Idaho Approves New Projects to Modernize Roads

The Idaho Transportation Board voted to push forward with the improvement of several significant roadways this month.

Source : itd.idaho.gov

February 18, 2022

Author : Christina Cyr

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) approved new bond-funded construction projects to start this spring. These projects include I-86/I-15 Interchange in Pocatello; I-90 and state highway 41 Interchange in Post Falls; State highway 16 from interstate 84 to Chinden boulevard; and U.S. 20/26 from interstate 84 to Middleton Road in the Treasure Valley.

Last May, Governor Brad Little passed a transportation revenue package to address the state’s rapid growth. This revenue package comes from his “Leading Idaho” initiative. The projects selected for construction to start this spring will help modernize aging infrastructure and help improve safety and congestion.

“Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the nation. To keep up with the demands of growth, these funds will help save Idahoans’ time, keep us safe on our roads, and make our state’s economy even stronger,” Governor Little said. “I appreciate the work of the Idaho Transportation Board, the department, and the Legislature for acting quickly to put this money to work with projects that will benefit the state.”

“The Transportation Board wants the department to take advantage of funding opportunities to accelerate projects,” Transportation Board Chairman Bill Moad said in a statement. “It’s our goal to put this money to work as quickly as possible to increase safety, improve mobility and create economic opportunity for every Idahoan.”

Last year’s legislation transferred $80 million a year into the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) fund created in 2017. According to the Idaho Transportation Department, the TECM will reach $325 million, the first of several bonds.

The I-86/I-15 System Interchange in the Pocatello/Chubbuck areas will include road, ramp, bridge upgrades, and building a new pedestrian and bike path. The project will replace the aging bridges and modernize the roadways to improve safety and traffic flow and will cost about $115.5 million.

The I-90 and SH-41 Interchange, worth $82.5, will feature a new design to resolve significant congestion and safety issues. The westbound I–90 ramp will no longer curve, and the ramps will be controlled by one signal light.

The SH-16 will be the largest of the projects at about $129 million will bring two lanes in both directions. This project will improve mobility by providing a north/ south freeway in the heart of  Treasure Valley as concerns over growth are heightened in the area.

SH-16 Intersection with US-20/26

The Middleton Road project will cost $41 million, and a design phase is underway to widen the road between Middleton Road and Star road to four lanes. This project will provide an east/west connection across the heart of the Treasure Valley to increase mobility and safety.

The Transportation Board also approved bonds for several other planning and design projects, which you can learn more about on their website

.

Category : Department of Transportation State Government Freeways and Highways Public Works

Related Article