9/5/2012
Public invited to view final design for Idaho 75-Timber Way to Big Wood River Bridge
KETCHUM – An open house is planned Thursday, Sept. 13 for public review of the final design for the Idaho 75 – Timber Way to Big Wood River Bridge project, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Those interested in the project may drop by anytime during the session to view displays and discuss the project with ITD and design-team representatives. The meeting will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kentwood Lodge in Ketchum (180 Main St. South).
The project is the first to be developed as outlined in the Timmerman to Ketchum Final Environmental Impact Statement (Idaho 75 EIS), completed in August 2008 with the subsequent Record of Decision. Design elements are based on the Idaho 75 EIS concept plans. Construction on the fully funded project is planned to begin next spring.
Improvements include widening Idaho 75 to two lanes in each direction with an intermittent center turn lane for access to residences and businesses. It also will include widening shoulders to eight feet, deceleration lanes at Gimlet, Cold Springs and Broadway Run South intersections and drainage control facilities. The traffic signal at Idaho 75 and Hospital Drive also will be improved.
The final design includes specific lane and intersection configurations, right of way and driveway locations, drainage facilities and retaining wall and noise/landscaping wall in the southwest area of the project. Highlights of the environmental areas that were evaluated during design such as wetlands, historic and cultural resources, noise and visual considerations also will be available.
During the meeting, ITD will also accept public comment on a revised plan for wetland mitigation for the Idaho 75 Timmerman to Ketchum Corridor. The plan alters the Environmental Impact Statement/Record of Decision to replace the mitigation area located at Boulder Flats.
Questions regarding the meeting or the project can be sent to ITD project manager Mike Scott at mike.scott@itd.idaho.gov or by phone at (208) 886-7806. Information on the project also is available at http://www.itd.idaho.gov/Projects/D4/Idaho75TimmermanToKetchum/timberway.asp.