Idaho Transportation Department

Idaho 55 Eagle Road Improvement Project

Project Update

Key Number: 9072

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is continuing to improve Eagle Road through the Eagle Road Improvement Project. The project includes several recommendations that resulted from the Eagle Road Arterial Study (completed in 2004). The overall goal of the project is to improve traffic flow on the crucial north-south commuter route, while addressing residential and business needs for safe and convenient highway access.
ITD will begin work on the Eagle Westbound Off-ramp in the spring of 2007. This improvement is designed to reduce the number of vehicles backing up onto the I-84 shoulder while waiting to exit at Eagle Road, and to allow smoother traffic flow for vehicles turning north and south on Eagle Road from the interstate off-ramp. The off-ramp will be lengthened approximately 1,600 feet on I-84 to the Ridenbaugh Canal, and will be modified to include dual left and right turn lanes at the intersection with Eagle Road. Currently, the off-ramp has only one right and one left turn lane at the intersection with Eagle Road.

Project Background

The Idaho Transportation Department began the Eagle Road Arterial Study in 2003. The purpose of this study was to determine ways to increase safety, manage traffic more efficiently and improve Eagle Roadąs appearance to create a parkway feel between the Interstate 84 off-ramps and Idaho 44 (State Street).

The study included extensive public involvement throughout, from large public open houses to small group meetings. The input consistently reflected the publicąs desire to improve traffic flow, safety and the look of the corridor. The people who participated in this process represented the diverse community that Eagle Road serves businesses, residents, city leaders and commuters.

In February 2004, ITD solicited three nationally recognized companies to help build on the scientific data collected so far. These experts offered additional information in determining the best management of Eagle Road. A three-day workshop included participation from the cities of Boise, Meridian and Eagle. Ada County, the Ada County Highway District, the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) also participated.

Once the Eagle Road Arterial Study was completed, the project moved to the design stage and was renamed the Eagle Road Improvement Project.

Project Improvements

ITD completed preliminary design on several improvements to Eagle Road based on the results of the arterial study. Feedback from the public on these proposed improvements has been very positive. Since then, the new traffic signal at Hobble Creek Drive has been installed, and northbound Eagle Road has been widened between I-84 and Franklin Road. The Eagle Westbound Off-ramp project is expected to be in construction between spring 2007 and fall 2007.

Two other Eagle Road projects are currently in final design for future construction:

Advanced Traffic Metering System: Updated traffic technology and signal systems are being designed to increase coordination between signals, and should be implemented in 2009.
Westbound Ramps to Fairview Avenue: Pavement rehabilitation on Eagle Road between Fairview and Franklin roads is expected to begin in 2010.

The remaining improvements will move into final design and construction when funding becomes available:

Safety

Median barriers with periodic breaks
Pedestrian/bicycle pathways where desired
Increased lighting for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists

Roadway

Safe, fully functional major intersections
Right turn lanes
Curb and gutter along entire length of Eagle Road

Technology

New traffic signals at River Valley Street, Wainwright Road and Colchester Drive

Beautification

Landscaping along both sides of the road and in the median where desired
Decorative lighting as desired by the local cities (Meridian, Boise and Eagle)

What's next

The Idaho Transportation Department will begin its public information campaign about the Eagle Road Improvement Project early this summer. This Web site will be updated with the project’s progress and opportunities for you to receive information.

For more information

ITD publishes a newsletter with updates about the Eagle Road Improvement Project.
To be added to the newsletter mailing list, or if you have additional questions, please contact:
mollie.mccarty@itd.idaho.gov
ITD Public Affairs Office
(208) 334-8003

Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is committed to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related regulations and directives. ITD assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any ITD service, program, or activity. The department also assures that every effort will be made to prevent discrimination through the impacts of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. In addition, the department will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for persons with Limited English Proficiency.