8/13/2014
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Friday ceremony for Idaho 16 extension features historical perspectives, vision
BOISE - The ribbon cutting Friday (Aug. 15) for the new Idaho 16 extension connecting State Street to Chinden Boulevard and the rare north-south crossing of the Boise River in western Ada County also will feature a glimpse of the historical perspectives and vision that fueled the project.
Speeches will begin with former state
representative Kathy Skippen, who was a driving force behind an
extension of the highway and ambassador for the project. Next to speak
will be current Idaho Senator Chuck Winder, former Idaho Transportation
Board Chairman. Winder had a unique, inside look at the beginning of
project discussions, and as representative of the people for the last
several years, has fielded countless constituent questions. The final
speakers will be Idaho Lt. Governor Brad Little and Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, who will frame the
project in terms of the importance of keeping up with or ahead of
addressing the infrastructure needs of the growing Treasure Valley, the
economic development and practical day-to-day advantages of extending
Idaho 16, and commitment to the project.
The event begins at 10:16 a.m., just south of the new bridge. Click here for a map of the event site.
People are invited to walk the new route starting at 9:30 a.m. Drivers wishing to attend the ceremony must enter from the Chinden end, which intersects about two miles west of Ten Mile Road. Conversely, drivers must travel to and use a right turn on State Street when exiting after the ceremony. This is being done in the interest of safety until traffic lights are fully operational in the afternoon. Law enforcement will be on hand to ensure compliance and to guide motorists.
At the conclusion of the event, Valley Corvettes will provide rides for the event speakers, elected representatives and community leaders to be first group to cross the new bridge and drive on the new Idaho 16 alignment. The new route will officially open to traffic prior to the evening’s commute.
With the huge bridge across the Boise River and the connections to State and Chinden complete, supporters envision the highway eventually connecting Emmett with Interstate 84.