Project Facts

Project Number: A009(963)
Key Number: 09963

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is examining a corridor between I-84 and the junction of Idaho 44 and Idaho 16 for a potential new roadway. As western Ada and eastern Canyon counties develop, the ability to move north-south traffic is a primary concern. The project will provide a vital north-south link in the Treasure Valley.

Description

The study will complete:

Preliminary engineering
Environmental documentation that identifies impacts to the surrounding area
Preferred alternative identification

This corridor study will be guided by local entities that have authority over transportation and land-use decisions. The public will have a major role throughout the process. The ITD Corridor Planning Guide, ITD Public Involvement Guidebook and the ITD Context-Sensitive Solutions Guidebook will set the standards for this study. ITD and the Federal Highway Administration will make the ultimate improvement decisions.

Background

In 2001, the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) and ITD completed a cooperative planning effort called the I-84 Corridor Study. The study examined the transportation system needs for the I-84 corridor from the WYE Interchange to Idaho 44 west of Caldwell.

The study recommended specific improvements that warranted further evaluation. The extension of Idaho 16 was one of those improvements.

Funding

The study is funded through the initial Grant Anticipated Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds that were authorized by the 2006 Legislature. Funds for design, construction, and right-of-way may be allocated through other projects. Phase I right-of-way and design has been funded under the Idaho 16, U.S. 20/26 to Idaho 44 Project.

Schedule

The study is underway, and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was approved for public distribution on June 5, 2009. The DEIS is available for review (see "Draft Environmental Impact Statement" to the right on this page). A public hearing was held July 8, 2009. Public comments were received by the August 7, 2009 close-of-comment period. Comments from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were received on August 25, 2009. Legal Sufficiency Review will occur after January 2010.

It is anticipated that a Record of Decision (ROD) regarding environmental clearance for the project will be issued by June 2010.

Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is committed to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related regulations and directives. ITD assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any ITD service, program, or activity. The department also assures that every effort will be made to prevent discrimination through the impacts of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. In addition, the department will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for persons with Limited English Proficiency.