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I-15 work, Oneida’s repeat and potential heavy truck routes highlight
next week’s board meeting in Pocatello

A tour of projects in the Interstate 15 corridor, recognition of Oneida County for zero fatalities, and approval of 129,000-lb. truck routes and airport funds will highlight the upcoming Idaho Transportation Board meeting in Pocatello May 17-18.

Board members will tour District 5 on May 17. The tour will focus on pavements and bridges in the Interstate 15 corridor. The plans also include visiting the National Weather Service in Pocatello, the Inkom Port of Entry, and Premier Technology in Blackfoot.

Toward Zero Deaths Award
At its business meeting on May 18, the board will recognize Oneida County for recording zero highway fatalities in 2016.

This is the second year in a row that Oneida County had zero fatalities. Unfortunately, it is only one of two counties that achieved that repeat last year. Valley County was the other county. Idaho State Police will also be recognized for its partnership to keep roads safe.

Airport Aid Program
The board will be asked to approve the FY18 Idaho Airport Aid Program providing state funding to public airports. The funding is dependent upon Aeronautics' revenues, the level of federal funding available, and demonstrated need. This year’s funding base is $1 million, although the funding may increase with the addition of “Uncommitted” funds recovered from prior years’ grants.

Idaho’s seven commercial airports will receive almost 16 percent of the funds. Some of the projects recommended for funding at other airports include taxiway crack seal, seal coat, and marking at Blackfoot; acquiring land for approaches at the Boundary County airport; updating Coeur d’Alene’s master plan; and land acquisition and fence installation at Driggs.

129,000-lb. Truck Routes
Last month, the Board Subcommittee on 129,000-lb. Truck Routes reviewed seven route requests for designation in District 1. The applicants intend to haul items like road salt, lumber, and fertilizer. Staff will present the analyses of those routes and the Subcommittee’s recommendations to approve all of the routes at Thursday’s meeting.

All of the routes, two segments of U.S. 95, two segments of U.S. 2, Idaho 1, Idaho 41, and Idaho 54, were reviewed by the Division of Motor Vehicles, the Bridge Section, the Materials Section, the Office of Highway Safety, and District 1. The studies determined that the routes can accommodate heavier vehicles. There was also an opportunity for public comment on the routes. The comments varied with some opposing all of the route requests and some supporting designating all of the routes for commercial vehicles up to 129,000 pounds. There were also specific concerns about sight distance, pavement condition, speed limits, and congestion.