HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-07 AgendaPacket-Transportation Commission Meeting-April 7, 2025 3.30 PM
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Monday, April 07, 2025 at 3:30 PM
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Agenda
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ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_____ David Ballard _____ Kelly Bruner, Ex-Officio – ACHD
_____ Zachary Shoemaker _____ Lila Klopfenstein, Ex-Officio – COMPASS
_____ Ryan Lancaster _____ Miranda Carson, Ex-Officio – WASD
_____ Walter Steed _____ Kate Dahl, Ex-Officio – VRT
_____ Tracy Hopkins _____ Justin Price, Ex-Officio - ITD
_____ Stephen Lewis _____ Sgt. Tara Smith – Police
_____ Jared Smith _____ Tishra Murray – Legal
_____ Tom LeClaire _____ Hether Hill – Community Development
_____ Lilly Miller
1. Introduction of ACHD Liaison - Kelly Bruner
ADOPTION OF AGENDA [ACTION ITEM]
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
2. Approval of Minutes - March 3, 2025
OLD BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
3. Transportation Project Updates
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
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4. Transportation Commission 2024 End of Year Report
5. Ex-Officio Updates
6. Staff Communications
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
7. ACHD Master Street Map Changes – Arterial Corridor Preservation (Cherry Lane)
8. Capital Investments Citizens Advisory Committee (CICAC) Update
9. Baraya Subdivision
10. Transportation Commission Bylaws
11. ACHD Queuing Analysis
12. SH-69, Kuna to Meridian - Corridor Traffic Study
NEXT MEETING - May 5, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
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Meeting Minutes
Meridian Transportation Commission
Monday, March 3, 2025
Council Chambers – Meridian City Hall 33 East Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho
Roll Call
MEMBERS
☒David Ballard ☒Walter Steed ☒Zach Shoemaker
☒Ryan Lancaster ☒Stephen Lewis ☒Tracy Hopkins
☒Jared Smith ☒Tom LeClaire ☐Lilly Miller
EX-OFFICIO
☒Matt Degan (ACHD) ☒Lila Klopfenstein (COMPASS) ☒Miranda Carson (WASD)
☒Alissa Taysom (VRT) ☐Justin Price (ITD)
OTHERS PRESENT
☐Sgt. Tara Smith (Police) ☒ Tishra Murray (Legal) ☐Hether Hill (Comm. Dev.)
Adoption of the Agenda
No changes were made to the agenda. Motion to approve by Commissioner Lewis, 2nd by
Commissioner Ballard - all ayes.
Approval of Minutes
1. January 6, 2025
Motion to approve by Commissioner Hopkins, 2nd by Commissioner Lewis- all ayes.
Old Business Items
2. Transportation Projects Update – Hether Hill
Ms. Hill began on Page 6 of the packet and recommended the Commission review the updates
provided in bolded text through page 12. Ms. Hill noted ITD provided several updates for their
projects and that ACHD’s updates on the Meridian Downtown Pedestrian Improvements Projects
are on page 9.
New Business Items
3. Meridian Intersection Pedestrian Safety (MIPS) Project Updates
Ms. Hill provided an update on MIPS projects following a presentation to City Council on
February 25th: 13 crosswalks will be marked with thermoplastic paint and two projects,
consisting of pedestrian ramp improvements and sidewalk repairs, are also moving forward.
Ms. Hill noted there are several other opportunities to address site vision triangle issues and
that at least 12 other projects will require further coordination/review/scoping with ACHD
and/or ITD.
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Item 2.
4. 2025 Roadway, Intersection and Community Program Prioritization
Ms. Hill provided a recap of the discussion with City Council on February 25 th pertaining to the
draft priority list for ACHD’s 2026-2030 FYP. Ms. Hill highlighted the TC’s methodology for
prioritizing projects and Council’s discussion about identifying a priority corridor (Locust Grove
Rd. vs. Meridian Rd.) which prompted discussion amongst the TC . Ms. Hill informed the TC that
she would be back before Council on March 11th with revised draft lists and to receive a formal
recommendation of the final list to send to ACHD by March 19th.
5. Ex-Officio Updates
Lila Klopfenstein – Provided updates on the upcoming public comment period related to
proposed changes to the FY2025-2031 Regional Transportation Improvement Program;
highlighted the regional safety campaign “Good Move” as part of the 2025 Regional Safety Action
Plan; and provided survey information for the “Move What Matters!” survey to help COMPASS
prioritize transportation investments.
Kate Dahl – VRT is working to develop three transit scenarios to build transit routes for Valley
Connect 3.0; they are developing cost estimates and a facility assessment based on new routes;
and Elaine Clegg (CEO of VRT) is building a coalition with public transit agencies around the state.
