ITD Comments5~$
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May 1, 2013
IDANO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 8028
Boise, ID 83707-2028
(208) 334-8300
itd.idaho.gov
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MS Machelle Hill
Meridian City Clerk's Office
33 East Idaho Avenue
Meridian, Idaho 83642
VIA EMAIL
Re: VAR 13-002 - US 20-26 Access to the Northwest Corner of Linder Road and
Chinden Boulevard
The Idaho Transportation Deparhnent has received a variance request application for a new
private approach to US 20-26 (Chinden Boulevard) approximately 750-ft west of Linder Road.
ITD has the following comments:
1. ITD had previously denied an approach to US 20-26 for this parcel. The ITD Board
recently (October 1, 2012) changed the approach separation standards. The proposed
approach location and the submitted traffic analysis appear to meet the newest Idaho
Transportation Department policies. The policy requires that an approach be located a
minimum of 750-ft upstream from a signalized intersection (as measured between
centerlines). The separation distance meets the minimum requirements and the
applicant proposed the approach for right-in/right-out operation.
2. ITD has received the approach application, the site plan, the traffic analysis and the
processing fee. The application was complete and the applicant was allocated an
approach at the western property fine, approximately 750-west of Linder Road.
3. The permit requires that the applicant's design complies with ITD design standards,
that the design includes an eastbound right-turn lane, and that the approach is restricted
to right-in-right-out operation. The permit is not valid until ITD receives and approves
the engineering drawings and design of the approach and the method of restricting left
turns.
ITD made the requirement for the right turn deceleration lane as safety mitigation. We have
every incentive to retain the deceleration lane as traffic volumes increase and the safety
implications become more important. ITD has 140-ft ofright-of--way abutting that parcel. This
width is sufficient for asix-lane roadway or a four lane divided roadway plus added turn lanes
in each direction. Once widening occurs, the added cost of constructing the deceleration lane
is minor. The key issue is the right-of--way.
A possible cross section from the US 20-26 Corridor Plan looks like this:
Figure 9. East Segment, Ultimate Build-Out Cross Section (Meridian Road to Eagle Road)
l40' Right-ot-Woy
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ITD has not yet assigned funding to widen US 20-26 from two-lanes to four lanes, but there is
sufficient right-of--way width to widen the roadway to four lanes, to add bicycle lanes, and add
sidewalks while still retaining the right turn deceleration lanes for each travel direction.
We have not designed this roadway expansion project so I cannot guarantee the specific design
and construction. I can only report that we need the deceleration lane for mitigation and have
every incentive and sufficient right-of--way width to maintain that specific mitigation.
If you have any questions, you may contact Matt Ward at 334-8341 or me at 334-8377
Sincerely,
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Dave Szplett
Development Services Manager
dave.szplett itd.idaho.gov
cc: Bill Parsons
Westbound US 20/26 Eoslbound US 20/26