Eleven
improvement alternatives have been drafted to address
the corridor goals, reflect public comments and satisfy
the corridors operational needs for the next
20 years. Among the alternatives are:
-
Corridor-wide
improvements:
Additional passing lanes and widening shoulders
-
Last
Chance area:
Widen to five lanes, develop frontage road on
the east side
-
Wildlife
crossing areas:
Improve
warning signs, enhance fencing
-
Left
turn improvements:
Add left turn lane at Red Rock, maintain existing
left turn lanes
-
Idaho
87/Henrys Lake Residential area:
reduce speed to 45 mph, improve speed limit signs
-
Recreational
access and safety:
New
snowmobile and pedestrian crossing at Henrys
Lake Outlet, add snowmobile crossing signs
near entrances of Harriman State Park, Yale-Kilgore
Road and Macks Inn
|
Two public information meetings about a corridor study along
U.S. 20 were held in District 6 this week (April 14 and 15).
The open-house style meetings gave residents the opportunity
to offer feedback on future improvements to the northern reach
of U.S. 20 as it enters Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park.
Ultimately, ITDs goal is to improve the safety of this
stretch of highway, making certain improvements that fit within
the environmental character of the area. Other project goals
are to decrease congestion, minimize environmental impacts
and provide access to the recreational areas that attract
many travelers.
The study area is between the Ashton Bridge and the Montana
state line, and includes a section of Idaho 87 between its
junction with U.S. 20 and the Montana/Idaho state line near
Raynolds Pass.
The U.S. 20 Corridor planning process began in February 2003,
and aims to identify improvements that will meet transportation
needs for the next 20 years. Local communities, agencies and
stakeholders have been involved in the process to identify
needs, determine alternatives and reach agreement on recommended
improvements.
U.S. 20 is the primary gateway to Yellowstone National Park
and provides access to major resorts and scenic byways in
Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.
For more information about the project, visit www.US20plan.com