Miranda Carson – Bussing continues; boundary changes planned for 2026-2027 school year;
Pleasant View Elementary will have a cap on enrollment; WASD is working with ACHD on install
pedestrian ramps near a school.
Matt Degan – AHCD is busy with construction projects - several in Meridian.
6. Staff Communications
None.
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
7. ACHD Master Street Map Changes – Arterial Corridor Preservation (Cherry Lane)
8. Capital Investments Citizens Advisory Committee (CICAC) Update
9. Baraya Subdivision
10. Transportation Commission Bylaws
11. ACHD Queuing Analysis
Next Meeting Date: April 7, 2025
Adjournment; 4:16pm – Motion by Commissioner Hopkins, 2nd by Commissioner Ballard - all
ayes.
(AUDIO RECORDING AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
APPROVED:
_______________________ _______________
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Item 2.
WALTER STEED, CHAIR DATE
ATTEST:
________________________ _______________
CHRIS JOHNSON (City Clerk) DATE
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Item 2.
MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
From: Hether Hill, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: April 7, 2025
Topic: Transportation Project Updates
Below is a summary/update on some of the transportation and roadway City Staff has been involved
with recently. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather highlights some of the more important activities
that have recently transpired (or are about to occur) in the transportation realm. St aff will be at the
Transportation Commission meeting to discuss some of these topics in more detail. Please feel free to
contact staff should you have any comments, concerns, or questions on any of these projects. New
information is in bold.
KEY ACHD PROJECTS
ACHD Integrated Five-Year Work Program: The adopted 2025-2029 IFYWP can be found here:
https://engage.achdidaho.org/integrated-five-year-work-plan-ifywp-2025-
2029?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govDelivery The IFYWP will now called the
Five Year Plan (FYP). The 2026-2030 FYP prioritization process is kicking off with more informat ion to
come. Partner agency project requests were sent to ACHD on March 18, 2025.
Amity Rd and Locust Grove Rd & Amity Road, Meridian to Locust Grove: These projects were
presented to the ACHD Commission on September 13th to discuss the projects status, questions and
concerns from the public, and the letters the City has submitted. Project future is currently unknown
with indefinite pause pending new direction from the ACHD Commission. Project Website:
https://engage.achdidaho.org/amity-road-and-locust-grove-road-intersection
City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development
Eagle Road, Lake Hazel to Amity: Landscaping within the roundabout at Taconic will be included in the
Cost Share Permit. 95% design is complete. Widen Eagle to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and a
multi-use pathway. Includes a multi-lane roundabout at Eagle Rd and Taconic Dr. Road closures
starting September 16th, with expected completion November 2025. The intersection of Eagle and Lake
Hazel Roads remains closed, as well as Eagle Rd. between Lake Hazel Rd. and Taconic Dr.
Project website: https://engage.achdidaho.org/eagle-road-lake-hazel-road-to-amity-road.
City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development
Fairview, Jericho Road to Eagle & Locust Grove/Fairview Signal: Widen intersection to 9 lanes on
Fairview and 7 lanes on Locust Grove. Widen Fairview to 7 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and Level 3
bike facility. Currently in ROW phase; construction is expected to start 2029. This project is
exceptionally complex with multiple curbs, materials, and elevations. Z-crossing just west of
Fairview/Webb in design. Here is a link to the project website: https://engage.achdidaho.org/fairview-
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Item 3.
avenue-jericho-road-to-eagle-road
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Franklin, McDermott to Black Cat: Widening Franklin Rd to 5 lanes between McDermott Rd and Black
Cat Rd, and improving the intersection of Franklin Rd and McDermott Rd. The Franklin Rd and
McDermott Rd intersection is a joint project with Nampa Highway District No. 1. City/ACHD
partnership on landscaping in the medians/buffers and future location for a “Welcome to Meridian”
sign being considered. Stormwater swales envisioned behind curb. 95% design plan-in-hand scheduled
for August 28th. Design in FY24-25, Right of Way in FY28-29, notice to proceed scheduled for future.
Posted speed to be 35 MPH but no design elements contemplated to support. Here is a link to the
project website: https://engage.achdidaho.org/franklin-road-mcdermott-road-to-black-cat-
road?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govDelivery
City Staff Contact: Hether Hill, Community Development
Lake Hazel Road, Eagle to Cloverdale: Widen Lake Hazel Rd to five 11’ lanes with curb gutter and 10’
detached multiuse path on both sides. Bridge improvement included to remove and replace the
existing bridge over the Ten Mile Creek. Project will include swales adjacent to the roadway. Design is
complete. Design 2022-2023; ROW; 2024; Construction 2027. City to cost share on continuous lighting
within Meridian City limits (not Boise). Project Website:
https://engage.achdidaho.org/lake_hazel_eagle_cloverdale.
