Shoshone – As part of Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho Program, the public is invited to learn more about selected design plans for Interstate 84 (I-84) Burley and Heyburn Interchanges (Exits 208 and 211).

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host a public and online meeting to share plans and gather feedback about interchange improvements.

Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Burley Hampton Inn
560 Hampton Drive, Heyburn, ID

The public meeting will be hosted in an open house format with members of the project team on hand to gather input and answer questions.

If you are unable to attend the in-person meeting, please participate online where you can review plans and leave a comment 24 hours a day beginning March 2 until March 15, 2023.

To learn more about the project, please visit itdprojects.org/projects/i-84-burley-and-heyburninterchanges. For additional information or questions, please call (208) 387-7012 or email stephanie.borders@hdrinc.com.

Information will also be available about other projects in the area, including the SH-27 Burley to Paul rehabilitation project and the I-84 Kasota to Burley reconstruction project.

The interchange redesign project is being funded as part of Idaho Governor Brad Little’s “Leading Idaho” transportation funding initiative. The Leading Idaho initiative allows ITD to take a deliberate approach to advance large projects that will enhance safety, improve mobility, further strengthen Idaho’s economy, and positively impact the Mini-Cassia region and communities across the state for years to come.

Drop-in meeting on Feb. 22 for SH-16 construction

new I-84 interchange construction

NAMPA – The Idaho Transportation Department will host an informal drop-in meeting near the State Highway 16 construction zone on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Project staff will be on hand to answer questions from 3-6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express at 4104 E. Flamingo Avenue in Nampa.

ITD is extending State Highway 16 between U.S. Highway 20/U.S. Highway 26 and I-84, west of McDermott Road. Drop-in meetings have been held every three months during construction, which began in 2022.

For more information, visit itdprojects.org/sh16corridor.

ITD is taking another look at potential alternatives for US-20; invites public to give feedback

RIGBY – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites the public to participate in in-person or online meetings in early December for the US-20 corridor between Ashton and SH-87 junction. Meetings are scheduled for the following evenings:

Monday, Dec. 5
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ashton Community
Center and Library
925 Main Street Ashton, ID 83420

Tuesday, Dec. 6
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Island Park EMS Building
4378 County Circle
Island Park, ID 83429

For those who can’t attend in person, an online meeting will be available between Dec. 6-23 at itdprojects.org/projects/us-20-ashton-to-sh-87-jct/.

ITD is taking a second look at alternating passing lanes and other potential roadway improvements as part of the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study initiated in late 2021.

The format of the meetings will be an open house and will include computer stations featuring project mapping. Please plan to attend one of two public meetings anytime from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both in-person as well as the online meeting will all share the same information, and no formal presentation will be given.

Comments on the project are always welcome but can be best utilized if received by Dec. 23, 2022.

ITD to show design plans for I-84, Centennial Way to Franklin Road at Caldwell open house

As part of Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is hosting an open house to share design plans for the future widening of Interstate 84 between the Centennial Way and Franklin Road interchanges in Caldwell. All community members are invited to participate in-person or online starting Wednesday, Nov. 9.

Blue and white circular logo for "Leading Idaho" projects sponsored by Governor Little

The in-person meeting will be held Nov. 9 at the Caldwell Elks Lodge, 1015 N. Kimball Avenue, from 5 – 7 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to review ITD’s design plans, ask questions to the project team, and provide their input. All meeting materials will also be available online at itdprojects.org/i-84-centennial-way-to-franklin-ic, with comments accepted through Nov. 16.

“We are continuing to widen I-84 through Canyon County to reduce congestion and increase safety,” said ITD Project Manager Mark Campbell. “Throughout the process, ITD is committed to engaging with travelers who use this portion of the interstate and we are excited to get this project done together.”

 

 

 

Proposed improvements include:

  • Widening I-84 to three lanes in each direction
  • Adding auxiliary lanes between interchanges
  • Replacing the 10th Avenue Interchange
  • Adding a traffic signal to the Centennial Way Interchange westbound off-ramp
  • Building a sound wall along Hannibal Street
  • Rehabilitating the pedestrian bridge over I-84

Design work on this section of I-84 began in late 2021 and construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2023.

The I-84 corridor projects are expected to improve safety, mobility and economic opportunities in Idaho over the next 20 years. More information is available at itdprojects.org/84corridor.

