June meeting of Idaho Transportation Board featured flying construction signs, Covid traffic, D3 challenges/achievements, surplus property, new policy for ITD vehicles

Wayward construction signs, Covid-related traffic volumes and offenses, District 3 challenges and highlights, disposal of surplus property, and a new policy governing use of electronic equipment while operating ITD vehicles highlighted the June 17 meeting of the Idaho Transportation Board. The meeting, as all of them have been for the last several months, was held virtually due to Covid-19 concerns. As safety is the department's highest priority, the meeting began by sharing a safety message:

Safety Share
Mountain Home Maintenance Foreman Carl Vaughn reported on an incident where a sign in a construction zone on Interstate 84 was not secure. During high winds, the sign came loose and lodged itself in the windshield of a commercial motor vehicle (see below).

Covid and Traffic Impacts
The board heard about impacts the COVID-19 virus is having on transportation.

Traffic counts began dropping statewide almost immediately upon Governor Little’s stay-at-home order issued on March 25. Traffic was down 38% initially, but has slowly been increasing. Commercial traffic was down about 13.3% in April, but rebounded fairly quickly. In May the commercial traffic was only down about 2.4%.

The decreased traffic also had an impact on fatalities. In April, there were 9 fatalities. During the pandemic, aggressive driving has been a national concern. Presumably due to the lower volumes of traffic, motorists have been speeding excessively.

Corporal Kyle Wills with the Boise Police Department reported that law enforcement officers observed multiple speeds daily in excess of 100 mph on I-84 and I-184 (The Connector), as well as double and triple the speed limits on other surface streets. Boise Police Department and Idaho State Police partnered to focus on speeding in the greater Boise area and enforcing traffic laws in construction zones.

District 3 Report
District 3 Engineer Caleb Lakey reported on his initiation as the new District Engineer. He assumed the position in February and in March started dealing with the impacts of COVID-19, the Governor’s stay-at-home order, and an earthquake, which also resulted in an avalanche that closed ID-21. Employees began returning to the office earlier this month and will continue to return in phases. He commended the maintenance crews for their response to the earthquake and avalanche. 

The district is continuing to experience extensive growth. In FY20, 636 permits were issued for encroachments, special events, developments, and access. This compares to 594 permits processed in FY19. Among other district highlights, 13 of the 14 FY21 projects were delivered on time, and roads were clear of snow and ice 84% of the time.

Surplus Property Disposal
The board learned about the process to dispose of surplus property. Surplus property is land under the Department’s jurisdiction that is not needed or is no longer useful or usable for any current or future purpose. It may originate from uneconomic remainders, used materials sites, and existing right of way that becomes unnecessary due to the reconstruction of a road.

The disposal process consists of offering the property to a tax-supported agency or political subdivision first. If an entity acquires the property, but ceases to use it for public purposes, the property is to revert back to ITD. If there is no interest from a tax-supported agency or political subdivision, the property is offered to an adjoining property owner at the fair market value as a minimum. If more than one adjoining property owner is interested in the property, the interested parties bid on the parcel. If there is no interest from adjoining property owners, the land may be made available for a public sale.

Policy Update
The board also concurred with the establishment of Administrative Policy 5558, which governs use of electronic devices while driving and operating ITD vehicles and equipment. It was patterned after a director’s memo prohibiting the use of cell phones or other messaging devices, including hands-free, while operating ITD vehicles or equipment. It addresses the use of new technology, such as GPS map and guidance systems, wired and Bluetooth video and music players, while driving ITD vehicles or operating ITD-owned or leased equipment.

All policies can be found on Share Point under Policy Finder:  http://itdportal/sites/Admin/BSM3/PolicyFinder/default.aspx

Published 06-26-20