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Board approves trucking project, reviews programs and participates
in award ceremonies

Approval of a commercial trucking project, an overview of the state's Scenic Byways Program, review of the department's annual report and special recognition ceremonies led Idaho Transportation Board activities during its monthly business meeting Oct. 22 at ITD Headquarters in Boise.

Weigh-in-Motion
The Transportation Board approved a Weigh-in-Motion/Automatic Vehicle Identification (WIM/AVI) project at the I-15 Inkom Port of Entry (POE) in District 5.

Board Unallocated Funds totaling $1.6 million will be combined with $2 million in federal grants to fund the project. WIM/AVI enables trucks equipped with transponders to be pre-screened to ensure they are operating within acceptable limits and validates credentials such as registration. If everything appears to be in order, the truck does not need to stop at the POE. This saves drivers valuable time, and reduces fuel and operating costs. It is estimated that installing this system at the Inkom POE will save the trucking industry approximately $2.1 million annually and will allow POE staff to focus on those vehicles that need attention.

Part of the Inkom project includes installing a 300-foot concrete slab for both northbound and southbound lanes. The WIM/AVI system is dependent on a high accuracy rate for weighing high-speed vehicles in order to properly sort trucks at mainline speeds. Using concrete approaches facilitates this accuracy and provides longevity for the in-road scale.

The East Boise, Lewiston and Huetter POEs already have WIM/AVI.

Idaho's Scenic Byways Program
Staff provided an overview of Idaho's Scenic Byways Program. It began in 1977 with the Bureau of Land Management identifying backcountry routes that deserved special recognition for the "off the beaten track" experience. The program was combined with the National Scenic Byway Program when it was established in 1991. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century federal transportation act eliminated designated funding for Scenic Byway projects.

Idaho currently has 31 designated byways traversing 2,468 miles. Designations include 19 scenic byways, eight historic byways, and four backcountry byways. Six routes are recognized as National Scenic Byways.

Routes are eligible for designation as a scenic byway if they are unique, have documented support and commitment from the local communities, and meet the protective standards. The route must also have one of the key values: scenic, cultural, historic, archeological, recreational or natural qualities. Benefits of a byway designation include economic development, tourism, preservation and education.

Annual Report
Idaho Code requires an annual report to the governor on the financial condition and management of the department. The report is to be submitted by Dec. 1, or at such time as the governor requires.

The draft report was presented to the board last month for review. Some changes were made to the document and it was presented for approval at the October meeting.

The board approved the report, which includes information such as demographics, accomplishments, innovative business practices, and information on investing the additional revenue approved during this past legislative session.

Special Recognitions
Several award ceremonies were also on the agenda.

In the morning, the board participated in the Employee Service Awards, which also featured the Maintenance Person of the Year, the Safety (Group) Person of the Year, and American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators' awards. Board Chairman Jerry Whitehead spoke briefly on the importance of a good reputation – and maintaining a good reputation. That was followed by the Excellence in Transportation Awards.

In the afternoon, the Innovate ITD! program presented the best department innovations in seven categories: safety, mobility, economic opportunity, cost savings, time savings, customer service and employee development.