This project is funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of the Leading Idaho initiative. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build.

Public invited to attend public scoping meeting for I-15/US-20 Connector Study on October 18, 2022 in Idaho Falls

RIGBY -The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will host a public scoping meeting for the I-15/US-20 Connector project on October 18, 2022.

ITD is initiating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the I-15/US-20 Connector project. The EIS will analyze three alternatives (E3, H2 and the no-build) from the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study.

This meeting is an opportunity for the public to review the outcomes of the PEL study and provide comments as the project moves into the next phase. Public input will be an important part of choosing the final project that best fits the community’s needs.

The meeting will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Snake River Event Center in Idaho Falls. Presentations are scheduled for every half hour beginning at 4 p.m., followed by a guided tour and an open house. ITD is asking participants to please consider a later presentation slot to avoid crowds at the start of the meeting.

For those unable to attend in person, an online meeting will be available at http://i15us20connector.com from October 11 through October 25, 2022. Please submit comments by October 26, 2022.

For questions or to learn more, please call 208.813.0027 or visit http://i15us20connector.com

 

Your input could help shape how ITD does business with DBEs

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking your input regarding any disparities evident in the participation of minority-owned businesses working with the department on any projects using federal funds under the Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. A DBE is a small business that is at least 51% owned by a minority, female or an economically disadvantaged individual.

Specifically, ITD is trying to determine whether any marketplace barriers exist that make it more difficult for those disadvantaged businesses to compete for ITD contracts and procurements.

ITD commissioned BBC Research & Consulting to conduct the disparity study. The study is done every three years by a third-party vendor to go over the agency’s DBE goal as a whole. To foster equal opportunity and ensure non-discrimination to disadvantaged groups, a goal is set for each federally funded project that will go towards the agency’s overall goal.

The Office of Civil Rights monitors the DBE program and helps set goals on each project.  The disparity study will analyze any barriers that prevent those disadvantaged businesses from getting USDOT funded contracts and any barriers ITD (and the sub-recipients of USDOT funds) have in getting DBEs to participate in USDOT-funded projects.

A pair of public meetings, on Oct. 19 in Boise and Oct. 20 in Coeur d’Alene, will be conducted to gather input. Both in-person and by-phone options will be available.


Boise, ID | Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022

6:00 p.m – 7:30 p.m. MDT

Participation in-person is available at the following location:
ITD Chinden Campus | 11331 W. Chinden Blvd, Boise
Enter through the west side of Building 8 | Long Bridge Room

Participation via phone or Webex is also available:

Oct. 19 – Join Online Webex Meeting

Meeting number (Access Code): 2453 034 2017
Meeting password: fMjJXxyw787

Join by phone at: +1-415-655-0003 US Toll

Meeting will also be broadcast at your local ITD district office.


Coeur d’Alene, ID | Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022

6:00 p.m – 7:30 p.m. PDT

Participation in-person is available at the following location:
600 W Prairie Ave, Coeur d’Alene
Main Conference Room

Participation via phone or Webex is also available:

Oct. 20 – Join Online Webex Meeting

Meeting number (Access Code): 2457 198 7149
Meeting password: m2rJcYi3v5G

Join by phone at: +1-415-655-0003 US Toll

Meeting will also be broadcast at your local ITD district office.


If you have any questions about the disparity study or its implications for ITD, please email Ronnie Winks, DBE Program Coordinator, or phone her at 208-334-8567.

“We invite everyone, internal and external, to come and make a comment about their experience with the DBE program and the DBE goal, including any concerns they have, so the third-party vendor can get a clear and accurate information for this study,” Winks explained.

“The results of this study will impact the DBE goal for the next three years on projects for ITD, and the sub-recipients of USDOT funds, so any and all comments/concerns will make an impact on any future work.”

ITD shares future plans for State Highway 55 and I-84, Karcher Interchange at Nampa open house July 7

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) invites the public to an open house this month for two adjacent projects in Canyon County. Design plans will be shared for improvements to the Interstate 84, Karcher Interchange and several miles of State Highway 55 west of the interchange.

Community members may stop by an in-person open house on Thursday, July 7 between 5 and 7 p.m. at Nampa Christian School, 11920 W. Flamingo Avenue in Nampa. Online open houses for each project will also be available July 7-14 at itdprojects.org/karcheric and itdprojects.org/state-highway-55-farmway-to-middleton-road.

