HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-01 ITD Scott Wheaton Approach 1DAH0
* * Your Safety • Your Mobility IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Ma : P.O. Box 8028 • Boise, ID 83707-2028
Your Economic Opportunity (208)334-8300 • itd.idaho.gov
August 26, 2020
Scott Wheaton
5615 W. Chinden Blvd
Meridian, ID 83642
allwetinc@vahoo.com
RE: Permit#3-13-280
Residential Approach
VIA EMAIL
Dear Mr. Wheaton,
The Pollard Subdivision (City of Meridian Application#H-2019-0021) is moving forward with its development north of
US-20/26 on Levi Lane.The development contains a mixture of residential and commercial/office uses.The Idaho
Transportation Department (ITD) reviewed this development's traffic impact study during Meridian's development
application process and agreed that a traffic signal is warranted at the intersection of US-20/26 and Levi Lane to
maintain safety for entering and exiting vehicles.
The traffic signal is planned for construction in 2021. Your existing residential approach is only 150ft upstream from
the future traffic signal.The proximity of your approach to the signal presents several safety concerns.
1.) The traffic signal will result in a dedicated eastbound left turn lane.Any left-turning movements across the
dedicated left turn lane to either enter or exit your approach are unsafe.
2.) Your existing approach would be within a future eastbound right turn lane. ITD strives to keep turn lanes
free of interim approaches because rear end crashes often occur when drivers encounter an unexpected
midpoint turning movement.
During the Levi Lane traffic signal project,your residential approach onto US 20/26 shall be removed to eliminate the
above described safety concerns. Your parcel has access to Levi Lane and the future traffic signal shall provide you with
even safer turning movements.The background documentation on Permit#3-13-280 states that your residential
approach was permitted due to your safety concerns of inadequate storage space at the US 20/26 and Levi Lane
intersection to safely accommodate your vehicle while hauling horse trailers. Those were valid concerns with the
US 20/26 lane configurations available in 2013.The improvements being made at the US 20/26 and Levi Lane
intersection next year shall provide you and others with a safer public road intersection.The traffic signal project shall
also result in some widening improvements on Levi Lane to include a dedicated northbound left turn lane and joint
northbound thru/ right turn lane.
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1DAH0
* * Your Safety • Your Mobility IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Ma : P.O. Box 8028 • Boise, ID 83707-2028
Your Economic Opportunity (208)334-8300 • itd.idaho.gov
If you have any questions regarding the timing of the traffic signal, please reach out to me by phone or email at
208-334-8340 or Justin.Price@itd.idaho.gov. For questions regarding the Pollard Subdivision, it is best for you to reach
out to the city of Meridian.They are the local land use agency that worked with the Pollard Subdivision through the
city's development application process. ITD only has authority to ensure that new development mitigate the impacts
they have to the State Highway System.
Sincerely,
oqustin Cftice
Justin Price
Idaho Transportation Department
Traffic Manager
cc.
Sonya Allen—City of Meridian
John Ringert— Kittelson &Associates
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