City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development
Linder Rd., Overland Rd. to I-84 – Phase 1: Reconstruct and widen the intersection and construct the
new lanes north of the intersection. Additionally, this project will include APS, MUP’s, bulb-outs and
small retaining wall. On 90-day construction bid list for November 2024 with Notice to Proceed
(construction) in February 2025. Phase 1 of the Linder Road Overpass and Roadway Project as early
as mid-March 2025. Notice to Proceed is anticipated for April 7th and work is expected to be
complete in September 2025. Work will include: Reconstructing the Overland Road and Linder Road
intersection, adding sidewalk, bulb-outs and a multi-use pathway. Extending Linder Road north of
Overland to I-84 to prepare for phase 2 when the overpass will be constructed. Constructing an
access road to future stormwater basin.
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Linder Rd., I-84 to Franklin Rd. & Overpass of I-84 – Phase 2: Widen Linder Rd to 5 lanes with a bicycle
and pedestrian facility from Overland Rd to Franklin Rd. Project includes a new I -84 overpass,
improvements to the Overland and Franklin intersections, and connection of W Verbena Dr across
Linder. The City is funding design; design is complete. ROW is programmed at ACHD for 2024 -2025 and
construction is programmed for 2026-2027 in the IFYWP. https://engage.achdidaho.org/linder-road-
overpass-franklin-road-to-overland-road The City has been awarded $4.3M from ITD towards
completion of this project. The City and ACHD have entered into an agreement to spend the Strategic
Initiative Funds in 2025. The second phase of construction is currently programmed to begin late 2026
through 2027. This phase includes the I-84 overpass and the widening of Linder Rd from I-84 to
Franklin Rd.
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
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Item 3.
Linder, Ustick to Pine (concept): The project team met to review concepts. Also, the ACHD Pedestrian
Advisory Group (PAG), ACHD Commissioners, and City staff did an onsite review of the existing
conditions on this stretch of road. In all concepts impacts to some properties would have left
substandard conditions for parking and exacerbated backout parking concerns for all users. New
concepts discussed include 3 and 5-lane designs with shared roads, roundabout couplets for improved
safety/access with turning restrictions, and enhanced speed mitigation features to promote school and
park access. A traditional 5-lane design with the most property acquisitions is also being considered.
The Transportation Commission recommended a 5-lane option to Council. On June 18th, 2024, City
Council gave general support for a traditional 5-lane option. Project Website:
https://engage.achdidaho.org/linder-road-pine-avenue-to-ustick-road.
City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development
McMillan/Black Cat Roundabout: Multi-lane roundabout with truck apron, curb, gutter, and 10-foot-
wide multi-use pathways. Crosswalk at each leg with two stage pedestrian crossings and rectangular
rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at each pedestrian crossing. City is partnering with ACHD on Tier 1
landscape improvements in the RAB (conduit for now, landscape in the future), splitter isl ands and 4-
foot buffer areas. 99% designed. Construction is planned for 2029 in the IFYWP. ACHD installed an
interim signal for the intersection of Black Cat / McMillian in late December as part of the Ustick, Black
Cat to Ten Mile project. The intersection will function as a 2x2 signalized intersection in the interim
until the future RAB project. https://engage.achdidaho.org/mcmillan-and-black-cat-intersection
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Star Road Bridges: Replace two bridges over the Five Mile Creek and Five Mile Feeder. Bridge width will
support future widening to 5-lanes and a type 3 bike facility (MUP). This project is substantially
completed.
Ustick, Ten Mile to Linder: Widen Ustick Rd to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, center medians, and multi-use
pathway from Ten Mile Rd to Linder Rd. Right-of-way is scheduled for 2025 in the adopted IFYWP and
construction is planned for 2026. Median landscaping is being explored by the project team. Concept
includes pedestrian bridge crossing over Five Mile Creek with a signalized crossing at Ustick. Design will
include multiuse pathways. A retaining wall will be necessary along Five Mile Creek. No
sidewalk/pathways along Five Mile Creek where retaining wall to be located; connection will rely on
City pathway on north side of creek (in Bridgetower).
https://engage.achdidaho.org/ustick_ten_mile_linder
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Ustick, Black Cat to Ten Mile: Widen to 5-lanes with center medians. Signalized crossing at Naomi
(location of new ACHD maintenance facility, south of City wastewater facility. Notice to Proceed was
issued November 11th. Black Cat is closed north of Ustick, open south of Ustick. Traffic has been
shifted onto the temporary asphalt on the south side of Ustick – one lane each direction. Irrigation
and seepage bed installation is ongoing. Roadway and sidewalk demo and prep is ongoing on the
north side of Ustick. https://engage.achdidaho.org/ustick_black_cat_ten_mile
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Ustick, Owyhee Storm to Black Cat: Widen to two lanes in each direction, with a center turn lane and
median islands where the center turn lane is not needed for access. Project includes 10 -foot wide
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Item 3.