“These two projects are part of ITD’s ongoing work to address growth and the resulting congestion on highways in Canyon County, particularly State Highway 55,” said project manager Erika Bowen. “ITD is targeting the most urgent needs in this area while continuing to plan for long-term solutions.”

The I-84, Karcher Interchange project includes widening the interchange bridge and adding a new westbound lane across the interchange to Caldwell Boulevard. Several improvements are also planned on the interchange ramps, signals, and intersections. Details are available at itdprojects.org/karcheric.

The SH-55, Farmway Road to Middleton Road project will widen SH-55 to two lanes in each direction in the busy area between Farmway and Middleton roads. More information is on the project website at itdprojects.org/state-highway-55-farmway-to-middleton-road/.

Once construction funding has been confirmed, work on the Karcher Interchange could begin as early as 2023, and the widening of SH-55 could start in 2024.

Funding for this design stage of both projects comes from the Leading Idaho Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation Program. The program allows ITD to build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to build.

A Spanish interpreter will be present at the July 7 open house. Community members can also request written materials in Spanish by calling (208) 334-8002.

Construction to begin in July at Ashton

Ashton Intersection

 
ASHTON – Beginning July 6 the Idaho Transportation Department will commence work on two projects at Ashton. The first project, at the intersection of US-20 and SH-47 in Ashton, will consist of extensive work to improve safety and traffic flow. The second project will be a pavement overlay along SH-47 beginning near North Fremont High School and continuing to Bear Gulch.

The US-20 / SH-47 intersection project will consist of a stoplight, new curb and sidewalks, storm sewer work, and pavement. Work is scheduled to be completed in October. Traffic patterns will change periodically to allow for construction.

A public meeting will be held on Wednesday June 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ashton City hall for those that wish to discuss construction plans at the intersection and express concerns.

The paving project on SH-47 east of Ashton will last for approximately 15 days. Crews will be microsurfacing the roadway to improve and protect the road surface. During work there will be single lane closures and pilot cars to control traffic flow.

Motorists are asked to watch for workers and equipment, follow all traffic signs and flaggers, and reduce speeds to posted limits. Traffic control and safety devices will be changing often to accommodate construction activities.

Citizens with questions regarding the US-20 / SH-47 intersection can contact HK Contractors at (208) 523-6600.

Those with questions regarding the SH-47 microsurfacing project can call the Idaho Transportation Department District 6 office at (208) 745-7781.

ITD to hold open house on I-15 planning project between Northgate and Blackfoot

Vehicles on I-15

 
POCATELLO – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is hosting an open house from June 6 – 13 to share information and gather public input about designs to widen I-15 between the Northgate Parkway Interchange (Exit 73) and Blackfoot.

Map of project area with description of anticipated improvements
Download full-resolution PDF
“Most of I-15 was constructed in the 1960s and 1970s and it is aging and nearing capacity in some areas,” said ITD District 5 Engineering Manager Eric Staats. “We are excited to be moving forward with a planning and design process to improve safety and capacity on I-15 between Pocatello and Blackfoot.”

The I-15 Northgate to Blackfoot Project is part of a multi-year planning process to improve I-15 between Pocatello and Idaho Falls.

“This project between the Northgate Interchange and Blackfoot will provide environmental clearance and develop widening options for future projects,” said Staats. “We would like the public’s input on the widening options that are being developed.”

The public is invited to stop by the open house any time between 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8 at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel, Chief Targhee Room (777 Bannock Road) in Fort Hall. ITD will be on hand to discuss the project and proposed widening improvement options.

The same information will also be available online at https://itdprojects.org/projects/i-15northgatetoblackfoot/ between June 6 – 13. Participants can review materials online and submit comments.

Elements of this project are being funded with Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) funds as part of the Leading Idaho TECM Program. To address the state’s rapid growth, the legislature passed a historic transportation revenue package that Governor Little signed as part of his Leading Idaho initiative in May 2021. House Bill 362 raised the percentage of sales tax going towards transportation from 1% to 4.5%, with bonding authority granted to ITD to invest in safety and capacity needs across the state. The program allows ITD to accelerate project timelines to address rapid growth and build critical infrastructure today that would otherwise take many years to fund and build.

For more information, please visit the project website at https://itdprojects.org/projects/i-15northgatetoblackfoot/