5/31/2013
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Changes set for Idaho 16 to improve driver safety
BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is taking steps to improve driver safety along Idaho 16, starting with a speed-limit reduction.
The speed limit will be reduced from 65 mph to 55 mph in a stretch of Idaho 16 near Star, from the junction with Idaho 44 (State Street) north to approximately milepost 4. The reduction may result in fewer crashes, or reduce the severity of crashes. The speed limit is already 55 mph on the north end of the route near Emmett.
There have been 31 crashes in the last five years in that area, not
counting those related to the intersections. There are seven intersections in that four-mile
stretch. Including the intersection-related crashes brings the total to 55 incidents in the
last five years.
ITD reminds drivers to not drive impaired, remain attentive, use caution, slow down and be courteous when driving near other motorists.
The Idaho State Police, Ada County Sheriff’s office and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols and enforcement in the area to support the speed-limit change.
ITD recently completed a roadway safety analysis of Idaho 16 with its partners, including local law enforcement, the Federal Highway Administration, the Ada County Highway District, emergency service providers and others.
Several other changes are also recommended in the near term (next six months) as a result of the collaboration:
- Upgrade and improve visibility of existing signs
- Review speed limits throughout the Idaho 16 corridor
- More frequent patrols by law enforcement
- Work with local planning and zoning agencies to promote more stringent access-management standards along the highway
- Install breakaway sign supports that are more vehicle friendly in the event of a crash
- Widen centerline and edgeline pavement markings and striping on curved sections to increase visibility
- Reevaluate no-passing zones near Firebird Raceway
- Review placement of stop-bar locations at intersections
- Remove roadside vegetation when possible to eliminate line-of-sight obstructions
- Investigate adding lighting to intersections for safety
Transportation department efforts - combined with those of law enforcement, emergency responders, engineering improvements to highways and vehicles, and education campaigns - have contributed to a decrease in crashes and fatalities on Idaho highways in recent years.