Public input sought for upcoming U.S. 95 Bonners Ferry South Hill project

| February 2, 2015 6:12 AM

BONNERS FERRY — The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting an informational open house on Thursday, Feb. 5 for the upcoming Bonners Ferry South Hill project on U.S. 95.The open house will be held at the National Guard Armory at 6566 Main Street (U.S. 95) in Bonners Ferry. The public can drop by anytime between 3 and 7 p.m.

Public input is welcome on a preliminary design of improvements along U.S. 95 through the South Hill area of Bonners Ferry between Alderson Lane and Madison Street. $5.4 million in ITD funding has been slated for the project, but a tight project timeline has sped up the comment process in order to retain the funding. A future design hearing will be held once the project design has been finalized, so this open house is the best time for public input to be considered.The Boundary Economic Development Council released a New Mobility West study in December that identified general issues with the section of Highway 95 through town including pedestrian access and issues with traffic flow and circulation. Roadway geometry was also identified as an issue in Bonners Ferry’s South Hill with many city streets meeting Highway 95 at an angle. Driveway access and right-of-way acquisition are design hurdles, and plans will have to take in to account businesses with buildings close to the highway, especially near El Paso, Harrison and Van Buren streets.

ITD’s preliminary design will continue with three lanes north from Alderson Lane to Madison Street, and addresses pedestrian and vehicular safety, stormwater runoff, alignment of city street intersections, and consistency of roadway configuration through town.Pedestrian safety and overall safety are primary concerns for ITD and Bonners Ferry Traffic Committee meetings have identified the need for a continuous sidewalk on both sides of the roadway. Pedestrian crossings are needed and locations for crossing are one thing locals are asked to consider. Bike lanes and bicycle access are another set of issues raised in Traffic Committee meetings.

The light at Alderson is another item for debate, and there are differing opinions on its ability to effectively control traffic. There are also utility considerations on the table, with the possibility of burying power lines along the corridor under discussion.An independant website has been set up at www.hwy95.com to help citizens and highway users become educated, post opinions and discussion and stay up to date on issues facing the Highway 95 corridor through Bonners Ferry.

According to ITD, the open house will be based on the plan to continue the type of improvement project that was constructed in 2003 on U.S. 95 between Walker Way and Alderson Lane, factoring in the results of a U.S. 95 corridor study conducted in 2012, which included a considerable amount of public input.The open house will feature displays of the highway corridor with details on right of way, typical roadway cross section, and intersection modifications.

The public will have the opportunity to learn more about the process, ask questions of project staff, and share comments and concerns regarding access issues and needs along U.S. 95 through Bonners Ferry. For more information, contact Ben Ward, P.E., ITD District 1 project manager at (208) 772-1285 or Don Davis, P.E., ITD District 1 senior transportation planner at (208) 772-8019.