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ITD reaches out to 100,000 Treasure Valley workers, commuters

Reaching out to inform the public and businesses about roadwork impacting them has proven to be an effective tool for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) as highway construction in the Treasure Valley has evolved in the last decade and a population surge transforms the area.

Recently, ITD took it to the next level — a place where 100,000 people live and work.

Involving the public, early and often, in the planning of our road and bridge projects is one of the department¹s main emphasis areas, said public information specialist Reed Hollinshead. As technology evolves, so too does our approach to engaging citizens and gathering critical input.

Recently, ITD has embraced available technologies and new avenues, like mobile websites, Q-Codes, and text alerts, to reach an even wider audience. The department has also used Facebook and Twitter since 2009. Still, it is often the boots-on-the-ground outreach to people and business interests in the immediate area of a project that is most effective. ITD's public outreach model includes identifying local stakeholders, walking to those places, knocking on doors and visiting face-to-face with local businesses and residents.

During the ongoing rebuild of three major interchanges in the Treasure Valley with a massive combined daily traffic volume - ITD is involving both the workforce and community leaders.

Knowing the magnitude of the upcoming impacts, the department reached out to employers and community leaders (from Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Garden City, Kuna, Mountain Home, Ada County, Canyon County and Elmore County) in July to help the Treasure Valley workforce prepare for delays on I-84, avoid surprises and get to work on time. The change and resulting congestion affects up to 116,000 motorists who use I-84 each day just in the Meridian to Flying Wye corridor.

Accordingly, ITD and consultant RBCI contacted 55 major Treasure Valley employers and every chamber of commerce in the area with information about upcoming lane restrictions to pass along to their workforces and members. Each employer received a personal phone call and follow-up email. In addition, a letter was mailed to 473 community leaders. The State of Idaho employs 20,000 people and approximately 13,000 of them work in the Treasure Valley. ITD gave information to the Idaho Department of Administration, who forwarded it to every HR director of every state department.

In all, 100,000 Treasure Valley employees were reached in this way. There were some notable responses:

St. Luke's and St. Alphonsus forwarded information to employees at every main hospital, satellite site, clinic and partner hospitals.
The Idaho National Guard (Civilian Department of Defense) sent an advisory email to all 1,300 people who live on base. Officers could then forward information to units who drive to the base on drill weekends.
An estimated 3,500 people work at the Boise Towne Square Mall. An estimated 2,000 employees work at the Village at Meridian. The management offices at both shopping centers sent the information to every retail manager to distribute to employees.
The U.S. Forest Service distributed information to everyone at their local sites.
The West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell sent info to an estimated 200-300 employees who commute from Boise.
The College of Western Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University, Caldwell and Kuna school districts forwarded information to every student, faculty and staff member.
Every chamber of commerce sent the information to their entire member database. The Boise, Meridian and Nampa chambers also added the information to their public newsletters.
The Downtown Business Association, which works with 250 member businesses downtown, contacted all of its members by email with traffic details.