Board concludes district tours in southeast Idaho

The Idaho Transportation Board concluded its series of meetings around the state last week with a tour and business meeting in District 5, southeast Idaho.

The first stop was at the Interstate 15, McCammon Interchange, which is being reconstructed. The elevation is being raised to provide more clearance for commercial vehicles on the interstate below. Other improvements as part of the $6 million project include concrete pavement to prevent highway shoving and rutting from turning trucks, better sight distance for turning traffic and longer ramps to accommodate stopped trucks at the intersection.

Board members and ITD representatives also visited a U.S. 30 construction project to view some of the improvements funded through the GARVEE Program. The four-lane highway will provide a safer, more efficient route for motorists, particularly truck traffic, which comprises 27 percent of the average daily traffic count.

The board met with Lava Hot Springs Foundation representatives in Lava Hot Springs. Lava Hot Springs and the Portneuf River were deeded to the state of Idaho in 1902 to provide a health and recreation facility.

The state built a natatorium in 1918 and now oversees operation of the swimming pools and hot baths through the foundation. The number of visitors to the facility has increased steadily over the years. Representatives of the foundation recognize the importance of a good transportation system and expressed appreciation for the recent improvements to U.S. 30.

The board’s final stop on its tour was at the Preston Airport. It heard about the increased activity at the facility and some of the improvements planned, including extension of the runway.

Other board discussion

Public transportation partnerships with schools
Funding cuts to the Idaho Department of Education have impacted school transportation services. ITD staff members summarized options to transport students to and from school.

The Community Transportation Association of Idaho established “SchoolPool,” an online resource that helps match rides within a school community. The program not only helps parents with transportation, but also alleviates traffic and congestion and reduces vehicle emissions.

A pilot project was established with the Meridian School District when mid-day bus service for kindergarten students was eliminated. Assistance is provided with identifying bicycling buddies, carpooling and ride matching. Other partnerships in Idaho include Pocatello Regional Transit, which coordinates its scheduled service with the schedules of area schools and offers reduced fares for students; and Mountain Rides’ financial agreement with the Blaine County School district that allows students and staff members to ride free.

The Safe Routes to School Program also encourages students to walk or bicycle to school. Almost $1 million is available annually to fund infrastructure projects and educational activities that promote and encourage walking and bicycling.

These partnerships and programs help provide affordable transportation alternatives and improve safety for students. Additionally, a safe, cost effective transportation system improves economic viability.

District 5 report
District 5 Engineer Ed Bala summarized activities in the district over the past year. Ninety percent of the district’s pavement is in good condition, which exceeded the goal of 85 percent. It also exceeded its goal of improving winter level of service. Although the district missed its goal of bringing 75 percent of its guardrail into compliance with federal regulations and did not submit all 21 of its projects by the deadline, staff learned from the performance management experience.

To be more efficient, District 5 staff members use storm index data – combined with information from the Road Weather Information System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA/National Weather Service) to schedule winter maintenance activities.

The district does not plan to use hourly employees for winter maintenance this year. It also is collecting more data from systems on its trucks to better utilize resources. Cross-utilization of employees, from summer construction to winter maintenance, also has improved efficiency.

Published 11-4-2011