2023-03-06
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Monday, March 06, 2023 at 3:30 PM
All materials presented at public meetings become property of the City of Meridian. Anyone desiring accommodation
for disabilities should contact the City Clerk's Office at 208-888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
Agenda
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
To join the meeting online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88163039405
Or join by phone: 1-669-900-6833
Webinar ID: 881 6303 9405
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_____ David Ballard _____ John Wasson, Ex-Officio - ACHD
_____ Zachary Shoemaker _____ Lila Klopfenstein, Ex-Officio - COMPASS
_____ Ryan Lancaster _____ David Reinhart, Ex-Officio - WASD
_____ Walter Steed _____ Alissa Taysom, Ex-Officio - VRT
_____ Tracy Hopkins _____ Justin Price, Ex-Officio - ITD
_____ Stephen Lewis
_____ Jared Smith
_____ Tom LeClaire
_____ Hoyoon Song
INTRODUCTION OF SERGEANT TARA SMITH
ADOPTION OF AGENDA [ACTION ITEM]
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. February 6, 2023
OLD BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
2. Transportation Projects Update - C. Hood
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
3. ACHD Crosswalk Initiative - Ryan Head
4. Ordinance and Development Subcommittee Report - T. LeClaire
5. Intersection and Pedestrian Taskforce - C. Hood
6. Staff Communications - C. Hood
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
7. Celebration Avenue Parking
8. Black Cat at Gondola Pedestrian Crossing
9. Lost Rapids Citizen Request
10. Destination Downtown Update
NEXT MEETING - April 3, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Monday, March 06, 2023 at 3:30 PM
All materials presented at public meetings become property of the City of Meridian. Anyone desiring accommodation
for disabilities should contact the City Clerk's Office at 208-888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
Agenda
VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS
To join the meeting online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88163039405
Or join by phone: 1-669-900-6833
Webinar ID: 881 6303 9405
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_____ David Ballard _____ John Wasson, Ex-Officio - ACHD
_____ Zachary Shoemaker _____ Lila Klopfenstein, Ex-Officio - COMPASS
_____ Ryan Lancaster _____ David Reinhart, Ex-Officio - WASD
_____ Walter Steed _____ Alissa Taysom, Ex-Officio - VRT
_____ Tracy Hopkins _____ Justin Price, Ex-Officio - ITD
_____ Stephen Lewis
_____ Jared Smith
_____ Tom LeClaire
_____ Hoyoon Song
INTRODUCTION OF SERGEANT TARA SMITH
ADOPTION OF AGENDA [ACTION ITEM]
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. February 6, 2023
OLD BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
2. Transportation Projects Update - C. Hood
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
3. ACHD Crosswalk Initiative - Ryan Head
1
4. Ordinance and Development Subcommittee Report - T. LeClaire
5. Intersection and Pedestrian Taskforce - C. Hood
6. Staff Communications - C. Hood
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
7. Celebration Avenue Parking
8. Black Cat at Gondola Pedestrian Crossing
9. Lost Rapids Citizen Request
10. Destination Downtown Update
NEXT MEETING - April 3, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
2
Meeting Minutes
Meridian Transportation Commission
February 6, 2023
Council Chambers – Meridian City Hall 33 East Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho
Virtual Meeting Information
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83136458810
Or join by phone: Dial 669-900-6833 and enter Webinar ID: 831 3645 8810
Roll Call (3:35pm)
x David Ballard x Stephen Lewis x John Wasson (ex-officio-
ACHD)
x Zachary Shoemaker x Jared Smith
x Ryan Lancaster x Tom LeClaire x David Reinhart (ex-officio-
WASD)
x Walter Steed x Hoyoon Song x Alissa Taysom (ex-officio-VRT)
o Tracy Hopkins x Justin Price (ex-officio-ITD)
Others Present: M. Carson, T. Murray
INTRODUCTIONS OF NEW EX-OFFICIOS
David Reinhart and Lila Klopfenstein
Adoption of the Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Lewis to adopt; 2nd by Commissioner Lancaster - All ayes; Passes
Approval of Minutes
1. January 9, 2023
Motion by Commissioner Ballard to approve; 2nd by Commissioner LeClair, adopt as modified
with 5 edits- All ayes; Passes
Old Business Items
2. Celebration Development Requests- J. Wasson
Mr. Wasson discussed the parking issues and the mall on the east side of the building. ACHD will
be restricting some parking on Celebration from their driveway South of Overland. This is an
area where we have 33 feet of right-away, and 3 lanes. Parking on the South side of Celebration
on the side of Sonic the areas-running East and West, is permitted. Parking on the North side,
adjacent to Indian Cycle shop and the Theatre has been restricted by Director Wong, seven or
eight years ago. Mr. Wasson’s questioned to the committee on the desire for him to go back to
Director Wong and request reconsideration to remove the parking restrictions from the North
side of Celebration to allow parking as it is wide enough to do so. A question was posed on why
the restriction was made in the first place. Some discussion, no definitive response. Some further
discussion. Commissioner Smith motioned to request Director Wong to reconsider removing
the restriction, 2nd LeClaire all-ayes; passes
3
Item 1.
3. Transportation Projects Update- M. Carson
Ms. Carson presented the following updates: Pg. 6 The Integrated Five-Year Work Plan is going
back to Council on February 7th. Council did make 1 change to move Black Cat, Chery to
Franklin up on the list. There could be additional changes at the meeting. The Linder, Overland
to Franklin project is anticipated to have a public meeting to be held in early March for the
design. Locust Grove, Victory to Overland is under construction as well as Highway 16. The
Stoddard Road, Victory to Overland project is open for public input. Ms. Carson stood for
questions. Some discussion about Highway 16. Ms. Carson will obtain more information
regarding the bidding of the middle section of Phase 2 on the Highway 16 project.
