BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is hosting a public hearing Jan. 3 to gather comment on proposed improvements to I-15 and the surrounding area.

The hearing will be at the City of Chubbuck City Council Chambers, 5160 Yellowstone Avenue in Chubbuck, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The hearing will be an open-house format that allows individuals to view information and visit with project staff anytime between those hours.

The transportation department completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate interstate access and congestion. A range of preliminary concepts were presented at public meetings in April 2005 and June 2006.

Following an initial screening, a total of nine “build” alternatives plus a No Action alternative were studied further. Based on engineering studies, environmental studies and public input, a preferred alternative has been selected which includes a new interchange at milepost 73.4 near Siphon Road and a northbound collector-distributor road along I-15. The preferred alternative also includes extending Siphon Road east from Hiline Road to I-15 and continuing east and south to connect to Olympus Drive at its intersection with Chubbuck Road. The No Action Alternative and the preferred alternative are evaluated in the Environmental Assessment.

Rapid growth in the northeastern bench and northern Chubbuck areas has caused congestion at the interstate access points at the Chubbuck Interchange on I-86 at U.S. 91, and at the Pocatello Creek Interchange on I-15. The study area is approximately bounded on the south by the I-15/I-86 WYE and on the north by 2 1/2 Mile Road. The study area also includes potential connecting roads and ramps at potential interchange locations. Local improvement options not using I-15 also were considered.

It is anticipated the project will be built in multiple phases as funding becomes available. Acquisition of right-of-way will occur during the project development of each phase.

ITD would like interested individuals, agencies, groups and the community to provide comment and testimony on the proposed location, design and environmental effects of the proposed improvements. Written testimony, statements or exhibits will become part of the official record if postmarked by Jan. 24, 2013. Comments can be submitted at the hearing, e-mailed to comments@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to: Adam Rush, ITD Office of Communications, 3311 W. State Street, Boise, ID  83707.

The Environmental Assessment and additional information can be found online at: http://www.itd.idaho.gov. Click on Projects; Southeast Idaho; then I-15 Environmental Study.