Highway safety, D4 relocation, and wildlife crossings highlight
Sept. Idaho Transportation Board meeting

Highway safety partnerships, location of the District 4 office, and discussions about wildlife crossings at Targhee Pass highlighted the Sept. 12-13 Idaho Transportation Board meeting in District 6.

Board tour
The last tour of the year started at the Idaho Falls power plant. Idaho Falls has been generating electricity for its residents for over 100 years.

The board also traveled to Sugar City to visit the new ProPEAT fertilizer plant and Pocock Trucking’s facility. The trucking company is concerned with the at-grade intersection with US-20, since it can be difficult for the trucks to turn onto or cross the four-lane highway.

Highway Safety  
At the business meeting in the District 6 office Sept. 13, the board heard about Highway Safety’s partnership with the Idaho Falls Chukars. The professional baseball team has been a great partner in promoting highway safety. It has embraced the "Shift" campaign and includes the Shift logo on game tickets and programs.

The board also recognized Clark and Teton counties for recording zero highway fatalities last year. The sheriffs, commissioners, Idaho State Police, and ITD’s maintenance crews were recognized for exemplary service keeping the roads and traveling public safe.

District 4 Office reconstruction
An update on a new District 4 administration office was provided. Discussions have been held with the Department of Correction and the Military Division, with both agencies desiring to look into the feasibility of locating on the ITD-owned property near the I-84 and US-93 interchange. Preliminary discussions with the city of Jerome on providing utilities to the site have also been held.

A feasibility study was conducted on five potential sites to determine a recommended location for the new office. Plans are to have the board approve the location next month.

The board approved including a $12.5 million line item in the FY20 budget request for the administration office.

US-20, Targhee Pass Project, District 6
District 6 is continuing its efforts to improve safety in the US-20 corridor east of Idaho Falls, with eight projects planned in the next six years.

Five alternatives for the Targhee Pass project have been identified. The main improvements would reconstruct the roadway and add passing lanes. Some alternatives include mitigation for wildlife. The environmental assessment, with the preferred alternative, should be released soon.

A number of citizens and officials addressed the board regarding wildlife/vehicle-conflict mitigation efforts. One group has been a strong proponent of constructing wildlife overpasses or underpasses. It is interested in safety, wildlife conservation, and promoting safe wildlife passage.

Another group has been vocal in its opposition to wildlife crossings, saying those features would adversely impact the area’s economy, which relies heavily on recreation and tourism. There are also concerns that crossings and fencing would obstruct the residents’ scenic views.

Published 09-14-18