HomeMy WebLinkAboutCHALLENGE#13 Final 3-1030
Challenge # 13- Transportation and Traffic
Meridian is considered the “Center” of the Treasure Valley and its growth over
the last decade is indicative of this designation. Access to the major metropolitan
area of Boise, the Boise municipal airport, the federal Interstate highway system
and having a quality local roadway system is critical as Meridian continues to
grow. City growth has led to stress of local roadways, increased traffic
congestion, posed increasing difficulties for business and economic development
and police and fire response, reduced the sense of community, and generally
eroded the City’s ‘small town’ flavor.
The improvement, maintenance, and operation of the public roadway system
within the corporate limits of the City of Meridian and Meridian’s Area of
Impact, excepting designated Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) highways
and the federal Interstate 84, are by legislative action, under the jurisdiction of the
Ada County Highway District (ACHD). ACHD is a quasi-public agency
operating with funding from Federal, State of Idaho and local taxation. This
multi-jurisdictional collage of ‘players’ has also contributed to issues associated
with transportation due to the difficulty of merging broad and sometimes contrary
agendas. One imbedded issue is that, even though the City poses the following
long-term goals, it cannot unilaterally offer solutions. Rather, it must rely on
many other agencies and funding allocation if goals are to be achieved.
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The above chart shows City collector roadway average daily traffic (ADT) volumes as
measured in 1990 and projected by COMPASS for year 2015.
The regional planning effort includes alternative transportation such as bus, vanpool, light rail,
etc. The graph below shows the increase in boarding and public interest for the Treasure
Valley Metro Commuter and Mid-Day Shuttle bus program. Approximately 25 percent of the
projected funding for the Interstate 84 Corridor Improvement Project is directed to education
and facilitation of alternative transportation to reduce vehicle impact to the roadways.
Major Long-Term Goals
To increase the number of reconstructed section line roads within the
City’s Area of Impact.
To reduce traffic congestion levels on the arterial and minor arterial
designated roadways within the City’s Area of Impact.
To increase the overall efficiency, durability and usability of the
transportation infrastructure.
To maintain the safest, most cost-effective roadway system possible.
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Key Strategies
Maintain a minimum of quarterly face-to-face meetings throughout each
year between the ACHD Commissioners, ACHD staff and the City of
Meridian Mayor, Council and staff, thereby opening more dialogue with
decision makers.
Continue participation in Community Planning Association (COMPASS)
to maintain a strong voice in the decision making process of the Treasure
Valley Transportation Team (TVTT) for the Interstate 84 Corridor
Improvement Study.
Continue participation in COMPASS to maintain a strong voice in the
planning and decision-making process of the Valley Inter-Area
Transportation (VIATrans) Board for continued coordination of
transportation and alternative transportation projects within Ada and
Canyon Counties.
Continue to hold at least one annual meeting of the City of Meridian
Transportation Task Force Committee to review, research and report to
Mayor & City Council, ACHD and ITD; those projects necessary for
management of City transportation demands for continued growth.
Continue to hold monthly meetings of the City Traffic Safety Commission,
consisting of representatives from our citizenship, ACHD, City of
Meridian and the Meridian School District to resolve traffic safety issues.
Assist with financial participation regarding the improvement of Locust
Grove Road from Franklin Road to Overland Road including an overpass
of Interstate 84.
Promote improvement of a full interchange at Interstate 84 and Ten Mile
Road.
Promote planning and construction of pathways and bicycle lanes.