Overview
In partnership with Garden City, the Idaho Transportation Department is conducting a drainge and design study along Chinden Boulevard (U.S. Highway 20/26). The purpose of the study is to develop a stormwater drainage plan, investigate the addition of medians, reduce driveway approaches, and identify corridor improvements for future multi-modal projects. Multimodal projects may include bicycle, pedestrian, and transit (or bus) solutions.
Background
Flooding Issues
Areas along Chinden Boulevard sometimes flood, causing occasional road closures and minor property damage.
Drainage concerns are a barrier to improvements on Chinden Boulevard. ITD has identified developing a drainage plan as the first step in planning for multi-modal infrastructure improvements.
The study will review drainage flow patterns and inventory the existing drainage system (e.g,open channels, drainage ditches, and swales) along Chinden Boulevard.
Development and Planning
As new construction happens along the corridor, there is currently no unified plan to ensure that consistent drainage and multi-modal facilities (like sidewalks and bike lanes) are included with each project.
Crosswalks are located only at signalized intersections, which can encourage bicyclists and pedestrians to cross unexpectedly. Without facilities like bike lanes or sidewalks, users may choose to travel on the shoulders close to traffic.
Connectivity and Mobility
Pedestrians and bicyclists experience poor connectivity and limited mobility due to:
- Increasing traffic volumes
- Proximity to high-speed traffic
- Narrow or missing sidewalks
- Lack of lighting
Community Input
Public involvement is important to the success of this project. Opportunities for public comment will be available through the public website and during online meetings.
The first public online meeting was held on July 18, 2025. The online meeting gave the public a chance to review and comment on ideas to improve water management and plan future connectivity and mobility projects along the corridor. The study will develop an integrated corridor plan to guide development and identify specific projects for future planning, design, and construction.
Join the mailing list for the Chinden Draingage and Design Study
Project Schedule
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Fall 2024
Data Collection
- Gather information from existing and new sources to understand what improvements are needed in the project area.
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Summer 2025
Design Draft Corridor Concepts
- Develop initial ideas for improving the corridor.
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Summer 2025
Online Public Meeting 1
- Share project information with the community and gather their input.
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2025
Revise Corridor Concepts
- Update the corridor improvement ideas based on community feedback and new information.
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2026
Online Public Meeting 2
- Provide updated project information to the community and gather more input.
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2026
Finalize Project Descriptions and Estimates
- Complete the final recommendations and cost estimates for the project. ITD and Garden City will collaborate on the advancement of future multi-modal projects.s