Kootenai County travelers asked to comment on traffic management center study

Drone shot of afternoon traffic on the interchange

Kootenai County travelers are being asked to comment on an ongoing study regarding a traffic management center (TMC) at two open houses in August or via a survey that is now available online.

Growth has strained existing infrastructure. Drivers consistently experience bottlenecks, unreliable travel times, an overall lack of readily accessible motorist information and unpredictable incident management on major routes, including I-90. That growth is projected to continue, with traffic volumes on I-90 alone expected to double by 2045.

“Our studies have already shown that a traffic management center is needed now,” said Glenn Miles, Director for the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization (KMPO). “The current phase of the planning study is evaluating what it would take to implement one.”

TMCs are a common tool used in urban areas in our region and country to address growth and congestion through shared technology and resources. They bring together resources from highway districts, cities and transportation departments to allow for joint management of traffic safety, mobility and information in a region.

“Traffic management centers are really about optimizing existing infrastructure,” District Engineer Damon Allen said. “They’re already in place in neighboring metro areas like Spokane and Boise.”

Kootenai County travelers are invited to learn more by either going online or attending one of the two open houses on August 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The same information will be shared at both open houses at the following locations:

The Black Bay Depot in Post Falls at 1211 East 3^rd Avenue
The Coeur d’Alene Public Library in the Community Room at 702 East Front Avenue.

The same material is available online now. Comments will be accepted through August 4.

No funding has been identified for implementing a traffic management center, though study results will identify what is needed and improve chances of securing grants.

The study is joint effort directed by the Idaho Transportation Department and the Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization. Comments will be shared with board members of KMPO at the regular meeting on August 10.

Leading Idaho initiative funds Bonners Ferry Airport improvements

Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho initiatives recently funded snow-removal equipment improvements of $200,000 at the Bonners Ferry Airport in Northern Idaho.

Improvements were completed last week. Improvements included updating an Automated Weather Observing System computer at the facility, purchasing a 135-horsepower tractor, buying equipment for the new tractor (loader, blade, snow blower and rotary mower), and buying materials to build s lean-to to add to the existing snow-removal equipment shed to provide cover for these new items.

“This has helped our airport more than you could ever guess,” said Airport Manager Dave Parker. For instance, Parker said that the airport had not been able to keep up with heavy snow in recent years, but the new snow blower and tractor will enable them to do so now. Parker also said that “having a cab to spray weeds, mow in dusty conditions, and keep warm in the winter has been a dream come true for our crew.”

As part of Governor Little’s“Leading Idaho” initiative, the 2021 Idaho Legislature dedicated $126 million of one-time funds from Idaho’s budget surplus to transportation projects statewide. The funds were split 60/40 between ITD and local jurisdictions. Construction on this project is paid for with ITD’s portion of the funds that will accelerate projects to replace bridges, restore pavements, and improve mobility in communities across Idaho.

37 miles of US-95 near Plummer under construction starting next Tuesday

A red truck drivers through Plummer on US-95

Starting July 12, crews will start construction on a project that will sealcoat 37 miles of U.S. Highway 95 near Plummer this summer.

Crews will work on four miles at a time. Given the size of the project, work will take about one month to complete. Construction will start on the north end from Worley to Mica Creek (mileposts 404 to 421) and progress south through Plummer (mileposts 378 to 398) and then through Tensed.

For two-lane sections of US-95, only one lane will be open during the day, and pilot cars will guide traffic through the work zone. For four-lane sections of US-95, drivers can expect a single-lane closure in one direction at a time. Lane closures and reduced speeds will be in effect day and night.

Sealcoating is a surface treatment that takes place during the summer months and involves applying a layer of oil and rock chips to the roadway to add traction and protect the highway surface from the elements. The process requires hot temperatures and dry weather for chips to properly adhere to the oil.

Chips placed during sealcoats have the potential to cause windshield damage, so drivers are cautioned to slow down and pay attention to reduced speeds and no-passing zones throughout the work area.

Drivers should check 511.idaho.gov before traveling to plan for impacts from this project and other work zones.

Rolling Closures on I-84 from South Jerome to Twin Falls through mid-July

The Idaho Transportation Department is continuing work on I-84 between the South Jerome (Exit 168) and Twin Falls (Exit 173) Interchanges. Crews are blasting rock in the median of I-84 on weekday afternoons through mid-July.

What you need to know:

Rolling closures will occur on I-84 through mid-July.
Delays will range from 20-30 minutes.

A pilot car will slow motorists down several miles before the blast area to allow crews to blast rock and clean up debris.

Details about the I-84 South Jerome to Twin Falls project are available at ITDProjects.org/84jerometotwin or by texting 84JTF to 1-866-483-8422.

Idaho Transportation Department seeks feedback on draft seven-year transportation plan

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is seeking feedback on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The 2024-2030 ITIP outlines the state’s transportation priorities and guides investment decisions for the next seven years. ITD encourages everyone to review the draft and provide comments from July 1-31.

