I-84 work near GARVEE, D2 road maintenance, highway safety issue discussed at April board meeting in Lewiston            

A decision on GARVEE bonding for the I-84 work near Nampa, a report on District 2 road-maintenance efforts, and the impacts of marijuana use on highway safety were some of the highlights of the Idaho Transportation Department’s first traveling district meeting of 2017, held April 20-21 in Lewiston.

Tour
After visiting Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston on April 20, the board traveled U.S. 95 north to Moscow. During the lunch meeting, Moscow City Officials expressed appreciation for a good working relationship with ITD, stressed the importance of constructing the Thorn Creek to Moscow project, and thanked the board for various safety projects, such as crosswalks and ramp improvements.

Latah County officials also thanked the board for its support with the initial Moscow to Troy trail about 20 years ago. The trail, utilizing an old railroad bed, is being extended east to Kendrick.

District 2 report
District 2 provided its annual report to the board during the business meeting April 21.

The District’s roads were not significantly impeded 78 percent of the time, exceeding the goal of 73 percent, and the winter road reports were delivered on time 99 percent of the time. Both of these accomplishments are impressive considering the severe winter weather. Overall, the project delivery efforts are proceeding well, with four of the 13 FY18 projects under contract.

The Board recognized the valuable service the maintenance crews provide and asked District Engineer Dave Kuisti to relay its appreciation for the excellent job they do, and specifically for their efforts during this past winter.

GARVEE Bonds
A result of the 2017 legislative session was additional revenue for ITD, including the availability of $300 million in GARVEE (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle) bonding. The bonds will be paid with future federal funds.

The board approved using $150 million in bonds for the I-84, Franklin to Karcher project in Nampa. The board recognized the need to address the safety and congestion concerns along that busy stretch of highway, and also poor pavement condition.

It requested more information on the other corridors at a future meeting. The information can include, but is not limited to, safety, traffic volumes, pavement condition, and project readiness.

Marijuana and highway safety
Impaired drivers are a serious highway-safety concern. Alcohol is not the only substance that causes impairment — prescription drugs and illegal drugs can, too. As more states legalize marijuana, driving impaired is a growing concern.

Mary Vanidour, with St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston, was asked to report on what they are seeing in regards to marijuana use being so close to Washington, which legalized recreational marijuana. She said most people under the age of 30 are not using alcohol. They are using marijuana, which is now more potent than in the past. Babies born with alcohol in their system used to be a big problem. Vanidour does not believe she has seen an alcohol-addicted baby in three years; however, she sees a baby with marijuana in its system almost on a daily basis

She emphasized that marijuana causes impairment. She believes it is a serious problem and more education on the impacts of marijuana is needed.

Published 05-05-17