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Department receives hundreds of comments on draft ITIP

The public comment period on the annual draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP) concluded at the end of July with 439 comments submitted. Last year, 301 comments were received.

The U.S. 20-26 corridor in the Treasure Valley continues to generate significant comments. This year, 341 comments were submitted about the highway. The majority express support for widening U.S. 20-26 as soon as possible.

“This project is direly needed as the area is severely lacking in infrastructure for existing commuters (bike, walk and vehicle) and will get significantly worse in the coming years due to the dramatic increase in housing currently being constructed,” one comment regarding U.S. 20-26 stated.

Other comments expreseds support for wildlife crossings, wider shoulders on Idaho 75, improving safety for bicyclists using Idaho 75 north of Ketchum and making improvements to the Idaho 48/Menan-Lorenzo Highway intersection.

“The number and variety of comments received this year demonstrates that the public is interested in how we’re improving safety, mobility and economic opportunity for Idahoans,” said Adam Rush, the public involvement coordinator at the transportation department.

This year, the draft ITIP has been changed from a five-year planning document to a seven-year planning document. The public comment period on the draft ITIP is announced through a press release sent statewide, newspaper ads and an email announcement sent to a variety of stakeholders.