Study, Public Input Key To Traffic Solution

Sat., Sept. 30, 2000

Barbara Babic Special To Handle

A trip to Seattle or another major city oftentimes is a reminder of how good we have it in North Idaho. The traffic congestion you experience there can be overwhelming.

We have a few traffic challenges in North Idaho now. Like larger metropolitan areas, the Coeur d’Alene/Hayden corridor along U.S. Highway 95 is becoming increasingly congested due to population growth. While we aren’t experiencing the residential boom like Seattle, we are growing and it is impacting our ability to get around.

U.S. 95, when it was built, was designed for through traffic. No traffic signals were in place and the roadway handled the capacity quite well.

Traffic signals then were placed along the route but the capacity was reduced due to the cars observing the signals and local side traffic entering the roadway. Now the service level for this stretch of road, based on a system of A being perfect and F being failure, rates at a D or E in some areas and an F at intersections such as Appleway and the Interstate 90 ramps.

We believe our community has an opportunity to find solutions to the traffic challenges before they become too costly. The U.S. 95 North Coeur d’Alene Corridor planning process has been started. The purpose of this 18-month study is to examine how U.S. 95 operates today and examine the need for future changes. A key component to this planning process is your involvement.

The Idaho Transportation Department recognizes the challenges being faced along U.S. 95 are regional in scope and has developed a process to gather broad input to solve these challenges. It includes a considerable effort to reach out to the community through the development of study groups made up of local business people, elected officials and transportation experts as well as you - the main users of this highway. Early and continuous involvement on your part will help us craft a plan that truly is reflective of the community.

A recent survey of area residents revealed that traffic congestion is one of the most significant issues facing our region. Becoming part of the process to find a solution to this challenge is the next step for all of us.

You can now take the survey ITD conducted a few weeks ago in order for us to gather additional input. Log on to www.whpprojects.com/us95 and tell us what you think. This Web site, along with newsletters and upcoming public open houses, will be your link to information on the study and your way to communicate with ITD on the future of this roadway.

Now is the opportunity for us to shape a plan that meets our region’s transportation needs in the future.

This sidebar appeared with the story: THE EXPLAINER

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