multi-use pathways on each side, curb and gutter. ROW planned for 2026; construction 2027 in the
current IFYWP. Project cost is estimated at $11M. https://engage.achdidaho.org/ustick-road-owyhee-
storm-avenue-to-black-cat-road
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
ACHD CAPITAL MAINTENANCE
Residential Capital Maintenance includes conducting field reconnaissance and collecting survey data to
determine an improvement strategy for deteriorated/non-compliant facilities such as: pavement,
drainage, pipes, sidewalks, ramps. ACHD aims for bringing the segments up to Complete Streets
standards where possible. Existing non-compliant pedestrian ramp and driveway access points located
along each roadway segment will be identified to be upgraded to meet ADA compliance. Reasonable
attempts will be made to improve each pedestrian ramp as directional, not diagonal.
Meridian Downtown Pavement and Pedestrian Improvements (2025): Formerly named: “FY2022
Residential Capital Maintenance”. The project goal is to rehabilitate pavement and add pedestrian
improvements including sidewalk and bulb-outs. Segments include: W 3rd St, W Pine to north end; E
Broadway Ave, E 3rd to E 6th; W Cherry Ave, NW 4th St to Meridian Rd; W Idaho Ave, W 8th St to N
Meridian Rd; W Maple Ave, W 1st St to N Meridian Rd; W 2nd St, W Cherry Ave to W Cherry Ln; NW 4th
S, W Broadway Ave to Maple Ave. https://engage.achdidaho.org/2025-meridian-downtown-
pavement-and-pedestrian-improvements Segments E Washington Ave, NW 7th to Meridian Rd; NW 7th
St, W Washington St to middle school micro-path (currently adding sidewalk, no pavement rehab,
could change); and W 6th St, W Washington St to W Carlton Ave are also part of this project, but have a
separate web page: https://engage.achdidaho.org/washington-street-and-6th-street On 90-day
construction bid list for October 2024 with Notice to Proceed (construction) in January 2025 , with
expected completion by fall 2025.
- Broadway Ave, E 3rd Street to E 6th Street
o City utility and storm drain work started at NW 4th.
o Demo complete.
o Broadway storm drain installation ongoing.
o Prepping for concrete.
- Cherry Ave, NW 4th Street to Meridian Rd
o Paving this week – reopening next week.
- Idaho Ave, W 8th St to Meridian Rd
- Maple Ave, W 1st Street to Meridian Rd
o Paving this week – reopening next week.
- Washington St, NW 7th Street to Meridian Rd
o Grade prep and demo ongoing.
o Utility work ongoing.
- E 2nd Street, Idaho Ave to Pine Ave
o Concrete placements complete.
o Asphalt paving this week.
- E 4th Street, Broadway Ave to State Ave
- W 2nd Street, Cherry Ave to Cherry Lane
o Asphalt paving is scheduled for early next week
- W 3rd Street, Pine Ave to north end
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Item 3.
o Site prep ongoing
- NW 4th Street, Broadway Ave to Maple Ave
o City of Meridian utility work ongoing
- NW 6th Street, Carlton Ave to Washington St
- NW 7th Street, McFadden Ave to Washington St
City Staff Contact: Hether Hill, Community Development
Residential Pavement and Pedestrian Improvements (2026): Segments included: 1st St W, south end to
Franklin Road; Rose Circle; Country Terrace Way S, south end to Overland Road; Blossom Pl, south end
to W McGlinchey Ave; McGlinchey Ave, Blossom Pl to NW 8th St; Interlachen Ct, west end to
Interlachen Way; Laurel Ct, south end to Verbena Dr; Tobago Ct. E., west end to SE 5 th Way; Larkspur
Ct, south end to Verbena Dr; Lilac St, south end to Waltman St; Lavender Ct, south end to Verbena Dr;
Sugar Creek, south end to Sugar Creek Dr; Lawndale Dr, McGlinchey Ave to Crestmont Dr; Cruser Dr,
west end to Five Mile Rd; and Francine Pl S, Victory Rd to S Francine Ln. ACHD project number: 521060.
Project team meeting held April 12th. Per the November Notice to Proceed (NTP) list provided by
ACHD, this project is currently slated for NTP.
City Staff Contact: Hether Hill, Community Development
ITD PROJECTS (Updated by ITD Staff January 2025)
Chinden West Corridor: This project will result in 4 travel lanes (two in each direction). Widening will
take place to the south of the existing alignment and be constructed to accommodate future widening
to 6 travel lanes (three in each direction) with high -capacity intersections at roads with river crossings.
Project website: US-20/26 ChindenWest | ITD Projects (idaho.gov)
Star Road to ID-16: Project is entering final acceptance and closeout process.