New Business Items
4. Ordinance and Development Subcommittee Report- T. LeClaire
Mr. LeClaire spoke about the Committee meeting with Chris Danley of Vitruvian Planning and
Ashley Squyers of Meridian Development Corporation regarding the Destination Downtown
update. During that meeting there were questions about Urban Renewal Districts and the
identity of downtown Meridian. Speed limit discussion was deferred to the next Subcommittee
meeting.
5. Transportation Commission 2022 Report- W. Steed
Mr. Steed explained that annually the Council is invited to report to the City Council on what
has been going on the previous calendar year. On pages 13/14 is the document on which Mr.
Steed plans on making that report. The Commission members are asked to look at that document
and make any changes/edits. Some discussion about suggested edits. 1. On paragraph 2 “attend
as” to be replaced to “participates as” regarding Ex-Officio members. 2. In the December
paragraph, 2nd line, should read “crosswalk installed and the speed limit reduced”.
6. Staff Communications- M. Carson
Ms. Carson began with the traffic concern on Lost Rapids/Bird Park, Mr. McClean did reach out
to ACHD to request a review, ACHD procedure was to have a resident reach out for that
request. Staff at City and ACHD are making improvements for requests.
Traffic light at Blue Heron and Meridian Rd, was requested by a resident. Mr. Martin will
conduct an evaluation.
A 2nd citizen request about the speed limit from Fairview to Ustick be changed back to the
previous speed. Determined from ACHD that there was no speed change.
There will also be 2 joint meetings with ACHD and West Ada School district, back to back on
Feb. 23rd, in council chambers from 4pm-7:30pm.
Next item, Black Cat/Gondola crosswalk plans were approved, waiting for construction
timeline. Looks like it will be a summer project.
Final item, after the request from elected officials, ACHD and staff to kick off an interagency
taskforce to discuss intersection and pedestrian safety, primarily around schools. Taskforce will
meet on Feb. 9th, to discuss what efforts are already being made, and what further efforts that
4
Item 1.
the taskforce can do, and to perform site visits of the major intersections of the City of
Meridian and pedestrian crossings. Ms. Carson stood for questions. Some further discussion
about what agencies are involved in the task force. Ms. Carson explained that they are
members of the City of Meridian, ACHD, West Ada School District, COMPASS, and Safe
Routes to School Coordinator as well as the elected officials. Some further discussion of why
they set up the taskforce, what is the purpose. Some further discussion about conducting
meetings on-site. Ms. Carson will include the Pedestrian/Intersection Taskforce in the future
meeting topics to update on the progress of those meetings and get Commission feedback.
Future Meeting Topics
7. Lost Rapids Citizen Requests
8. Destination Downtown Update
9. Black Cat/Gondola Update
10. Ped/Intersection Taskforce
Next Meeting Date: March 6 2023
Adjournment
(AUDIO RECORDING AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
APPROVED:
_______________________ _______________
WALTER STEED, CHAIR DATE
ATTEST:
________________________ _______________
CHRIS JOHNSON (City Clerk) DATE
5
Item 1.
MEMO TO CITY COUNCIL AND
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: February 6, 2022
Topic: Transportation Projects Update
Below is a summary/update on some of the transportation and roadway projects 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. Staff 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 2022-2026 Integrated Five-Year Work Plan
(IFYWP) was adopted by the ACHD commission on January 26 th, 2022. More information can
be found here:
https://www.achdidaho.org/Departments/PlansProjects/IFYWP_2226draft.aspx.
2024-2028 IFYWP prioritization list was submitted February 14th to ACHD. ACHD Public
Outreach #2 to review and provide feedback on draft list of projects being considered for
the plan will be held in July.
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
Linder, Overland to Franklin: Public meetings are expected to begin March 16th and be open
for 2 weeks. After 75% is complete, the City can begin making aesthetic decisions such as:
concrete stamping on the over pass, concrete stamping on the pedestrian side of the 3’ buffer
wall across the bridge, landscaped medians, etc. Design is underway and estimated to be
complete October 2023; public information meeting is planned for early 2023. Construction and
ROW funds for this project are not yet programmed. 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.
The project includes connection of W Verbena Dr across Linder.
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
Locust Grove Road, Victory to Overland and roundabout at Victory: Locust Grove and Victory
Intersection - Excavating for structure at Ten Mile Creek. Excavation began heading north
from Doberman ongoing. Utility, water line, ongoing. Construction is anticipated to be
complete late fall 2023. Locust Grove Road and Victory Road will be closed for roundabout
construction beginning December 8th. Widen Locust Grove to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, multi-
use pathway and at-grade side street crossings. Project includes a dual-lane roundabout at
Victory. Projects includes replacement/widening of bridge #2116 over the Tenmile Creek on
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Item 2.
Victory Rd and connection on the north end of a sidewalk gap to the west. Here is the project
website: https://engage.achdidaho.org/locust-grove-road-victory-road-to-overland-road
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. Construction in 2024. 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. Here is the project website: https://engage.achdidaho.org/eagle-road-lake-
hazel-road-to-amity-road
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
Lake Hazel and Eagle Signal: Right-of-way is scheduled for 2022/2023. 99% drawings have
been distributed to the project team with the large retaining walls still under review. The design
includes significant grade changes of the existing intersection and will integrate large retaining
walls. Construction in 2024. Widen and signalize intersection to 4/5 lanes on Eagle and 3/4 lanes
on Lake Hazel with multiuse pathway connections. Here is a link to the project website:
https://engage.achdidaho.org/lake-hazel-and-eagle-intersection
City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development
Fairview, Jericho Road to Eagle & Locust Grove Signal: Construction is expected to start 2025.
This project is exceptionally complex with multiple curbs, materials, and elevations. Z -crossing
just west of Fairview/Webb being considered. 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. Here is a link to the project website: https://engage.achdidaho.org/fairview-avenue-
jericho-road-to-eagle-road
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Ustick, Ten Mile to Linder: Right-of-way is scheduled for 2023/2024. Construction is planned for
2024/2025. Design status 75%. Median landscaping is being explored by the project team.
