Final SH-53 Transportation Access Study

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) conducted a Transportation Access Study along the corridor of SH-53 from the Washington State line to the junction of U.S. 95. The purpose of the study was to review and analyze the existing access situation along the corridor, and assess the present and future access and circulation needs along the highway. The goal of the study was to develop and adopt transportation access plans jointly with the city of Hauser, the city of Rathdrum, Kootenai County and ITD to manage access points and operations along the corridor.

The study was conducted in two phases. Phase I was an assessment of current conditions, and included identification and evaluation of existing access points, current safety issues, recommended access changes for the current condition, and a preliminary GIS system for managing access and approach permit data. Phase II was designed to focus on the development of a long range Transportation Access Plan, including the examination of planned growth areas, and future land uses within the cities of Hauser and Rathdrum, as well as unincorporated Kootenai County. The transportation department hired David Evans and Associates to help with the study.

Inter-jurisdictional collaboration, community involvement, and stakeholder engagement were critical to the success of the transportation access study. The public participation process was used to identify needs, determine community characteristics, gain consensus about future forecasting results, seek public input on improvement scenarios, and gain concurrence with implementation strategies.

ITD utilized a project steering committee consisting of involved agencies and stakeholders to inform and advise ITD and its consultants, guide the study process, and ensure inter-jurisdictional collaboration. The steering committee was engaged in the first phase, and was comprised of representatives from affected jurisdictions, including but not limited to:

• the Cities of Hauser and Rathdrum;
• Kootenai County;
• Post Falls Highway District and Lakes Highway Districts;
• Lakeland School District and Post Falls School District;
• Kootenai County Sheriff and Idaho State Police;
• KMPO

 

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.