ITD Project Manager: JD Lewelling, JD.Lewelling@itd.idaho.gov
Middleton Road to Star Road: Final design for east and west sections was completed in September and
October 2023, respectively. PS&E is scheduled for late 2025 for both the east (Key No. 24310) and west
(Key No. 24309) packages. Right of Way acquisition continues through 2025. Construction is currently
programmed for 2029/2031.
https://chindenwest.com/middletontostar/
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
ITD Project Manager: Erica Bowen, Erika.Bowen@itd.idaho.gov
Idaho Highway 16 extension, I-84 to U.S. 20/26
Project website: itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/sh16corridor
I-84 to Franklin: Construction is wrapping up on the new I-84 interchange between Garrity and Ten
Mile and widening Franklin Road. Contract completion date is February 2025.
ITD Project Manager: Jeff Ryan, Jeff.Ryan@itd.idaho.gov
Ustick to Chinden: Contract completion date is Fall of 2026. US 20/26 and SH 16 Interchange Bridge
walls and abutments nearing completion. Girders scheduled to be placed in the spring. McDermott
and Ustick permanent signal should be installed soon. US 20/26 (Chinden) now has 4-lanes including
improved use of north ramps. Expect some US 20/26 restrictions in this area during construction of
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Item 3.
ramps and the bridge over the next 12 months. Reconstruction of Ustick at SH 16 started and will
continue through the summer.
ITD Project Manager: Dan Gorley, Dan.Gorley@itd.idaho.gov
Franklin to Ustick: Contract completion date is Fall 2026. Work on the railroad bridge north of
Franklin continues and girder installation complete and deck work ongoing. Crews continue working
on the Cherry Lane Bridge overpass, Quasi Place Bridge over Ten Mile Creek, and SH 16 Bridge over
Ten Mile Creek.
ITD Project Manager: Dan Gorley, Dan.Gorley@itd.idaho.gov
Interstate 84 Eastbound Auxiliary Lane, Meridian Interchange to Eagle Interchange: This project will add
a second on-ramp lane eastbound at Meridian Interchange, an auxiliary (fifth) lane between Meridian
Interchange to Eagle Interchange, and a second off-ramp lane at Eagle Interchange. A virtual public open
house was held February 13-28, 2024. Work continues on the environmental documentation and the
Interchange Modification Report. The new FY 2025 – FY 2031 ITIP shows $14.5 million in construction
funding in the year 2031. https://itdprojects.org/projects/i-84-meridian-interchange-to-eagle-
interchange-auxiliary-lane/
ITD Project Manager: Mark Wasdahl, Mark.Wasdahl@itd.idaho.gov
FY24 Surface Treatments US 20/26 & SH 44: Sealcoat approximately 107 lane miles of US 20/26 and
SH-44 this summer. Some patching remains to be completed. Contractor is currently working through
punch list items.
ITD Project Manager: Walter Olin, Walter.Olin@itd.idaho.gov
SH-55 Eagle Road Safety Review: An inter-agency team was assembled to discuss a safety review of Eagle
Road, I-84 to SH-44. The safety review, which included a speed study, was completed at the end of
February 2023. ITD has presented to City Council several times, the last time was on September 5, 2023.
ITD shared what was found in the safety review and showed what sign and striping improvements were
made as a result. They also shared that the speed study showed that no change to the enforceable
speed limits on Eagle Rd were recommended . ITD recognizes the city’s concerns regarding the daily
congestion on Eagle Rd and proposed implementing advisory speed limit signage with flashing
beacons. These would be activated during the busiest times of the day. The purpose would be to alert
the public of times when congestion is most likely. After the presentation there were concerns from the
mayor and at least one council member due to advisory speeds not being enforceable. ITD and the city
continue to engage to find the best solution for the traveling public on Eagle Rd. An additional inter-
agency team with law enforcement, the city, ITD, and other agencies will be put together in the coming
months to continue discussions. While different agencies may have different goals, the main goal we all
agree on is keeping the public safe and ensuring drivers can get to where they need to go as efficiently
and safely as possible. An inter-agency team was assembled to discuss a safety review of Eagle Road, I-
84 to SH-44. The safety review, which included a speed study, was completed at the end of February
2023. ITD has presented to City Council several times, the last time was on September 5, 2023. ITD shared
what was found in the safety review and showed what sign and striping improvements were made as a
result. They also shared that the speed study showed that no change to the enforceable speed limits on
Eagle Rd were recommended. ITD recognizes the city’s concerns regarding the daily congestion on Eagle
Rd and proposed implementing advisory speed limit signage with flashing beacons. These would be
activated during the busiest times of the day. The purpose would be to alert the public of times when
congestion is most likely. After the presentation there were concerns from the mayor and at least one
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Item 3.