Transportation projects included in the draft ITIP range from large-scale interstate improvements to smaller projects like the installation of a new guardrail. Projects are located throughout Idaho’s 44 counties and involve all modes of transportation. Project selection is determined through technical data, as well as input from local officials and residents.

To review the complete draft plan visit itd.idaho.gov/funding to view an interactive map that allows users to learn about projects in their local area as well as submit a comment through the portal.

The U.S. Highway 12 Greer to Kamiah project in Clearwater and Lewis Counties is slated for construction in 2026. The project will rehabilitate and resurface the existing roadway and make drainage improvements to improve the ride quality and extend the lifespan of the roadway.
Another project will consist of improving the geometry of the roadway and extending the existing truck climbing lanes at the crest of Crooks Hill on U.S. Highway 95. It is located north of Moscow from milepost 354.60 to milepost 357.15 on US-95 just north of the US-95 and SH-66 junction. This project is slated for construction in 2029 and it will improve safety and enhance the mobility of the traveling public.
The Rapid River Bridge to Riggins project on U.S. Highway 95 will entail curve improvements for ride quality and a minor widening to accommodate the installation of shoulder barriers for improved safety. Construction is slated for 2029 and the site will be located south of Riggins on US-95 from MP 191.17 to 194.36.

Comments will be taken from July 1-31 and can be e-mailed to itipcomments@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to:

ITIP – Comments
Attn: Office of Communication
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707

Paper copies of the ITIP will be provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department (208) 334-8119.

All comments will be reviewed and incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate. Responses will be sent in September once the comment period has ended.

After approval by the Idaho Transportation Board in September, the ITIP will then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency in October. Once finalized, ITD staff across the state will begin scoping new projects. Public input is crucial in ensuring that the ITIP reflects the needs and desires of Idaho’s communities.

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Idaho Transportation Department seeks feedback on draft seven-year transportation plan

SHOSHONE — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is seeking feedback on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The 2024-2030 ITIP outlines the state’s transportation priorities and guides investment decisions for the next seven years. ITD encourages everyone to review the draft and provide comments from July 1-31.

To review the complete draft plan visit itd.idaho.gov/funding to view an interactive map that allows users to learn about projects in their local area as well as submit a comment through the portal.

Local projects in the program include:

A project to reconstruct the roadway on SH-75 from Saddle Road in Ketchum north to North Fork Campground Road.
Bridge replacements on US-30, Bickell Railroad Overpass at milepost 231.9 near Murtaugh, and SH-75, Yankee Fork of Salmon Road at milepost 202.48 downriver from Stanley.
A reconstruction and realignment safety project on SH-75 at Torrey’s Hole RV access to Slate Creek that includes new pavement surface, riverbank stabilization, culvert installation, and installing guardrail.
A safety and restoration project along US-93 from Hot Springs Road to Fish Creek Road north of Carey to restore deficient pavement, repair frost damage and apply a seal coat to provide a new roadway surface.
Road widening with four lanes on US-93 from Jerome Butte, SH-25, north to R Canal.

Comments will be taken from July 1-31 and can be emailed to itipcomments@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to:

ITIP – Comments
Attn: Office of Communication
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707

Paper copies of the ITIP will be provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department (208) 334-8119.

All comments will be reviewed and incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate. Responses will be sent in September once the comment period has ended.

Public input is crucial in ensuring that the ITIP reflects the needs and desires of Idaho’s communities.

Idaho Transportation Department seeks feedback on draft seven-year transportation plan

POCATELLO — The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is seeking feedback on the just-released draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP). The 2024-2030 ITIP outlines the state’s transportation priorities and guides investment decisions for the next seven years. ITD encourages everyone to review the draft and provide comments from July 1-31.

To review the complete draft plan visit itd.idaho.gov/funding to view an interactive map that allows users to learn about projects in their local area as well as submit a comment through the portal.

Important to Southeast Idaho is the replacement of a series of I-15 bridges in Inkom including the west Inkom interchange, Main Street bridges, and bridges over the Union Pacific Railroad. In addition, the Rapid Creek bridge on the Inkom business loop is slated for replacement.

Another project of importance for Southeast Idaho is a pavement fix on I-15 between the Blackfoot Interchange and the Rose Road Interchange.

Comments will be taken from July 1-31 and can be emailed to itipcomments@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to:

ITIP – Comments
Attn: Office of Communication
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707

Paper copies of the ITIP will be provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department (208) 334-8119.

All comments will be reviewed and incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate. Responses will be sent in September once the comment period has ended.

After approval by the Idaho Transportation Board in September, the ITIP will then be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency in October. Once finalized, ITD staff across the state will begin scoping new projects.

Public input is crucial in ensuring that the ITIP reflects the needs and desires of Idaho’s communities.

Idaho Transportation Department seeks feedback on draft seven-year transportation plan

To review the complete draft plan visit itd.idaho.gov/funding to view an interactive map that allows users to learn about projects in their local area as well as submit a comment through the portal.

