Idaho 75 Timmerman to Ketchum Record of Decision Signed by Federal Highway Administration

SHOSHONE - A major milestone has been met in the Idaho 75 Timmerman to Ketchum Project, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced.

The Record of Decision for the Environmental Impact Statement required to begin improvements on Idaho 75 has been signed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The transportation department received the final approval of its National Environmental Policy Act documents for improvements to Idaho 75 from Timmerman to Ketchum last week. The signed Record of Decision concludes an eight-year study of the environmental and historical impacts for the proposed highway improvements.

The extensive Environmental Impact Statement, which began in August 2000, was released by the FHWA for agency and public review in December 2005. Following a public hearing in January 2006, the final Environmental Impact Statement was prepared and made available in spring 2008. With a signed Record of Decision, the planning stage of road improvements is expected to begin quickly.

"Getting to this point is a milestone for every major project, especially this one where there are so many potential impacts and concerned citizens," ITD District 4 Engineer Devin Rigby said. "We are looking forward to successfully planning and constructing the improvements to this section of highway."

Through a series of more than 70 public meetings, briefings and open houses, the preferred alternative to expand Idaho 75 was chosen because it offers the fewest environmental and social impacts. This alternative includes widening Idaho 75 to four travel lanes with a center turn lane between Bellevue and Ketchum, with additional turn lanes and traffic signals. The highway will also be widened to three lanes between Timmerman and Bellevue with passing lanes extending in each direction away from Baseline Road.

More information about the funding and construction schedule for the Timmerman to Ketchum project is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. An electronic copy of the Record of Decision can be found on the ITD website at itd.idaho.gov/Projects. Choose District 4 and the Timmerman to Ketchum project.

"On behalf of the transportation department and the Federal Highway Administration, I thank all those who participated in this lengthy and challenging process," Rigby said. "I look forward to building on the partnerships we have established with the cities, county and citizens as we take the next step to build improvements to Idaho 75."

For more information about the project, contact project manager Mike Scott at (208) 886-7806.