Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutITD Comments ',,' ~/ TRANSPORTATION BOARD Charles Winder Chakman John X. Combo Vice Chairman District 6 John MCHugh District 1 Bruce Sweeney District 2 Monte McClure District 3 Gary Blick District 4 Neil Miller District 5 David Ekern, P.E. Director Sue Higgins BosrrJ Secretary IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 8028 Boise, 10 83707-2028 (208) 334-8300 , itd.idaho.gov "FAX 586 - h844 March 30, 2006 City of Meridian Planning Department , 660 E. Watertower Lane, Suite 202 Meridian, JD 83642 RECEIVED AP"f\' G 5 2006 ('" I'-'~ \ <:-:.' / OF MERIDIAN -n!\ "I r:::r).'/r'-,-- -- \-.-,-- :_--- '-', "- '.." . Jr-,.. Re: ANNEX / REZONE / PRE PLAT I CUP Location: Southwest corner of US 20/26 and Jericho Rd. Route: US Highway 20/26 Name: Hightower Subdivision (Hightower, LLC; Applicant) Case: AZ 06-003; PP 06-003; CUP 06-004 Dear Zoning Administrator: The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the above referenced application, transmitted 3/17/06, regarding the applicant's request for the annexation and zoning of 24.03 acres, located on the Southwest corner of US 20/26 and JE?richo Road, Meridian, 10; Initial comments transmitted in February '06. Revised Setback Condition: The applicant should provide for a setback of Z2: from the centerline of the existing right of way to accommodate the future expansion of the corridor to four lanes. This revision follows a meeting between ITO, COMPASS (as US 20-26 Corridor Preservation Study project manager) and the developer. Due to existing right of way constraints (in particular at Castlebury Subdivsion to the north), I believe we will need to construct an urban section with curb, gutter and sidewalk west to Meridian Road. The 70' setback will be adequate for that section. Please note: I am personally not in favor of this typical section for the full corridor length. I have estimated the cost to the state for a Btormsewer VB. land acquisition for a roadside drainage awale. The costs are to the state are comparable. The drainage swale is a better long term Investment, and also provides water quality benefits, a sustainable design, minimal maintenance issues and better long term flexibility. Our first public meeting is May 10 and 11. The public, including the development community, will have the opportunity to provide input for the future design options at that time. An urban section will be an option on the table. Traffic Impact Study and requirements for mitigation: To the best of my knowledge, developer participation In the Chinden accelerationl deceleration lanes, center turn bays and intersection signalization has not been finalized. Preliminary Plat approval should be conditioned on the ITD permit conditions when approved. , -.;;;' ~-'- Collector Road -- Regarding the parallel collector: the west Macau Street is not quite the collector facility I hoped for. For the near term it will work. In twenty years the traffic volumes on the highway may require restricted turning movements at th,e half mile roads in order to facilitate traffic flow on the highway. For example, no left out turns would allow more green signal time for the through highway traffic. If/when this left turn movement is restricted, the westbound driver would want to continue west on the collector road to get toward the destination. The potential future traffic, and type of trip, on those collector roads should be a consideration in the site design. That said, if it has the approval of ACHD, I will not continue to comment on this issue. Contacts . Sue Sullivan Kevin Sablan Senior Planner Traffic Engineer 334-8955 334-8340 Sincerely, ~ ~I/(~ Sue Sullivan Sr. Transportation Planner