Construction is planned for 2025. Concept includes two pedestrian bridge crossing options over
Five Mile Creek with a signalized crossing over 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. Widen Ustick Rd to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, center medians, and multi-use pathway from
Ten Mile Rd to Linder Rd. https://engage.achdidaho.org/ustick_ten_mile_linder
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Ustick, Ten Mile to Black Cat: Public input survey ended November 3rd. Design status 75%.
Median landscaping is being explored by the project team. Widen to 5-lanes with center
medians, and reconstruct Ustick & Black Cat Intersection. Initial approach for intersection is a
roundabout. Signalized crossing at Naomi (location of new ACHD yard, south of wastewater
facility). Design in 2023, ROW in 2023-2024, and construction in 2025.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/ustick_black_cat_ten_mile
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
McMillan/Black Cat Intersection: Design is underway. Multi-lane roundabout with truck apron,
curb, gutter, and a 10-foot-wide multi-use pathway. Crosswalk at each leg with two stage
pedestrian crossings and rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at each pedestrian
crossing. ROW in FY23, and construction in FY24. https://engage.achdidaho.org/mcmillan-and-
7
Item 2.
black-cat-intersection
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Amity Rd and Locust Grove Rd Signal: A letter was submitted by City Council to ACHD
Commission to reconsider some design elements of this project. This is now being
designed as a multi-lane RAB and can no longer be expanded to dual or with a future auxiliary
turn lane. ACHD Project Manager has indicated the project will include sidewalks or a pathway
to Mary McPherson Elementary. Project will likely be constructed in FY24 or FY25.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/amity-road-and-locust-grove-road-intersection
City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development
Lake Hazel Road, Eagle to Cloverdale: Public input survey ended November 10th. Design status
50%. Project will include swales adjacent to the roadway. 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. Design 2022; ROW; 2023;
Construction 2026.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/lake_hazel_eagle_cloverdale
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
Eagle Road Signal Improvements: The traffic signal controllers were replaced in March 2022.
ACHD continues to run into issues with the traffic signal controller software and the new software
system that analyzes the data from the traffic signal controllers. Vendor working on providing a
solution to the current issue of decoding the data. Consultant is unable to process data and
provide updated timing plans until issue is resolved. Vendor has promised to get the curre nt
issue solved within by late-February.
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.
FY2021 Residential Capital Maintenance: All segments are now substantially complete.
Punch list and some landscape items remain. E 2nd St, Idaho to Carlton; E 4th, Broadway to
State; E State, 2nd to Cathy Ln; E 4th, Washington to Janie Ln; E 5th, State to north end; E Bower,
2nd to east end; NE 5th Ave, Franklin to Bower; E Washington, 4th to Cathy Ln.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/2021-residential-capital-maintenance
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
FY2022 Residential Capital Maintenance: Construction has been pushed to 2024; the project
name will adjust accordingly. The goal is to have a minimum 33’ roadway pavement width so
parking can be accommodated on both sides; 36’ is pretty typical with some sections even being
wider. ACHD is aiming for complete streets where possible. 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.
8
Item 2.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/2022-residential-capital-maintenance Segments E Washington
Ave, NW 7th to Meridian Rd; NW 7th St, W Washington St to middle school micro-path; and W
5th Ave, 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
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
FY2023 Residential Capital Maintenance: Construction has been pushed to 2025; the project
name will adjust accordingly. 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.
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
ITD PROJECTS
ChindenWest 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: https://itdprojects.org/projects/chindenwest/
ID-16 to Linder: This section of the project is complete.
Locust Grove Road to Eagle Road: This section of the project is complete.
Linder Road to Locust Grove Road: Phase 2 Meridian Road to Locust Grove Road will
begin road reconstruction February - Summer 2023 as temperature allows. All work will
wrap up in early summer 2023. All four lanes from Linder to Meridian are open.
Star Road to ID-16: Improvements include re-aligning and reconstructing US-20/26,
constructing pathways, and relocating nearby irrigation infrastructure. Construction will begin
in fall 2022 with anticipated completion in spring 2024.
Middleton Road to Star Road: Construction is planned for 2024. An online public meeting was
held the first week of June. Information from that meeting can be found here:
https://chindenwest.com/middletontostar/.
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Idaho Highway 16 extension, U.S. 20/26 to I -84: Construction will require occasional
closures or delays on roads in the project area. Part of Flamingo Avenue will be closed
for several months between McDermott Road and the gravel pit east of Ro binson Road.
Access to and from McDermott Road and US-20/26 will permanently close. Access to
businesses and residences will remain open. Construction is anticipated to be complete 2024
and will include: Five miles of highway between U.S. 20/26 and I-84; an interchange at SH-16/I-
84; signalized intersections at Franklin Road and Ustick Road; reconstruction of the U.S. 20/26
intersection; overpasses at Cherry Lane, McMillan Road, and the railroad; and minor
adjustments to local roads near SH-16. ITD is also completing the design of the future
interchanges at Franklin Road, Ustick Road, U.S. 20/26 and State Highway 44. Additional
9
Item 2.
funding will be needed to build these interchanges. Project website:
https://itdprojects.org/projects/sh16corridor/
Eagle Road, Overland to SH- 44 State St: Construction has paused for the winter. ITD repaved
Eagle Road between Overland and Franklin and the Boise River and Island Woods Drive. Project
includes pavement rehabilitation and pedestrian ramp improvements. All work will take place at
night over two construction seasons. Franklin Road to Boise River will be constructed in 2023.
https://itdprojects.org/projects/eagleroadrepairs/
SH-55 Eagle Road Safety Review: The review scope and timeline continue to be refined by the
project team. An inter-agency team has been assembled to discuss a safety review of Eagle
Road, Chinden to I-84. 2 meetings have been held to date to kick off the project and discuss the
scope of that review.
SH-69, Kuna to Meridian Traffic Study: The project team held Technical Committee Meetings in
May. It is anticipated the City will be provided a brief ing by ITD in the Summer 2022 timeframe.
ITD is studying options to improve safety, mobility and access on Idaho 69 between Kuna and
Meridian. There is currently no funding identified in ITD’s seven -year budget for the SH-69
improvements. https://itdprojects.org/projects/id69corridor/
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
PATHWAYS
South Meridian Neighborhood Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan: Plan in hand design meeting will be
held March 14th with the project team. Design status 75% meeting to be held 1/5/2023 for 3
segment improvements in the plan: Stoddard Road, Victory to Overland; Locust Grove Rd at
Palermo Dr pedestrian crossing; and bridge #1207 at Locust Grove Rd and Ten Mile creek .
Construction is not yet programmed. ACHD and several partners including the City coordinated
to develop a plan to help improve walking and bicycling routes in South Meridian neighborhoods.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/neighborhood -plans
Stoddard project webpage https://engage.achdidaho.org/stoddard-road-victory-road-to-
overland-road?tool=survey_tool&tool_id=community-feedback-survey111#tool_tab
Hollandale/Targee Bikeway Study: The Hollandale Concept Design was adopted by the
Commission December 7th, 2022. ACHD invited the City to participate in a concept study for a
bikeway that goes from Locust Grove Rd to Entertainment Ave along local roads. The purpose
of the study is mainly to emphasize the bike route as a low-stress bikeway with signs and
pavement markings. Design: 2024; ROW: 2025; Construction: Future.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/hollandale -targee-neighborhood-improvements
Rail with Trail: This project is still a priority for all agencies involved, but has gotten to the point
where the effort needs to come from a broader group of stakeholders that would include higher -
level decisionmakers able to enter into negotiations and identify funding sources.
Nine Mile Creek, Linder to Meridian: The path is proposed to run from Linder to Meridian along
the Nine Mile Creek drain just north of the railroad. The Parks department is poised to complete
a land trade at the end of 2022 to obtain the final access (on 3rd Street) that will make the Rail
with Trail (RWT) segment from 3rd Street to 8th Street possible. That portion will be funded with
Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) monies (previously awarded, but pushed
out a couple of times). Established schedule to take advantage of that funding is Desi gn in 2023
and Construction in 2024. The Parks and Recreation Department continues to pursue remaining
10
Item 2.
easements needed west of this project segment, from Linder Road to 8th St. No recent progress
on the parcels between 3rd street and Meridian Road, thou gh they will eventually be a part of
this pathway segment, whether through negotiated easements or future development conditions.
Five Mile Creek Pathway: The Parks Department has contracted with Brighton Corporation to
cost share for the pedestrian po rtion of the vehicular bridge across the Five Mile Creek in the
proposed Quartet Subdivision, which has recently broken ground. The City will build a run of
pathway along the south side of the Five Mile Creek from the Quartet Subdivision, to the Nine
Mile Creek, which will culminate in a pedestrian bridge crossing of the Nine Mile Creek and a
connection to the existing McNelis Pathway. Construction plans are currently at 95%, with plans
to bid summer of 2022. ACHD owns a property along the proposed pathwa y route and will
dedicate an easement for pathway. The City will share construction plans with ACHD, who will
either construct the pathway segment on the ACHD property or reimburse the city for its
construction as part of the larger City project.
OTHER PROJECTS
Valley Regional Transit: Route 45 Boise State to CWI had a major service change beginning in
October. Route 45 is now via Fairview and includes stops in Meridian. Previously this route did
not service Meridian. Route 30 Pine from the Ten Mile Interchange area through downtown to
The Village launched in October 3rd, 2022.
https://www.valleyregionaltransit.org/
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
11
Item 2.
Transportation Commission Ordinance and Development Subcommittee
March 6, 2023 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Conference Room CD-12, City Hall, 33 E Broadway Ave
AGENDA
I. Roll:
_ Tom LeClaire
_ Jared Smith
_ Walter Steed
_ Zachary Shoemaker
II. Speed Limit Ordinance Review – Tom LeClaire
III. Downtown Streetscape Update – Tom LeClaire
IV. Intersection and Pedestrian Safety Task Force Update – Zach Shoemaker
V. Future Topics
VI. Next Meeting
12
Item 4.
MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda
From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: March 6, 2023
Topic: Intersection and Pedestrian Taskforce Update
The Intersection and Pedestrian Safety Taskforce held a kick off meeting February 9th. The following
is an expanded draft scope that come out of that discussion.
Intersection and Pedestrian Safety Task Force
Purpose
The Intersection and Pedestrian Safety Task Force was created in response to tragic pedestrian
v vehicle crashes that have occurred in Meridian. These incidents served as a catalyst for elected
officials at both ACHD and the City of Meridian to call for a taskforce to look specifically at
pedestrian safety in major intersections and pedestrian crossings, particularly around schools
in Meridian. Task force members recognize the importance of keeping our community safe and
walkable through responsible transportation planning and enforcement practices. Pedestrians
and other non-vehicle travelers have a right to use our roads without worrying about being
struck by a vehicle.
Overarching Goals
Improve mobility network safety for all users
Use data for continuous safety improvements
Centralize leading agencies’ resources for the community to bring forward concerns
Members
ACHD: Alexis Pickering and Ryan Head
City of Meridian: Liz Strader, John Overton, Miranda Carson, and Caleb Hood
Meridian Police Department: Adnan Rudan, Tracy Basterrechea, Berle Stokes
Meridian Transportation Commission: Zach Shoemaker
West Ada School District: David Reinhart
COMPASS: Hunter Mulhall
Safe Routes to School: Lisa Brady
Executive Summary of Short Term / Medium Term Action Items
Short Term Action Items:
Establish Stakeholder group
Review efforts by each agency
Confirm scope with ACHD Commission and Meridian City Council
Medium Term Action Items:
13
Item 5.
Analyze existing data and crash reports to identify further areas to focus on
Review recent public input on transportation system
Create a template to be used to analyze existing conditions at crossings and intersections
Conduct a safety audit of signalized arterial/arterial and arterial/collector intersections
and enhanced pedestrian crossings in Meridian
Long Term Action Items:
Summary report of findings from the initial Safety Audit presented to ACHD Commission
and Meridian City Council
Utilize findings from Safety Audit to help in the future prioritization of community and road
projects within the 5-year work plan
Create a platform on each agency site for consistent community education and feedback
loops
Leverage efforts at the regional level and build on successes
Detailed Scope Overview
I. Review past efforts and recommendations from previous studies
a. ACHD
i. Respond to resident requests for specific projects or site reviews
ii. Neighborhood Bike and Pedestrian Plan updates at least every 9 years (add last
updated years)
1. Downtown
2. North Meridian
3. South Meridian
iii. Pedestrian Advisory Group
iv. Bicycle Advisory Group
v. ADA Advisory Committee
vi. Enhanced pedestrian crossing maintenance and audits
vii. Programming Community Program project requests
viii. Crosswalk Initiative: Intersection signal review for pedestrian leading intervals
ix. Safety Around Schools review effort
x. Master Street Map identifies improvements needed
b. City of Meridian
i. Respond to resident requests for specific projects or site reviews
ii. Transportation Commission and Subcommittees identify and prioritize projects
iii. Community Development Block Grants issued for eligible pedestrian
improvements (historically street lighting)
iv. Parks Department identifies and pursues pathway network improvements
v. Police tracking of pedestrian and bike crashes
c. West Ada School District
i. Respond to resident and school administrator requests for projects or site
reviews
ii. Safety Bussing / Walk Zone Area audits for each school at least every 3 years
iii. Student Mobility Safety Commission
iv. Bus stop location identification and reviews
d. COMPASS
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Item 5.
i. Upcoming Safety Audit: Regional Safety Plan will cover Ada and Canyon county
planning area and has support from over two dozen agencies in the region
including cities, highway districts, counties, the state department of
transportation, the regional transit agency, the Governor, and more. The
objective of the plan is to shift and advance the region’s approach to safety by
identifying proven and innovative safety solutions in the form of practices,
initiatives, campaigns, projects, technologies, or partnerships to reduce the
number and rates of fatalities and serious injuries for all road users.
ii. Half mile walkability to schools study
e. Safe Routes to School
i. Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a program designed to encourage students to
walk and bike to school to promote a healthy lifestyle, reduce traffic congestion,
improve air quality and enhance quality of life in our communities. We follow
the 6 E’s – Engagement, Equity, Engineering, Education, Encouragement, and
Evaluation, – to make routes safer, children and parents more knowledgeable,
and the community more engaged so that more children will walk and bike to
school. Working with the Boise, West Ada, Kuna, Nampa, Vallivue, and Caldwell
School Districts along with many other partners across the Treasure Valley.
f. ITD publishes crash data
II. Solicit feedback from this stakeholder group to broaden the discussion and encourage new
ideas
a. Determine timeline
i. February 9th, 2023 – Kick off meeting
ii. February 23rd, 2023 – ACHD Commission and City Council Joint Meeting
iii. February/March 2023 – Data collection & schematic sheets
iv. April/May – Site Visits to intersections and review of bad/best practices
v. May/June/July – Discussion of sites and recommendations
b. Determine sites to review in Meridian: arterial/arterial intersections,
arterial/collector signalized intersections, and enhanced (RRFBs and Hawk signals)
crosswalks
c. Gather data onto a schematic sheet for each site
i. Traffic signals: pedestrian lead times
ii. Road characteristics: speed limits, lane counts, average daily traffic
iii. School characteristics (include charters/private/WASD): proximity to schools
(which schools), presence of school zone speed limit signs/lights, presence of
crossing guards, age of students
iv. Pedestrian facilities: presence of sidewalks/MUPs/bike lanes, lighting, presence
and types of crosswalks (hawks, RRFB, paint only, z-crossing)
v. Hazards: Identify visual obstructions such as trees, signs, poles, etc, review
crash data
vi. Public Comments: Incorporate recent IFYWP public comments on needs and
survey Principals on needs near schools
vii. Recent and planned improvements
viii. Recent and planned reviews/audits done at the site
III. Identify short term and long term solutions for pedestrian safety
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Item 5.
a. Visit sites that represent basic intersections to better understand pedestrian
flow/navigation.
b. Review data gathered and identify needed site visits (in person together or in small
groups and/or together virtually)
c. Review bad practice and best practice:
i. Education component: How can we plan better generally and influence
pedestrian and driver behavior to be more sound?
ii. What is the gold standard for a safe intersection as basic components? How can
we can build on those based on community context?
iii. Current and needed policies
d. Discuss recommendations
i. Improve streets for all users through retrofits and new infrastructure
ii. Centralize resources for the community to bring forward concerns
iii. Possibly a Taskforce webpage share on all agency sites
iv. Create a platform for continuous community input accessible by all agencies
v. Create a regular group to carry forward this effort
vi. Identify projects in the COMPASS Safe Roads Grant efforts
IV. Provide recommendations for priority pedestrian infrastructure improvements
a. Present to ACHD Commission and City Council
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Item 5.
MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda
From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: March 6, 2023
Topic: Staff Communications
Below are summaries of relevant correspondences received by City Staff since the last TC meeting. As always, I welcome feedback on any of these items; specifically, I request your feedback on the Pheasant Pointe and Ten Mile x Cherry concerns.
Pheasant Pointe Resident Concerns We received the following message from resident Katy Lightfield: I live in Meridian at Ustick and Locust Grove. There is constant racing on Ustick between Meridian Road to Eagle Rd. Currently, the speed limit is 40 mph. I would like to see the speed limit lowered to 35 mph. On Locust Grove between Fairview to Chinden, the speed limit is 40 mph. Currently, the speed limit is 40 mph. The road is narrow and there are several pedestrians along this area of the street. There is not much lighting at night so it can be difficult to see pedestrians. I would like this lowered to 25 or 30 mph. People will cut through our subdivision on Yellow Peak and/or at Stormy to avoid the light at Ustick and Locust Grove. Vehicles will speed through our subdivision and raise safety concerns. Is it possible to install a speed bump to slow down traffic at Stormy and at Yellow Peak? I let Ms. Lightfield know I would get these concerns to our Transportation Commission for feedback and ACHD Staff. I sent Mr. Wasson the original request and the following summary: I wanted to get these in front of you sooner rather than waiting until TC discusses them in March. We received a few concerns/requests from a citizen. 1. Request for speed limit lowered on Ustick, Meridian to Eagle to 35mph. 2. Request for speed limit lowered on Locust Grove, Fairview to Chinden to 25 or 30mph. 3. There was also mention of inadequate lighting on the Locust Grove, Fairview to Chinden stretch. Is there an evaluation for this? 4. Request for speed humps on Yellow Peak and Stormy, Yellow Peak to Locust Grove dues to cut through traffic. We appreciate any progress that can get started on addressing these prior to the March 6th meeting.
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Item 6.
Ten Mile x Cherry Resident Concerns We received the following concern from Mark Walter: We need to address the multiple accidents that have become more frequent in front of the Albertsons and McDonalds at Ten Mile and Cherry lane. I have lived here for 25 years and have never seen it this bad. Most of the accidents occur because of speeding and also people trying to turn to the west crossing both lanes while exiting Albertsons and McDonalds. We just had another accident 2/20/23. People aren't paying attention and with the 2 traffic lights being so close together people speed to try and make both lights without stopping and they end up colliding with the people who are trying to cross both lanes while eating their nice hot french fries they just got at the drive thru at McDonalds. By the way the bank that was originally first planned would have been a much safer addition instead of a fast food restaurant that stays open late into the night for people to use to crank up their stereos and make burnouts while turning onto Cherry lane. Stepping up patrols might help, but that would only be temporary. Maybe extending the curb for the northbound turn lane onto Ten Mile so that only right turns could be made so they don't try cross all lanes when exiting Albertsons and McDonalds may be an option. Not sure what would be best as a solution. I am getting tired of seeing the flashing lights of firetrucks and police cars for extended periods while some poor soul is getting extracted with the jaws of life because someone didn't want to have to stop at the next red light. I already sent a similar letter to ACHD to hopefully get it addressed. Please help. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Feel free to contact me for further input. Dave Miles, City Chief of Staff responded to the resident: Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns about this intersection. Your email is timely to some degree. The Mayor and Council have been discussion traffic, intersections and pedestrian safety in light of recent incidents, and there is a group of city staff, council and commission members, ACHD team members and some other stakeholder groups that have just kicked off an effort to evaluate intersections in Meridian to assess what changes need to be made on an intersection-by-intersection location, and how those changes can be made. The Mayor just put out a newsletter summarizing that effort, and the task force will also be part of a discussion between City Council and ACHD Commission, this Thursday (23rd) at 4pm. You can find out more about the task force and the meeting here: https://mailchi.mp/meridiancity/intersectionandpedestriansafetytaskforce?e=d2f027bd93 (If you are not signed up for the City’s newsletters, you can do that here: https://us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=53b03dd2c15e03604fcc94bd5&id=bbf84792ce) I have copied Miranda Carson, our transportation coordinating planner who is leading the task force effort, as well as the Police Chief, so they are aware of your comments and suggestions. I will ask that they consider your comments as part of the task force efforts as well. We also received this feedback from Councilwoman Jessica Perreault: I live three blocks from this intersection and drive through it almost daily. Please let me know if the committee has specific questions about this one. His suggestion about making northbound Ten Mile right turn only is likely not what ACHD would do, but it's also a really bad idea!! The north bound left turn lane is short and often backed up into the main left
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Item 6.
lane, which slows down both the northbound and westbound traffic, so folks speed through the left turn light trying to make it before it turns red. The greater concern is the south bound left turn lane from Cherry unto Ten Mile. I've sat through that light cycle at least three times, often not even during rush hour. He is correct in that this intersection is a busy mess and I don't think ACHD has it in the budget for many years. Northbound Ten Mile between 3-6pm has cars backed up to Pine Ave. I have to make a left to go south on TM out of my subdivision (without a light) and it feels like I'm running the gauntlet every time!! It accommodates way more traffic than any of the Black Cat intersections, yet they are widening some of those because of the high school, the ACHD facility, etc. I responded to the resident to clarify and let him know I would ask Transportation Commission to discuss and provide feedback: Thank you for your feedback. I will share this with the Transportation Commission at the March 6th meeting. That will be in Council Chambers at 3:30pm. I wanted to clarify your concerns. 1. It sounds like you have concerns with the left turns out of the commercial development onto Cherry (red arrow). Are you asking ACHD to consider these left turns out to be restricted i.e. right turn out only? 2. You would also like left turns out on Ten Mile to be restricted via extending the existing median down (purple line).
Mr. Walter clarified: Thank you for replying in such a timely matter. Yes, you are pretty much correct. I am not the expert when it comes to what can be done. I did get a response from ACHD and they felt like, based on their records that there hasn’t been enough accidents due to these exits
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Item 6.
yet…..not sure how many is enough. I know a curb line restricting the turns to just right turns would also not allow a left turn from the subdivision across cherry lane (which is my subdivision) . That is a dangerous left turn anyway so close to the light. We use the light at Lauderhill or come out on Ten mile north of the intersection. I know you only marked Albertson’ s exit, but McDonald’s exit is also a trouble spot. I appreciate you guys taking a look at some options no matter what the outcome is. The fact is with the growth, it probably won’t get any safer unless something is done about it. I think where you marked with the purple it is already a right turn only from Albertsons onto Ten mile.
Eagle Road Speeds Resident Concerns We received the following concern from Laurie Boesch: I am writing to ask for an update on talks with ITD regarding the safety and speed limit on Eagle Road. The last I heard, the city council met with ITD representatives in August 2022. In that meeting, ITD proposed a return in the spring to bring back any new plan to improve Eagle Road, including a plan to reduce speed and possibly making unprotected left turns safer. I would like to know if there is a new meeting planned in the near future. If so, when is it and what will be discussed? As you know, my husband Jerry and I will be keeping a close eye on these discussions as it is our daughter who was killed on Eagle road because of the unsafe speed limit and the unprotected left turns. Please keep us informed. Dave Miles, City Chief of Staff responded to the resident: Our staff have been meeting with ITD. Right now, the effort has ITD collecting additional data around speed and travel times, crash incidents, current signage so that the information can help evaluate and propose changes that will help improve safety. Those types of solutions that are on the table at this point include speed limit changes, turning movement changes (or closure of turns), signage needs, signal timings and additional elements. The timing of the study efforts is still on pace for ITD to develop findings and report those, as well as recommendations, back to Council sometime in late March. I am happy to keep you posted as the effort progresses or if you have questions.
Blue Heron x Meridian Road Traffic Signal Evaluation Following a citizen concern in February the City requested ACHD evaluate Blue Heron at Meridian Road for the practicality of a traffic signal. ACHD has ordered out the counts, so they will have data to be able to evaluate. I was told once they receive the data back, the evaluation won’t take very long. They should have the answer by April 1st.
Locust Grove x Amity Intersection Design Concerns Following staff concerns, City Council sent the attached letter to ACHD with concerns regarding the Locust Grove x Amity Intersection design. We also received the following resident concern regarding the design.
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Item 6.
I have a number of concerns. For the number of vehicles of all sizes and shapes that use this intersection from either direction, this design is woefully inadequate. Having lived just south of Amity on Locust Grove Rd since 1970 (and my in-laws beginning in 1950) I have watched the change in traffic. For decades Amity Rd has been a truck route. Originally it was primarily agricultural vehicles from combines, hay balers, sugar beet haulers, milk trucks, etc., however there were also larger haulers using Amity to reach the other side of Boise rather than the main roadways. As time went on, while there are still agricultural vehicles, there were primarily passenger vehicles. However, within the last five years, additionally, trucks hauling dirt, gravel, rocks, heavy equipment have increased to service the construction of housing developments north, east and south of Amity. The properties south of me at the intersection of Lake Hazel and Locust Grove are in the primary stages of development considering the fact the land purchased by the developer runs north from Lake Hazel to the canal. Traffic along Locust Grove south of Amity will only increase. The roundabout plan you're proposing will not handle the increase as building moves to completion just from that development alone. Within five years we'll be looking at a rebuild of this roundabout much as the Eagle/Amity situation. It also appears this plan disproportionately requires property from owners on the west side of the intersection due to the Verizon tower and the LDS church on the east side. In reference to the cell tower being too expensive to be moved, when it was proposed the criticism of the placement was based on the probability of it having to be moved due to future changes in the intersection and the cost of doing so. Now you are faced with that exact scenario and are penalizing the west properties by saying it's too expensive to move it. As an interesting side note I, as well as most of the other neighbors, received a letter from a representative of AT&T asking for permission to build a cell tower on any of our properties saying BECAUSE of the intersection construction the existing Verizon tower was going to be removed. I find it interesting they apparently have more information than ACHD does. The LDS church has additional property on the east side of their facility for more parking. On the design plan it appears they are not losing basically any property next to either Amity or Locust Grove. As well the catch basin could be placed elsewhere. Re: the extruded curb intended to "protect" those walking along Amity west, particularly children walking to Mary McPherson Elementary, is just silly. That is only a perceived protection rather than an actual protection. With the amount of traffic of passenger cars and trucks, the steep descent down the hill, heavily loaded trucks not being able to make it up the hill, the possibility of that being a "protection" is ludicrous! No parent would allow their child to walk there. Additionally, there needs to be a turn lane to exit from Mary Mac onto Amity. ACHD is again having to cobble together a "solution" because of lack of long-term planning as well as real time observation of the current situation, not just wires across the road counting. Thank you for your consideration. Connie Ward
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Item 6.
Mayor Robert E. Simison
City Council Members:
Brad Hoaglun
Joe Borton
Luke Cavener
John Overton
Jessica Perreault
Liz Strader
February 17, 2023
Alexis Pickering, President
Ada County Highway District Commission
3775 Adams Street
Garden City, ID 83714
RE: Locust Grove x Amity Intersection Design
Dear President Pickering,
Meridian appreciates our ongoing relationship and partnership with ACHD as we work together to
continue improvements of transportation facilities in and around the City. Through our partnership,
we have seen many successful projects come to fruition through design and construction. With that,
Meridian staff have highlighted a project in current design which warrants further discussion and
comment. That project is the proposed design of the Locust Grove and Amity intersection.
The intersection at Locust Grove and Amity is important to accommodate ever growing east-west
and north-south trips, for increasing bike and pedestrian safety and connectivity in the area, and to
better support the Mary McPherson elementary school to the west. Moreover, Locust Grove is a
critically important corridor for not just the residents of Meridian, but also those arriving in Meridian
from Kuna to the south.
As Kuna continues to see heavy development activity east of Ten Mile Road, the Meridian Road
corridor is no longer seeing strong demand only at peak hours, but throughout the day and including
weekends. Traffic bound for, or originating in, Kuna is not just commuters. There are also freight
trips that compound congestion and reduce operational efficiency. Without approved plans or
funding to otherwise improve any aspect of the Meridian Road corridor, Locust Grove is becoming
increasingly important for those trips not bound for an interchange, which are crossing the interstate.
As the following map illustrates, one of the Census Blocks in Meridian (160010103211) which
includes Scentsy, Blue Cross, and other large employers, is the single most dominant Census Block
to Census Block destination for Kuna workforce trips. These worker trips will naturally seek to
avoid the congested interchanges at Meridian and Eagle when possible. This behavior should be
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Item 6.
Commission President Pickering
P a g e | 2
Mayor’s Office 33 E. Broadway Avenue, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone 208-489-0529 www.meridiancity.org
encouraged to reduce needless impacts of pass-through traffic near the I-84 ramps. This is all the
truer when there are also no lane expansions or other bridge rehabilitation improvements planned for
the Eagle Road interchange.
Note: Map does not show routes, only general origin-destination of 30 or more workers from all
Kuna Census Block Groups. Data is from the 2019 Census LEHD, LODES data set.
The City of Meridian has advocated for years to preserve the Locust Road corridor south of Victory
for 5-lanes. While not all of the necessary right-of-way has been preserved, the opportunity still
exists to plan for a 5-lane facility. Unlike other corridors such as Ten Mile north of Cherry Lane,
which was not adequately preserved for and wiped out many neighborhood landscape buffers, there
is still a combination of undeveloped properties, city owned property, and additional open space that
may accommodate future widening without overly impacting neighborhood identities.
The proposed intersection project at Locust Grove and Amity originally envisioned an additional
southbound approach on the north-leg. This could have been a right-turn only lane (heading west on
Amity), or some type of future bypass lane in the same direction. This was included due to the traffic
demand model showing failure in this future leg. However, these options were removed from the
project design primarily due to right-of-way costs and disproportionate impacts to existing
stakeholders and the cell phone tower on the north-east leg of the intersection. Regardless of the
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Item 6.
Commission President Pickering
P a g e | 3
Mayor’s Office 33 E. Broadway Avenue, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone 208-489-0529 www.meridiancity.org
model, additional capacity north is important to alleviate interchange impacts given other limited
State programmed improvements to both Meridian Road and the Eagle Road interchange.
If ACHD is set on widening this intersection now to a full buildout configuration, the City requests
ACHD design the Locust Grove and Amity intersection for Locust Grove to be 5-lanes north in the
future. If not constructed now as part of the project, the plans should identify and include the future
expansion opportunity fully engineered and considering all existing and future conditions, traffic
speeds, and safety precautions.
When design originally started, a roundabout at Amity and Eagle was to be planned for future
expansion, but because approach and exit angles were not adequately considered in relation to traffic
speeds, the entire intersection had to be demolished and shifted. The City had provided comments to
this effect prior to the second redesign. Due to the original design shortcoming, the new project
negatively impacted multiple properties that received entitlements after the original design and
which should have supported an ultimate configuration. The City does not want to see existing
stakeholders impacted any more than necessary for this additional expansion. Further, the City does
not want to see any one, or group of, stakeholder(s) disproportionately impacted for greater benefit
of others, nor does the City want to see short-term decisions negatively impact more future
stakeholders for the life of the improvements.
Finally, the current design status of the intersection project creates concerns for school safety, which
has been a topic of joint concern for both ACHD and the City. The City would like to see improved
connectivity from the intersection to Mary McPherson elementary school. Additional subdivisions
are filling in to the north and east, and this intersection project, as proposed for ultimate build, is
well suited to make significant safety improvements now, rather than creating additional
construction impacts later. While the City appreciates the extruded curb design effort to the school,
this seems like an inappropriate half-way approach. During the project scoping and intersection
analysis phase previously, the City and ACHD seemed to agree that a sidewalk was warranted; the
City supports the sidewalk concept to improve future safe route opportunities and general pedestrian
safety.
We recognize and appreciate that this project is now at 50% design, and we are sharing our concerns
as quickly as possible. Due to some delays in communication, we have just recently learned of the
changes in the design concept. Due to these changes and the concerns stated, t he City requests:
ACHD reconsider the design of this intersection to
o revert to an interim intersection design with future phased efforts to better
accommodate the concerns expressed, or
o in current format, accommodate additional future lanes on Locust Grove Road to the
north, with minimal and proportionate impacts to all stakeholders;
include improved safe pedestrian connectivity to Mary McPherson Elementary School;
modify the master street map to preserve Locust Grove for 5-lanes north of Amity Road to
Victory Road.
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Item 6.
Commission President Pickering
P a g e | 4
Mayor’s Office 33 E. Broadway Avenue, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone 208-489-0529 www.meridiancity.org
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. If there are any questions, please feel free to
contact Brian McClure at 208-884-5533.
Sincerely,
Robert E. Simison Brad Hoaglun Joe Borton
Mayor City Council President City Council Vice President
Luke Cavener John Overton Jessica Perreault Liz Strader
Council Member Council Member Council Member Council Member
Encl: Exhibit of City Requests
Cc: Ada County Commissioners
Bruce Wong, Director, Ada County Highway District
David Rader, Senior Project Manager, Capital Projects
Mayor Stear, City of Kuna
Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager
Brian McClure, Comprehensive Associate Planner
Miranda Carson, Comprehensive Associate Coordination Planner
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Item 6.
Enclosure: Exhibit of City Requests (RE: Locust Grove X Amity Intersection Design)
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Item 6.
Idaho Avenue Downtown Request I received a call from Marty Schindler; he owns a business at 126 Idaho Avenue. Mr. Schindler requested information about future construction plans by ACHD and the City Public Works team in his area.
Woodbridge HOA Request for Cut Through Data A Woodbridge HOA member requested up to date, current traffic counts down in Woodbridge as they are observing the cut thru traffic is increasing. There was no request for improvements or traffic calming; only data was requested. I directed the resident that John Wasson would be the best contact for that, and that ACHD typically asks for the request to come through the TellUs system for tracking. https://www.achdidaho.org/AboutACHD/contactUs.aspx
Reference Data Resources For your refence I wanted to share 3 data resources I was sent this month. ITD Numetric Map: https://itd.aashtowaresafety.net/itd-safety-dashboards#/?view_id=2 ITD Numetric Dashboard: https://itd.aashtowaresafety.net/itd-safety-dashboards#/?view_id=1 COMPASS Intelligent Transportation Systems Inventory (Included RRFBs and HAWKs): https://compassidaho.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=28d0a27a987b423a995ecd12fe5f00ca
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Item 6.