Local projects added or modified in the program include:

A project was added in 2030 to address State Highway 53 just west of Rathdrum from North Bruss Road to milepost 8.3. After construction of this project, SH-53 will be fully expanded to include a center turn left turn lane and right turn lanes at major intersections between Washington and Rathdrum.
Design efforts will begin next year to make the intersection of U.S. Highway 95 and Schoolhouse Road near Naples safer. Possible solutions could include realigning the bridge over Deep Creek, widening Schoolhouse Road and adding lighting and turn lanes at the intersection. This project is only funded for design and not construction at this time.
A $36 million grant allowed the Pleasant View Road Interchange at State Highway 53, previously slated for 2028, to be advanced and start construction in 2025 or earlier.

Comments will be taken from July 1-31 and can be e-mailed to itipcomments@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to:

ITIP – Comments
Attn: Office of Communication
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707

Paper copies of the ITIP will be provided upon request by contacting the Idaho Transportation Department at (208) 334-8119.

All comments will be reviewed and incorporated into the ITIP where appropriate. Responses will be sent in September once the comment period has ended.

Fourth of July plans? Don’t forget to include a sober ride home

BOISE – As Idahoans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and partners across the state encourage everyone to include a sober ride home in their holiday plans.

ITD’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has partnered with law enforcement agencies across Idaho to devote extra resources to stopping impaired drivers around the Fourth of July. More police will be on patrol from June 30 through July 9.

“When you are making your holiday plans, they should include a sober ride home whether that’s a cab, rideshare, designated driver, or celebrating in a place where you don’t need to drive,” said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton. “Always have a plan before you start drinking. If you wait until after you may be too impaired to make the safe choice.”

Idaho is also in the middle of the 100 Deadliest Days, the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when Idaho sees a spike in fatal and serious injury crashes. In the last 31 days, at least 19* people have been killed in crashes on Idaho roads. In the summertime, people are off from school or work, enjoying vacations, engaging in recreational activities, and celebrating. Unfortunately, these social factors result in an increase in distracted driving, aggressive driving, and impaired driving, which makes the roads riskier for everyone, including those who are driving safely and responsibly.

For the Fourth of July and the rest of the summer remember these safe driving tips:

Always wear a seat belt. Seat belts increase your chance of surviving a crash by 50 percent.
Put away the distractions and drive engaged.
Never drink and drive. If you have a friend who is about to drive drunk, be courageous, take away their keys and help them get home safely.
Drive the speed limit, or slower if conditions are bad.
On two-lane roads, if there are more than three cars behind you, pull over in a safe place to let them pass.

*Preliminary Data

ITD & McCall get $2.9M grant for corridor design

ITD and the city of McCall were recently awarded a RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant of $2.9M for the SH-55 and Deinhard/Boydstun corridor design to address improvements that will create a more efficient intrastate highway system for travelers. and create affordable multi-modal transportation options. Project planning is expected to begin in 2024/25. The picture above shows pedestrians navigating a portion of the existing SH-55 corridor that lacks sidewalks.

The RAISE grant program supports communities of all sizes as part of the President’s Investing in America agenda.

ITD applied for the grant on February 17 and received word from the Federal Highway Administration on June 28 that the grant had been awarded.

“ITD District 3 looks forward to working with the city of McCall to enhance quality of life through transportation,” said D3 District Engineer Caleb Lakey.

The project will specifically address reduction of energy consumption, air and water quality improvement, greenhouse gases reduction, increased safety, support for local and regional commerce, and the promotion of public health. The picture to the right shows how the lack of adequate drainage facilities during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt causes flooding that compromises water quality and safety.

Safety will be paramount, as the project focuses on the SH-55 route through town that was home to 84 crashes from 2017-2021 due to conflicts between heavy trucks navigating a tight 90-degree corner and pedestrians crossing the road to access lakeside destinations. Property damage was the most frequent result of these crashes, which also included a pair of serious, incapacitating injuries. The proposed alternate route had just 27 incidents within that same five-year timeframe, none of which involved fatalities or pedestrians. Pictured at left is an exhibit from the 2021 Corridor Exchange Feasibility Study illustrates the tight turn radius of the existing SH-55 route in downtown McCall.

“This project will include study and planning of strategies and infrastructure improvements needed to improve safety for all transportation types, whether McCall is a final destination or users are just passing through,” the application states.

It also would protect Payette Lake, McCall’s sole source of drinking water and a primary tourist attraction, against the transport of hazardous materials by re-routing those trucks away from the downtown corridor and lakefront. This is especially important because increased mining in the southwest corner of Valley County is estimated to increase by 52-66 trips per day the number of loads rolling past the lake containing HazMat.

The project improves mobility and community connectivity, energy efficiency, quality of life, environmental considerations, and even benefits to housing affordability through development of transportation options geared toward a workforce largely located outside the town.

Identification of appropriate locations for EV charging stations also will be considered as part of the project.

It is the result of a close working partnership between ITD and the city of McCall that works collaboratively toward shared goals of providing a safe and efficient highway route for freight and intrastate traffic while providing safe and effective multi-modal transportation options in the McCall downtown core.

The project also aligns with Valley County’s vision for regional transportation, and dovetails with the city’s “Access McCall” and “Complete Streets” principles.