council member due to advisory speeds not being enforceable. ITD and the city continue to engage to
find the best solution for the traveling public on Eagle Rd. An additional inter-agency team with law
enforcement, the city, ITD, and other agencies was put together. They met to look at other options on
how to make it a safety corridor with warning signs, closing some unsignalized left turns, and potentially
adding variable speed limits. After the law enforcement meeting, there were two public open houses
The comments and input from the open houses have been considered and ITD is moving toward
implementing several changes. Currently ITD is working on the design to remove some unsignalized
left turn movements, static signs have been ordered and are being ma de, and the design to add
variable speed signs is underway. The changes are schedule to begin this spring. The changes are part
of a 2 year pilot project to see if the they provide a safer corridor. While different agencies may have
different goals, the main goal we all agree on is keeping the public safe and ensuring drivers can get
to where they need to go as efficiently and safely as possible .
ITD Contact: Justin Price, Justin.Price@itd.idaho.gov
I-84 Mobility Improvement Study: This study will determine whether additional auxiliary lanes and
other improvements are needed to smooth merge hesitations, achieve better traffic distribution, and
achieve lane balance for the 11-mile section of Interstate 84 between the Garrity Interchange in
Nampa and the I-84/I-184 Wye Interchange in Boise. Existing traffic counts will be collected, future
traffic counts will be developed, existing conditions will be reviewed along with all previous
environmental and operational studies, traffic will be modeled, an origin-destination study will be
conducted, and a phasing plan developed. Project kick-off meeting was on January 10, 2025.
Consultant is reviewing collected traffic counts and is evaluating if re-counts and/or additional
counts are necessary.
ITD Project Manager: Mark Wasdahl, Mark.Wasdahl@itd.idaho.gov
SH-69 Traffic Study: This study will identify roadway improvements necessary to accommodate traffic
through 2050. Consultant is working to complete corridor vision roll plots.
ITD Project Manager: Mark Wasdahl, Mark.Wasdahl@itd.idaho.gov
PATHWAYS (Updated by City Parks Staff April 2024)
Nine Mile Creek, Linder to Meridian: In initiating the land trade, parks staff discovered a strip of
easement belonging to Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District that can accommodate the pathway,
rendering a land trade unnecessary. The current (funded) project phase will run from NW 3rd Stre et
along the Ninemile Creek as far as approximately 8th Street. In April, staff received approval to
request additional funding from LHTAC for construction of this segment, as costs have risen
significantly since funds were originally allocated. Staff is currently working with an engineering
consultant, with plans expected to be complete in 2025, and project construction in 26/27. A future
City project (not yet funded) proposes to extend the Rail With Trail Pathway west as far as Linder Road.
Five Mile Creek Pathway: This project, which includes 2/3 of a mile of newly paved pathway along the
south bank of the Fivemile Creek, and a pedestrian bridge crossing of the Ninemile Creek, is now
complete. It connects 3 miles of existing pathway in northwest Meridian with more than 4 miles of
existing pathway to the east, allowing for approximately 8 miles of continuous multi-use pathway
through Meridian, primarily along the Fivemile Creek.
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Item 3.
OTHER PROJECTS
MDC, Downtown Parking Efforts: MDC is working on an update to Destination Downtown. Part of this
is parking analysis. The MDC consultant is wrapping-up the Parking Management Strategies &
Implementation Guide. MDC and City Staff met in late January to discuss next steps.
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Item 3.
MEMO TO CITY COUNCIL
Agenda Topic on the City Council Agenda
From: Meridian Transportation Commission Meeting Date: April 8, 2025
Presenter: Walter Steed, Chair Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Topic: Transportation Commission 2024 End of Year Report
Meridian Transportation Commission
- Walter Steed, Chair
- Jared Smith, Vice-Chair
- David Ballard
- Stephen Lewis
- Tracy Hopkins
- Ryan Lancaster
- Tom LeClaire
- Zachary Shoemaker
- Hoyoon Song & Lilly Miller
The Meridian Transportation Commission (TC) was formed in February 2013 with Ordinance No. 13-152. The
Commission consists of nine appointed commissioners and meets in the Council Chambers on the first Monday of
each month. Walter Steed and Jared Smith served as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Walter Steed was re-elected to Chair for 2025 and Tom LeClaire was elected for Vice-Chair. Hoyoon Song served
as the Youth Commissioner from October 2022 through September 2024. Other members have retained their
positions for years.
Representatives from Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) District 3, Ada County Highway District (ACHD),
COMPASS, Valley Regional Transit (VRT), and the West Ada School District (WASD) participate as ex-officio
members. Under the direction of Caleb Hood, Long-Range Associate Coordination Planner, Hether Hill, provided
primary staff support to the Commission for most of 2024; Tishra Murray, Deputy City Attorney, provided legal
guidance. From the Meridian Police Department, either Sergeant Tara Smith or Corporal Trevor Weitzel were
present, providing updates/expertise related to traffic issues and safety. City Staff provides the TC monthly
updates regarding the progress of ITD and ACHD projects in design and construction. Each meeting, time is set-
aside for all Ex-Officio members to provide monthly updates on activity in their area. City staff from Police and
Parks and other staff from the ex-officio agencies interact with the Commission from time-to-time, as do members
of the public.
