Riggins rockslide, D6 accomplishments, DMV online adjustments, public transit representation highlight last week’s Idaho Transportation Board meeting
The massive US-95 rockslide, a report on D6 activities, DMV online adjustments, and public transit regional representation were highlighted at the Idaho Transportation Board’s July meeting last week in Pocatello.
District 6 Annual Report
District 6 presented its annual report, with District Engineer Jason Minzghor commending maintenance crews for their valuable service. This past winter, there were 26 road closures lasting up to four days, on 10 different sections of state highways. There was also a major wind storm in May, with gusts up to 70 mph that significantly reduced visibility due to blowing dust and closed ID-33.
The 654 design build team was recognized for it its work on 17 bridges in the three districts. The lone contract saved time and money by consolidating required design elements. The Team received the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence Award due to the exemplary partnering and collaboration with stakeholders. Other district activities are 12 major construction projects underway this year, and a Planning & Environmental Linkage study on the I-15 and US-20 interchange to identify and analyze corridor improvements to address safety, congestion, mobility, and travel time reliability in Idaho Falls.
District 2 Rock Slide
District 2 provided an update on the rock slide (pictured above) that initially closed US-95 south of Riggins on July 3. A loop around the slide area to allow limited travel on the highway was constructed; however, the slope above the highway continued to shift, and another rock slide closed that temporary traffic lane. Scaling crews on the slope evaluated the damage and assessed the area. In addition to removing the slide from the highway, a substantial amount of the hill above the highway will need to be removed before the highway can open to public travel.
The board approved adding a $10 million project to FY21 of the Idaho Transportation Investment Program for temporary and permanent rock slide mitigation. Construction is expected to start on the expedited project in mid-August.
Petition for Expanded On-Line Renewals
The Coronavirus health pandemic is disrupting the day-to-day operations of county motor vehicle license renewal outlets throughout the state. Many DMV offices are at limited capacity due to social-distancing requirements and general restrictions on in-person contact. Face-to-face contact is a constant health and safety concern at this time, and restricted or limited in-person access is anticipated through the end of 2020.
Idahoans should be able to renew their driver’s license in a timely manner, but the limited capacity is challenging license renewal services. In order to enhance public safety and help with the demand, additional electronic renewal options should be added temporarily. Because Idaho Code allows the waiver o
f certain rules via a petition, the Division of Motor Vehicles presented a petition to this effect. The board approved waiving portionsof IDAPA Rule 39.02.076.011, Rules Governing Driver’s License and Identification Card Renewal-by-Mail and Electronic Renewal and Replacement Processes – Eligibility for Renewal and Replacement. This action should enhance public safety and help with the demand for these services through the end of 2020.
Public Transportation Advisory Council (PTAC) Appointments
The board also approved three appointments to the PTAC at its meeting. Maureen Gresham and Kathleen Lewis were re-appointed to three-year terms representing Districts 3 and 5, respectively. The former District 6 PTAC member resigned, so Rick Miller was appointed to fill that term, which expires in June 2021.
PTAC was created via Idaho Code to advise the department on issues and policies regarding public transportation. The council is comprised of six members, one from each ITD district.
Published 07-22-20