Highway projects expedited

COEUR d'ALENE – The Idaho Transportation Board on Thursday approved a resolution at its meeting in Coeur d’Alene that will expedite approximately $180 million of highway construction projects in key corridors to improve mobility, safety and economic opportunity for Idahoans.

“With low interest rates, the need to improve safety, grow the economy through construction jobs, remove bottlenecks to commerce and improve traffic flow, the board decided unanimously to advance these projects,” said Jerry Whitehead, chairman of the Idaho Transportation Board. “Saving money and putting it right back on the road reflects well on the people and management of the Transportation Department.”

The projects that will be advanced through:

• department efficiencies, cost savings, and cash management;

• lower-than-anticipated costs in all of the department’s construction programs;

• inflation and interest savings; and a

• transportation board decision to issue GARVEE bonds totaling $80 million.

Projects selected for advancement in the Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP) include:

• improvements to U.S. 2 in Sandpoint that will improve safety and mobility;

• realigning seven miles of U.S. 95 from Thorn Creek to Moscow;

• reconstructing the Meridian, Broadway and Gowen interchanges on I-84 in the Treasure Valley;

• restoring pavement on I-84 between the Meridian Interchange and Five Mile Road;

• completing the I-84/U.S. 93 interchange near Twin Falls;

• constructing a new interchange on U.S. 20 in eastern Idaho; and

• adding a turn bay on Idaho 39 west of Blackfoot.

Interest rates for Grant Anticipated Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds are currently 4 percent, but are subject to the prevailing rate when bonds are issued.

The Idaho Legislature authorized the Transportation Board to issue up to $855 million in GARVEE bonds that allow Idaho to borrow money for highway projects, then repay it with future federal highway funds.

Project selection was based on readiness, pavement condition, congestion and safety factors.

The U.S. 2 project in Sandpoint from Lake to Cedar streets straightens curves. Estimated cost for the project is $7.5 million. There was no construction date set for this project. Construction now is expected to begin in 2013.

The public will be able to view and comment on the proposed projects in the state’s five-year ITIP by visiting itd.idaho.gov. The project list will be available soon. In addition to making comments online, individuals can mail comments to: Public Involvement Coordinator, ITD Office of Communications, 3311 W. State St., Boise, ID 83707-1129.

Comments also can be e-mailed to: comments@itd.idaho.gov

The Idaho Transportation Board anticipates making a final decision on the transportation program at its September business meeting.