In January and February 2024, the Commission prepared their recommendations to Council on the highest priority
Roadway and Intersection projects and Community Programs for 2024. This work was the culmination of the
Commission’s work from previous months, including recommendations from the TC Prioritization Subcommittee.
In March, the Commission reevaluated the lists of Road and Intersection and Community Program projects
following City Council’s review of the draft list in late February and the questions/concerns that followed. Kristy
Inselman, ACHD, provided the Commission with an overview of what neighborhood plans are, as well as an update
on the Downtown Meridian Neighborhood Transportation Plan.
14
Item 4.
In April, Kim Warren, Parks and Recreation Department, shared recent accomplishments; an overview of planning
for pathways, maintenance of GIS pathway maps; and discussed the process for in-house pathways design,
implementation and an overview of the development entitlement process. Dan Gorley, ITD, also presented to the
Commission and covered the SH-16 project, addressing the vision, timeline, construction updates and future
interchanges. Caleb Hood provided a refresher on section line arterial roadways, most of which are planned to be
preserved for 5 lanes. Mr. Hood shared concerns with some of the listed roadway segments and impacts to the
community if roadways were built out to the planned right-of-way width shown on ACHD’s Master Street Map.
In May, Brooke Green (ACHD), provided a presentation on the Linder Rd., Pine/Ustick Ave Concept Study. The
update included a summary of the previous public involvement meetings, status of current property owner
meetings, revised concepts (3 total), including number of parcel acquisitions required, high-level cost estimates
for all three alternatives and upcoming Meridian City Council meeting presentation. The Commission
recommended City Council support Concepts #2 or #3. During the May meeting, Emily Kane presented upcoming
changes to the Meridian City Code, with the objective to update ordinances and simplify processes as part of the
City of Meridian’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. Ms. Kane discussed changes in Title 2 that relate to the Transportation
Commission, which generally reflect the commission’s current practices and will provide uniformity in the code.
Following the Mayor’s letter to ACHD regarding the Locust Grove/Amity intersection project, Brian McClure was
available to take any of the Commission’s comments/feedback for an interim intersection request due to traffic
congestion and the project being put on an indefinite pause. Ricardo Calderon (ACHD) was also available to discuss
interim solutions, including approximate timelines, costs and impacts to other project prioritizations. The
Commission did not make a motion or recommendation for an interim intersection and stood behind the City’s
prioritized list of projects in the Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP). Lastly, Caleb Hood refreshed the
Commission on the April meeting, where information on the ACHD Master Street Plan, Capital Improvements Plan
(CIP) and a summary of communications with ACHD regarding the preservation of more than 3-lanes on section-
line arterial roadways took place.
In June, Mr. Hood was back to request a recommendation from the Commission in anticipation of sending a formal
request from the City to ACHD to amend the Master Street Map (MSM). Mr. Hood emphasized that the current
MSM conversation is about preservation for section line arterial to accommodate 5 travel lanes. The Commission
also received a report from Justin Price (ITD) on crash data at the Chinden/Linder intersection for 2021, 2022 and
2023 following a citizen’s concern about the safety of U-turns at the signalized intersection. John Wasson (ACHD)
shared that ACHD is in the process of installing approximately 80 speed humps across the County.
In July, Mr. Hood provided a copy of the letter sent to ACHD addressing the City’s request to increase all section
line arterial roadways from three lanes to five, or 100 feet of right-of-way. Segments of Cherry/Fairview and
Overland, which are preserved for seven lanes, or 120 feet of right-of-way, were excluded from the
recommendation until such a time traffic counts can be evaluated. Hether Hill shared with the Commission that
City Council chose Concept #2, standard 5-lane road without roundabouts, for the Linder Road Concept Study.
Seth Jarsky (ACHD) provided an update on the Ustick, Owhyee Storm to Black Cat project, including community
survey results. Miranda Carson (WASD) announced that Durham School Services will be servicing the District
starting in Fall 2024 for a 5-year contract.
In August, the draft ACHD Integrated Five-Year Work Plan for 2025-2029 was shared, as it was available for public
review and comment. There were several adjustments to the projects for the Commission and staff to digest. John
Wasson (ACHD) reported that ACHD had conducted their evaluation for the Lost Rapids/Bird Park intersection
and found there are adequate gaps in traffic to allow for crossing and a painted crosswalk is not needed.
