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Board learns of move to electronic bidding

ITD is making a transition to an electronic bidding system for highway construction projects.

Gary Moles, former Roadway Design Area Engineer, explained to board members recently the department’s initial efforts in moving to an electronic system that will enhance the bidding process. Moles spoke at the April 20 board meeting in Lewiston.

An electronic bidding process – “Bid Express” – will provide more convenience and improve accuracy of the bids, he said. The process will save ITD money on printing and mailing plans; the system also will check for errors, do math calculations and enforce business rules.

Funding has been secured, and Idaho Code revised to allow this bidding process. Moles said the software should be installed in June; training will follow for ITD staff and the contracting community.

ITD staff expects the highly secure electronic bidding process to be operational by January 2007.

Other board discussion

Landscaping Project
More than two decades ago, District 4 joined the city of Stanley in an effort to landscape the junction of Idaho 75 and Idaho 21 in Stanley. As with many projects, the landscaping was waylaid by turnover among elected officials and city administrations.

Led by former Gov. Cecil Andrus, the project recently was given new life, and interest has grown in landscaping the site. The intersection is the confluence of three scenic byways: the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (SB), the Sawtooth SB, and the Salmon River SB.

The transportation board approved funding up to $100,000 in FY07 state funds for the project. District 4 will enter into a maintenance agreement with the city of Stanley, with the latter accepting responsibility for maintenance after the project is completed.

Dynamic Message Signs
Assistance Chief Engineer-Operations Greg Laragan summarized for board members the use of dynamic message signs (DMS) throughout the state.

DMS can be programmed with changing messages, tailored to weather, road or other conditions. The purpose is to provide information to motorists so they may respond to unexpected traffic and roadway conditions, incidents and minor traffic impacts.

The department based its guidelines for use of these signs on the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and memoranda issued by the Federal Highway Administration, which recommend that DMS not be used on a continuous basis. It also recommended against displaying messages that are unrelated to traffic control.

However, ITD guidelines provide for occasional messages not directly related to traffic operations. For example, District 3 has used DMS several times as part of a targeted safety campaign sponsored by the Office of Traffic and Highway Safety.

Wayfinding System
Wayfinding is a communication strategy to direct travelers. Its elements are a series of visual, editorial and environmental cues to help visitors navigate and experience a scenic byway without confusion and conflict.

Consultant Mary Jahn summarized plans to use the Wayfinding system for the Northwest Passage All American Road, which includes U.S. 12 and Idaho 13 in District 2. The document is being circulated for public review and comment.

Among the recommendations outlined by Jahn were: