2023-04-03
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Monday, April 03, 2023 at 3:30 PM
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Agenda
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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
ADOPTION OF AGENDA [ACTION ITEM]
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. March 6, 2023
OLD BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
2. Transportation Projects Update - M. Carson
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
3. American Fork/Kodiak at Linder Crosswalk Request - M. Carson
4. Celebration Development Updates - M. Carson
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5. Meridian Police Department Update - Sgt Smith
6. Staff Communications - M. Carson
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
7. Destination Downtown Update (May)
8. Lost Rapids Citizen Request (TBD: May)
9. Pheasant Pointe Resident Concerns
10. Ten Mile at Cherry Development Egress Concerns
NEXT MEETING - May 1, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
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Meeting Minutes
Meridian Transportation Commission
March 06, 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 Lila Klopfenstein (ex-officio-COMPASS)
x Ryan Lancaster x Tom LeClaire x David Reinhart (ex-officio-WASD)
x Walter Steed x Hoyoon Song x Alissa Taysom (ex-officio-VRT)
x Tracy Hopkins x Justin Price (ex-officio-ITD)
Others Present: C. Hood, T. Murray
INTRODUCTION OF Sergeant Tara Smith
David Reinhart and Lila Klopfenstein
Adoption of the Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Song to adopt; 2nd by Commissioner Lewis - All ayes; Passes
Approval of Minutes
1. February 6, 2023
Motion by Commissioner Hopkins to approve; 2nd by Commissioner Ballard, adopt as modified
with changes to Old Business Items #2 (clarifying changes to Celebration will occur south of
the Griddle driveway) and #3 (spelling of “Cherry” Lane) as well as New Business Items #6
(clarifying that City and ACHD staff are still working to make process improvements for future,
similar requests and that Commissioner Shoemaker is a member of the Pedestrian/Intersection
Taskforce). Motion by Commissioner Hopkins to approve as amended; 2nd by Commissioner
Ballard - All ayes; Passes
Old Business Items
2. Transportation Projects Update- C. Hood
Mr. Hood began citing page 6 of the packet. The City’s list of priorities was submitted to ACHD
by the 2/14/23 deadline. There were ultimately no changes to the Commissions priority list.
There was a joint meeting between City Council and the ACHD Commission on 2/23/23, and
they discussed how ACHD goes about the prioritization process. There was some discussion
during that meeting about the McMillian corridor being a 3-lane facility with not much pedestrian
access.
Council had a discussion during their review of citywide priorities, about pedestrian and bicycle
facilities and how best to reflect those priorities. Caleb mentioned that Council would like the
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TC to make the prioritization process more of an ongoing thing throughout the year. Mr. Smith
had a proposal for Mr. Hood; offer to involve the Commission more consistently for the
prioritization process, particularly the TC Subcommittee. Mr. Ballard questions for Mr. Hood;
What data/information would be coming to the Commission from the Council? Mr. Hood
proposed understanding what type of data would be helpful and then Staff can determine if it
already exists or if we need to compile it. More discussion to come in the coming months.
Mr. Hood discussed the Linder Rd Overland to Franklin Rd project (page 6 in the packet), which
includes the overpass of I-84. Public meetings are expected to begin March 16, and to be open
for 2 weeks (online, ACHD website).
Amity Rd and Locust Grove Rd (page 8 in the packet) was also briefly brought-up. The
Commission was encouraged to look at Staff Communications for additional information.
Mr. Hood received correspondence from ITD after the packet was published and read those
updates to the Commission.
Mr. Hood stood for questions. Question was raised about the status of the SH-16 extension
from 20-26 to I-84. Particularly, the status of the middle section of that project was questioned.
The Commission was told that ITD was still working on some right of way acquisition. There was
some further discussion.
New Business Items [ACTION ITEM]
3. ACHD Crosswalk Initiative- R. Head
Mr. Head was present to discuss the ACHD crosswalk initiative. Mr. Head began with discussing
the ‘Let’s Get There Safely’ signalization project. This is a campaign for a number of safety projects
in Ada County. One is to expand the leading pedestrian interval, to all signalized intersections in
the County.
What is and LPI? A Leading Pedestrian Interval is a signal timing adjustment at intersections to
increase pedestrian safety. It gives pedestrians a 3-7 second head start before vehicles heading in
the parallel direction are given the green signal to begin driving. The benefits of that is a 13%
reduction in pedestrian vehicle crashes at intersections, and it increases driver yielding due to
pedestrian visibility and reinforced pedestrian right-of way.
Status of LPI expansion-Downtown Boise Core 106 signals, 70 with out APS; Coordinated
corridors 18 corridors; uncoordinated without APS 76 signals; ITD Corridors 6 corridors.
Initial ACHD Implementation costs are estimated at $5.5 Million. ACHD Next Steps: begin
implementing LPI where possible with internal congestion management team. Questions from the
Commission were asked and answered.
4. Ordinance and Development Subcommittee Report- T. LeClaire
Commissioner LeClaire gave an update to the Commission about the Subcommittee meeting that
was held earlier in the day (agenda on page 12 in the packet). One of the topics was a review of
the City’s default speed limit, which is currently 25 MPH. John Wasson explained that the County
is split between 20 and 25 MPH default speed limits. The Commission asked if it was known how
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many crashes occur in Subdivisions (versus arterial roads)? Some discussion occurred about
crashes in subdivisions, which most are attributed to weather conditions. Some further
discussions about posted speed limits and next steps, which includes gathering more data and
information.
Mr. LeClaire also mentioned that the parking ordinance was being reviewed in the coming
months.
5. Intersection and Pedestrian Taskforce- C. Hood
Mr. Hood gave an overview of the newly-formed Intersection and Pedestrian Taskforce (pages
13-16 in the packet.) It was noted that Mr. Shoemaker is the member on this Taskforce. There
was a kickoff meeting on 2/9/23, where the scope of the taskforce was determined. They are
going to look specifically at pedestrian safety at major intersections and at pedestrian crossings,
particularly around schools. The Mayor wants the taskforce to look at all intersections full and
pedestrian crossings/signals. The Taskforce is enlisting the help of the Police Department for
some of evaluations. Short term actions are mostly done, moving now toward the medium-
term actions. Some LPI has been implemented. Some data still getting collected. Some further
discussion on the taskforce occurred. A question was proposed from the Commission: if there
are 457 signalized intersections in Ada County how many are in Meridian? Mr. Hood responded
with a guesstimate of 65. More information to follow from Ms. Carson in the coming months; a
request to have this topic be updated monthly was made.
6. Staff Communications- C. Hood
Mr. Hood began on page 17 of the packet. Mr. Wasson was invited to comment on any
feedback he may have to date.
1st request-Ustick between Meridian and Eagle: speed limit is 40, request is to lower to 35. Mr.
Wasson said that is currently being evaluated at this time.
2nd request-Locust Grove between Fairview and Chinden: speed limit is 40, request is to lower
to 25 or 30, and include lighting. Mr. Wasson said that this is currently being evaluated at this
time. Any intersection lighting would be evaluated if needed, with help from the City for street
lighting.
3rd request-Ashton cut-through near Yellow Peak and Stormy: Mr. Wasson said that Stormy did
not meet the requirements for traffic calming several years ago. He will follow up on if the
Yellow Peak is being evaluated. Some further discussion was had.
4th request-Ten Mile and Cherry access points: the request was summarized on page 19 of the
packet. Sergeant Smith reported that she went back 5 years and there had been 31 crashes
reported at that intersection, and at the Albertsons there had been 3 crashes reported. Mr.
Wasson provided some additional information.
Mr. Hood provided an Eagle Rd update; that ITD is still working on the report out to Council,
possibly in late March or April.
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Blue Herron and Meridian Road were discussed as was the design at Amity/Locust Grove Road.
Finally, Mr. Hood received a request from a citizen after the packets had been processed; a
change from the pedestrian signal located on Ten Mile by the fire station, would like that to be
a full signal. Mr. Hood talked with the Fire Department and ACHD. Some further discussion
was held.
Mr. Hood stood for comments/questions.
Mr. Wasson provided and update on the traffic calming request in the works for Ashton,
between Meridian Road, and Venable, north of Ustick. The data shows they did meet the initial
criteria for traffic calming eligibility. Some further discussion was held and will be ongoing.
Future Meeting Topics
7. Celebration Avenue Parking
The ACHD Director is willing to consider removing some of the existing areas along
the road that currently restricts parking. However, he will require a very good
reason to allow parking on the north side of the roadway.
8. Black Cat at Gondola Pedestrian Crossing
9. Lost Rapids Citizen Request
10. Destination Downtown Update
Next Meeting Date: April 3, 2023
Adjournment-
Motion by Lewis, 2nd by Smith-All ayes (meeting adjourned at 5:27pm)
(AUDIO RECORDING AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
APPROVED:
_______________________ _______________
WALTER STEED, CHAIR DATE
ATTEST:
________________________ _______________
CHRIS JOHNSON (City Clerk) DATE
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Item 1.
MEMO TO CITY COUNCIL AND
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: April 3, 2023
Topic: Transportation Projects Update Update as of: March 29, 2023
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. 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: 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.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/integrated-five-year-work-plan-ifywp
The 2022-2026 Integrated Five-Year Work Plan (IFYWP) was adopted by the ACHD commission
on January 26th, 2022. More information can be found here:
https://www.achdidaho.org/Departments/PlansProjects/IFYWP_2226draft.aspx.
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
Meridian Intersection and Pedestrian Safety Taskforce: An inter-agency team has been
assembled to discuss a pedestrian safety review of major Meridian intersections. ACHD
Staff is compiling attribute data and Meridian Police are collection photos for the
intersections. ACHD and City staff are coordinating on a share communication tool for
public outreach.
Linder, Overland to Franklin: Public comment period opened March 15th-30th. Stakeholder
meetings were held 3/16-3/23. 75% design is behind schedule by about 1 month. 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. https://engage.achdidaho.org/linder-road-
overpass-franklin-road-to-overland-road
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
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Item 2.
Locust Grove Road, Victory to Overland and roundabout at Victory: Locust Grove and Victory
intersection concrete and utility work ongoing. Excavation ongoing west side of Locust
Grove between Mastiff and Overland. 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 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
Amity Rd and Locust Grove Rd Signal: This project has been put on a brief hold and is
scheduled to go before the Commission for a Work Session on 4/5 /2023 to discuss the
letter from the City, the public involvement results, and to get direction on how this
project will proceed. 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
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-
black-cat-intersection
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Franklin, McDermott to Black Cat: Kick off meeting was held. City/ACHD partnership on
landscaping in the medians/buffers and a “Welcome to Meridian” sign were among the
design elements discussed. 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.
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Item 2.
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
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 dat a. Consultant is unable to process data and
provide updated timing plans until issue is resolved. Vendor has promised to get the current
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.
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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.
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 accomm odate 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.
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Item 2.
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 Robinson 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 funding will be needed to build these interchanges.
Project website: https://itdprojects.org/projects/sh16corridor/
Interstate 84 Eastbound, Meridian Interchange to Eagle Interchange: This project will
produce a PS&E (Plans, Specifications and Estimates) package for adding a second on -
ramp lane eastbound at Meridian Interchange, an auxiliary (fifth) lane betwee n Meridian
Interchange to Eagle Interchange, and a second off-ramp lane at Eagle Interchange. The
construction phase for this project has not yet been programmed. Work has commenced
on survey, utilities, drainage and environmental.
Eagle Road, Overland to SH- 44 State St: Repave project will start up again from Overland
to the river is expected to begin April 3rd. 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 speed study wrapped up at the end of February 2023
with a team meeting. Some recommendations will likely be made for signage
changes/additions on Eagle Road. Speed changes have not yet been confirmed. An ITD
representative will present an overview to City Council in the next month. An inter-agency
team has been assembled to discuss a safety review of Eagle Road, Chinden to I -84.
PATHWAYS
South Meridian Neighborhood Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan: Plan in hand design meeting will be
held in the near future 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
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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: On August 22, 2022 the City and ITD executed an addendum to the first
state/local agreement to include advance design funding and an appointment of LHTAC
as the contract administrator. Shortly thereafter we issued an RFI for design services and
have chosen Keller and Associates as the lead consultant. The City, LHTAC and Keller
have been negotiating scope and price and are nearing a contract for design. The first
step in design will be ROW procurement which includes a rezone of one parcel on 3rd
Street, survey work and the final execution of the land trade. Once that has been
completed and the ROW is secure the design will begin in earnest including layout, public
meetings, environmental, historical and agency approvals. Our goal is to have a
completed PS&E package submitted in the spring of 2024 and bid shortly thereafter to be
in a position to work on the irrigation infrastructure that winter and pave in the spring of
2025.
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 Design in 2023
and Construction in 2024. The Parks and Recreation Department continues to pursue remaining
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, though t hey 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 portion 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 pathway ro ute 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: Elaine Clegg is the new VRT CEO. She will be presenting to Council
May 2nd at the 4:30pm workshop in her new role and provide an update on where we are
with planning for FY2024. 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
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Item 2.
MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda
From: Miranda Carson Meeting Date: April 3, 2023
Topic: American Fork/Kodiak at Linder Crosswalk Request
The following request was received from Billie Reinhold on March 17, 2023.
Dear City Planners,
I have a safety concern regarding the traffic on South Linder and West Kodiak/West
American Fork Drive Intersection.
This intersection is heavily used by school busses, dropping off and picking up kids. It is
also a place that many students cross from the subdivisions and apartments on the west
side of Linder to get to and from Victory Middle School. At times during the school year, it is
dark in the morning when these children are crossing Linder Road. There is no crosswalk
or crossing light to assist them to do so safely. Even in summer months this intersection is
heavily used by walkers, runners and kids going to Bear Creek Park or the swimming
places across that road (Roaring Springs and the pool in Fall Creek).
The traffic on S. Linder has increased significantly and the traffic often travels faster than
the posted speed limit.
I would like to see a walk light with crosswalks such as the one on Stoddard near Victory
Middle School. If not that, then at bare minimum, a crosswalk needs to be painted at the
intersection discussed.
Nobody wants another death such as the one that occurred on Pine Street this year.
Unfortunately, the risk for a vehicle to strike a pedestrian is very high at this intersection.
Our city needs to be proactive and make appropriate safety adjustments due to the
increasing traffic and new building occurring throughout our area. What is the process to
get this done?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, a concerned citizen,
Billie Reinhold, RN, BSN, CMSRN
The resident was informed that this item would be discussed by Ada County Highway District
(ACHD), West Ada School District (WASD), and the City, discussed by the Transportation
Commission at that April 3rd meeting, and added for to the City’s priority project list.
John Wasson at ACHD provided the following update, and he let us know that before ACHD goes
further they will need input from WASD:
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Item 3.
This location was evaluated in 2019 and 2020. It was agreed that at some time a
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) would be needed for this location. ACHD will not install a
standard painted crosswalk at this location without enhancements.
In Dec 2019, a request came from a parent of a Victory Middle School student that called in
asking if a crosswalk could be considered now that Kodiak connects to Linder. Given the
speed of traffic on Linder, we would not stripe a crosswalk without enhancement. As part
of the Victory Middle School development, West Ada School District paid into a trust fund
to build a PHB to cross Linder at Kodiak, when it's deemed necessary by ACHD.
In Dec 2019 we received a call from WASD today letting me know that the district is
planning a new elementary school near Linder/Kodiak and the traffic study is underway. It
may be good to pause on the PHB until we have that study in hand.
In Jan 2020 In talking to staff about the new elementary school (Blue Valley), it sounds like
the preference is to have that school build the PHB across Linder at Kodiak. Given that, we
will close this investigation for now.
Right now this looks like it is still undeveloped for Blue Valley Elem. Typically, the
neighborhood west of Linder would be safety bussed, as Linder is classified as an arterial
roadway. I’m unsure if a traffic study has been completed by WASD for this
location. Before going any further, WASD and David may want to consider weighing in.
The following photos of the intersection were received from Billie Rienhold.
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Item 3.
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Item 3.
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Item 3.
MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda
From: Miranda Carson Meeting Date: April 3, 2023
Topic: Celebration Development Updates
In December 2022, Transportation Commission began to discuss the potential to reduce the speed
limit on Celebration Avenue, which is a loop road with Millennium and Cinema across from
Mountain View High School, and put in a cross-walk at/near the southern entrance at
Sonic/Celebration (circled in red dash below). From that discussion also came questions on lifting
parking restrictions on Cinema Dr (lined in green below).
Here is a summary of work done on these requests thus far:
1. City Legal Counsel Tishra Murray’s research determined there are no cross access/parking
agreements available to tenants at the development at 2310 E Overland Rd (The Griddle) in
particular with the Hideaway.
2. ACHD agreed to install 25mph speed limit signs.
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Item 4.
3. In regards to lifting parking on the northside of Cinema Dr, ACHD Senior leadership is
concerned with motorcycle safety being impacted by vehicles parked on the north side of the
road. This area is very heavily used by motorcycles and we have received numerous
concerns from motorcycle users about close calls by cars departing parking lots. While
leadership is not totally opposed to removing the parking restrictions, they are looking for a
better reason than we have been able to provide. Leadership understands re-development
has impacted the ability to park on the west side of Celebration, but they are also concerned
with vehicle safety.
4. There are no plans on installing a marked pedestrian crosswalk at on Celebration Ave south of
Sonic. It is only 165 feet from the existing marked crosswalk at Celebration/Overland, the sign
distance looking back to the north & west is restricted and finally installation would require a
sidewalk project to make it ADA compliant. If the City believes this to be a priority, ACHD would
encourage it to be placed on the annual priority list form the City to ACHD for evaluation.
5. Lastly an inquiry came up regarding the future lane configuration plans at Celebration/Overland.
ACHD responded There are no current plans to restrict egress onto Overland to a Right in, right
out, left in.
The requestor, Ashley Ferguson, has been made aware of these updates and invited to attend the
April Commission Meeting.
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Item 4.
MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda
From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: April 3, 2023
Topic: Staff Communications
Below are summaries of relevant correspondences received by City Staff since the last TC meeting.
Ten Mile at Teter Signal Request
Note: This item came in just before at the March meeting and was discussed at that meeting, but I
wanted to provide a full transcript to the Commission for the record.
We received the following request from Mona Clayton:
There is a pedestrian light between Cherry Ln and Ustick on Ten Mile near the fire station.
It would be wonderful if that could be changed to a stop light at Teter and 10 mile so the
neighborhood could get out onto Ten Mile safely. It would also slow down the traffic a bit
since they tend to speed.
The Mayors office responded to Ms. Clayton:
Thank you for your email, it has been received by the Mayor’s Office. We appreciate you
reaching out and share your concerns.
Generally, intersections and their signal lights are managed by the Ada County Highway
District (ACHD), as they are the agency in charge of our roads in Meridian and Ada County.
That said, the City regularly provides input to ACHD on their intersections and road
projects. The best way to initiate this request is through the City’s Transportation
Commission who looks into these types of issues and concerns. I have copied Miranda
Carson and Caleb Hood, who are the staff who work with the Transportation Commission,
and they can help provide guidance on the best way to advance this request.
Additionally, you can always submit an inquiry/complaint directly into ACHD through their
TellUs system for a response within 2 business days. To do that, just head to
achdidaho.org/tellus. I hope you find this information helpful.
Caleb Hood suggested the Fire Department be involved in the conversation as well:
I’d recommend talking with our Fire Department first. I know the fire station between
Teter and Muirfield uses the existing signal and I’m not sure if their needs would still be
met if the existing signal were moved or converted to a full signal. I’m including Deputy
Chief Joe Bongiorno on this response. If we need to have a discussion with ACHD and/or
the City’s Transportation Commission I can assist with that.
Deputy Chief Joe Bongiorno responded to Ms. Clayton:
I spoke with Caleb about the signal in front of the fire station, but now that I look at the
map, you are speaking of the hawk signal at Teter. That one would need to be discussed
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Item 6.
with ACHD. I know that intersection is close to Fieldstream and Foxtrotter, so it may be
hard to put a signal there and meet ACHD requirements. ACHD would be the best to answer
your question.
Exhaust Sound Complaint on Records
We received the following request from Henry Duskett:
Please consider the same anti noise and cruising ordinance as Boise. The loud parade of
vehicles with modified exhaust systems in the Kliner park, village and Records Way has
continued to worsen over time. If Boise cracks down, guess where they will go? Thank you
for your help.
Dave Miles from the Mayor’s Office responded:
Thank you for your email, it has been received by the Mayor's Office. We appreciate you
taking time to contact us with your concerns and suggestion.
We have reached out to our Meridian Police Department regarding your inquiry and have
copied Lt. Frasier on this email, who is familiar with the area and Records Way. As I believe
you know, last year the speed limits on Records were reduced from 30mph to 25mph
which does help with those issues, and enforcement by the Police. I know that our Police
are aware of the issue and will be doing what they can to curb any ‘parade’ type incidents
in that area. Police also performed an emphasis patrols last year in that area and issued
multiple citations, and when school is out this year our JET team will spend as much time
as they can there as well.
To the ordinance aspect, I have copied Miranda Carson and Caleb Hood as well. They are in
our Planning division and are the staff contacts to the Transportation Commission. This
could be an item for the Commission to consider and I ask that either Miranda or Caleb
reach out to you and discuss how the Commission works and takes public
feedback. Between Caleb and Miranda, the Commission and Lt. Frasier, they can also
consider the request alongside any current State codes that may exist as well.
Sgt Frasier responded. A summary of his response is as follows:
This issue has been discussed by the TC before. The PD would have interest in applying and
enforcing a law that is more useful to deter the issues at hand. As we have discussed before,
the State fine of $62 doesn’t exactly deter the behavior and there are some issues with
enforcement of that statute due to how it is written. Caution should be given when
considering the validity of a City ordinance due to supremacy of State Statute. If the State
sets a penalty for loud exhaust as a $62 infraction, a City cannot make the same offense more
or less punishable. We certainly understand the is distaste for exhaust noise in high traffic
areas by members of the public, police don’t like it either, but it is a very difficult issue to
reduce or eliminate.
There was further discussion by staff and this Idaho News article regarding Boise efforts on this
topic was shared: https://idahonews.com/news/local/boise-city-council-to-discuss-excessive-
noise-from-vehicles-on-tuesday#. There was also staff question on how Police could/would go
about regulating a sound that is “unreasonably loud or unusual”.
Sgt Frasier responded. A summary of his response is as follows:
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Item 6.
The unreasonable sound rule would be fairly difficult to regulate, and at the end of the day it
would be up to a judge to decide. They would all have their own opinions as well. Recording
or tangibly documenting the noise for prosecution would be troublesome too; if you tried to
record it there would be no standard of comparison as to how loud it actually was.
I can see why they went away from a decibel rating and went the unreasonable sound route
though. Decibel ratings are functionally impossible to show because you need a device that
measures it, and it needs to be measured in an area without background noise that would
affect said reading. Additionally, you need a standard distance of measurement more specific
than what Boise’s old standard was, which is usually something 4 feet from the muffler and
at a 45 degree angle upward in states that regulate it.
The easiest aspects for law enforcement to take action on would be excessive smoke, engine
revving, and backfiring.
Idaho Avenue Downtown Request
We received a request from Marty Schindler, Downtown business owner at 126 Idaho Ave,
regarding any future construction plans by ACHD and the City Public Works team on his road.
ACHD confirmed they do not have any Capital Maintenance projects slated to go to construction in
the next six months nor do they have any planned improvements in the Integrated Five Year Work
Plan for 2022-2026.
City Public Works confirmed they are in the design phase of a project that will impact his business.
We will be installing a new sewer line in Idaho Ave right in front of his business. The project design
is nearing completion, and we are hoping to bid it out and start construction around June. However,
the exact timeline isn’t available at this time. There are several decisions that have to be made that
will affect the timing of the project, and some of those can’t be made until the design is complete
and revised estimates can be developed. For example, if the bids come in to high we may have to
postpone the project until next year. Right now, we can say this project will impact his business,
but the timing is TBD.
I have followed up with Mr. Schindler with this information.
Black Cat at Gondola Crosswalk
We received the following request from resident Theresa Reilly:
Our neighborhood is in desperate need of a crosswalk or traffic light in the intersection of
Black Cat and Gondola in Meridian. Families in the neighborhood attend Pleasant View
Elementary and the back up on Black Cat and Gondola is out of control, not to mention very
dangerous to cross during rush hours. It often takes us 15 minutes to get to school in the
morning and to get home in the afternoon due to the absence of a light, and we live less than
1 mile from school. Please please please consider addressing this need in this location, as
children and families are in desperate need of help in this location.
Ms. Reilly was informed that the School District and ACHD are actively working to get a pedestrian
crossing installed at Gondola/Black Cat. The last I heard the design was done and WASD was
sending out a request for proposals for a construction contract.
David Reinhart also sent an update that WASD is in the process of awarding the contract and
substantial competition has been set at August 1st. I gave Ms. Reilly this update as well.
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Item 6.
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. There have been slight delays due to weather. The data should be returned
by April 3 for evaluation.
Aviator Extension with Newkirk Apartments
The Council had a lengthy discussion on March 28th reading a collector road that is planned go
East-West between Black Cat and Ten Mile just north of the COMPASS Charter school. This
extension of Aviator to Perugia will be part of the proposed Newkirk Apartments. There are a
number of apartment either already built, in progress, or being considered to be built within that
mile. Councilmember Cavener spoke with Captain Stokes about it from the Police perspective in
regards to traffic and conflicts with the school; he was going to speak to Lt. Harper about it as well.
COMPASS is a charter school and has its own Board, I have reached out to the school to determine
if they have any input on the apartments or road impact.
The Newkirk application can be found here for more information
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=286114&dbid=0&repo=MeridianCit
y&cr=1
Pedestrian Flags at Intersections
Walter Steed inquired regarding orange pedestrian flags on all four corners of Chinden and Locust
Grove, and whether ACHD, a school, or a citizen had installed them.
Shawn Martin responded that ACHD installed those in cooperation with ITD. ACHD will install the
flag holders and then look for a sponsor to supply the flags. In this case, it was a nearby family.
ACHD has these in a handful of locations around Ada County.
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Item 6.