In September, Commissioners and staff met at the Public Safety Training Center for an informational presentation
and demonstration of a crash reconstruction provided by the Meridian Police Department.
15
Item 4.
In October, the Commission received a presentation from Mindy Wallace (ACHD) on the Traffic Impact Study
process. Alissa Taysom (VRT) provided a ridership update following the June 2024 Service Change on fixed route
bus services.
In November, Mr. Wasson provided an update on ACHD’s investigation of visibility and sight distance at the
intersection of Corporate/S. Progress (based on a request from the Mayor’s Office in June). There was also
continued discussion about traffic impacts from Rockharbor Church on the intersection of Tree Farm/Chinden and
the ability of residents to access their homes.
In December, Hether Hill provided a recap of ACHD’s Draft Traffic Calming Policy process as part of a final
opportunity to provide any feedback/comments to ACHD prior to policy adoption. Ms. Hill also provided an update
to the Commission on efforts related to the Meridian Intersection Pedestrian Safety (MIPS) report and identifying
projects to move forward with using funds allocated by City Council in the FY25 Budget.
A complete record of TC minutes can be found here:
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=311586&dbid=0&repo=MeridianCity
The Transportation Commission is grateful for the opportunity to provide service to the citizens of Meridian and
City Council regarding transportation systems in our community.
16
Item 4.
MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda
From: Hether Hill Meeting Date: April 7, 2025
Topic: Staff Communications
Below are summaries of relevant correspondences received by City Staff since the last TC meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE #1:
From: Hether Hill
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 2:55 PM
To: WALTER STEED <wmsteed@aol.com>
Cc: Caleb Hood <chood@meridiancity.org>; David Miles <dmiles@meridiancity.org>; Tishra Murray
<tmurray@meridiancity.org>
Subject: RE: Meridian Transportation Commission / In-And-Out
Walter,
Thank you for forwarding this. After discussing this internally and consulting with Legal, it is not recommended
that the TC review or make a recommendation related to In-N-Out’s traffic study.
I understand the HOA wants “to secure some sort of support from the Transportation Commission in order to
push for a Planning & Zoning independent traffic study”; however, the TC is not an advisory commission to
Planning & Zoning. As Mr. Ramsey is aware, the application will be heard by Planning & Zoning and the HOA
should present their concerns at the public hearing. The application will continue to follow the procedures set
forth in the City’s Unified Development Code to ensure due process.
Would you like to follow up with Mr. Ramsey or would you like one of us to?
Hether Hill | Long-Range Associate Coordination Planner
City of Meridian | Community Development Department
33 E. Broadway Ave., Suite 102, Meridian, Idaho 83642
Phone: 208-489-0319
Built for Business, Designed for Living
All e-mail messages sent to or received by City of Meridian e-mail accounts are subject to the Idaho law, in
regards to both release and retention, and may be released upon request, unless exempt from disclosure by law.
From: WALTER STEED <wmsteed@aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 9:02 AM
To: Hether Hill <hhill@meridiancity.org>
17
Item 6.
Cc: Caleb Hood <chood@meridiancity.org>
Subject: Fwd: Meridian Transportation Commission / In-And-Out
Importance: High
External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments.
Hether,
See below email I received as a result of a referral from Zach Shoemaker.
Pls discuss and get back to me with your thoughts before our meeting next Monday with the Mayor.
Thanks,
Walter Steed
W. M. Steed & Associates
5341 W. Torana Dr.
Meridian, ID 83646
208/883-0123
From: Ramsey6868 <Ramsey6868@comcast.net>
Subject: Meridian Transportation Commission / In-And-Out
Date: March 25, 2025 at 8:31:36 PM MDT
To: wmsteed@aol.com
Good day. I hope all is well.
I am the president of Bainbridge HOA, a community of 573-homes bounded by Lost Rapids / Tree Farm /
Chinden on the north, Ten Mile on the east and Black Cat on the west sides.
As a community, we have an overwhelming consensus AGAINST a possible In-And-Out location at the Ten Mile /
Lost Rapids NW corner (the Costco area). Many of our concerns revolve around the traffic burden on Lost Rapids
and the region. Those concerns are only exacerbated by the ‘traffic study’ commissioned by In-And-Out and
presented to Planning & Zoning.
I’d like to have an opportunity to appear before the Transportation Commission and have a dialog around those
concerns, any feedback or guidance of the Transportation Commission can provide, and any possible path
forward.
In-And-Out’s request is scheduled for Planning & Zoning on April 17, and I hope beforehand to secure some sort
of support from the Transportation Commission in order to push for a Planning & Zoning independent traffic
study.
How can we engage the Transportation Commission in a productive dialog for our community?
Thank you for your feedback and time,
Wade Ramsey
Bainbridge HOA President
Ramsey6868@comcast.net
303-895-1225
18
Item 6.