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I-15/US-20 Connector Online Meeting

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    Welcome

    Thank you for your participation in our I-15/US-20 Connector online meeting. We would like to share updates and receive your input on the project’s development. Your feedback is important for moving this project forward.

    This online meeting has closed. While the official comment period has closed, you are welcome to contact the project team at I-15US20Corridor@itd.idaho.gov or submit a general comment through the project website.

    The falls on the Snake River with the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple in the distance in Idaho Falls, ID.

    How to navigate this meeting

    Use the arrow on the right side of your screen to navigate forward through the presentation. An arrow to navigate backward will appear to the left as you progress.

    Use the navigation bar at the left of the screen to revisit any part of the meeting.

    Please provide feedback where indicated, or provide a comment at any time by clicking the “Comment” button at the top right of the screen.

    Use the tabs throughout the meeting to view more information.

    Project Overview

    For the past three years, ITD has been working closely with the City of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County on a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study.

    The PEL study is focused on developing a range of alternatives to address improvements to the I-15 and US-20 in or near Bonneville County and Idaho Falls.

    To review the project purpose and needs, visit the study website. Opens in new window

    For more on the PEL process, watch this video.

    This overall graphic depiction of the project area map of the I-15/US20 Connector Study includes I-15 Exits 113, 116, 118, and 119; US-20 exits 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, and 313. It also includes N 45th W, W 81st N, US-26 & SH-43, E49th N/Telford Rd, S Yellowstone Ave, E 65th S / York Rd, N 25thE/ N Hitt Rd, and SH-42/ Ammon Rd. A shaded area indicating the airport and Snake River are also identified on this map.

    How We Got Here

    The project team has been actively engaging the public throughout the project development process to determine how the corridor can be improved to best serve Idaho Falls citizens and the growing region.

    September, 2017

    Project Start

    May 9, 2018

    Public Involvement Meeting #1: Community Kick-Off Meeting

    People surveying and marking up maps at the Community Kick-Off Meeting. Meeting #1 Summary Opens in new window

    Summer 2018

    Concept Alternative Development and Level 1 Screening

    Level 1: Resulted in 10 alternatives, including the no-build alternative, which were presented to the public at an open house meeting in September 2018.

    September 5, 2018

    Public Involvement Meeting #2

    People gathering around information stations at the second public involvement meeting. Meeting #2 Summary Opens in new window

    Winter 2019 – Spring 2019

    Concept Alternative Refinement and Level 2 Screening

    Level 2: ITD presented alternatives to the public at a meeting held on May 16, 2019. There were 341 people in attendance and 194 comments were received.

    May 16,2019

    Public Involvement Meeting #3

    People sitting for a video presenation with handouts including maps of the alternatives at the third public involvement meeting.
    Meeting #3 Summary Opens in new window

    Winter 2019 – Spring 2020

    Concept Alternative Refinement and Level 3 Screening

    Level 3: Screening occurred over the past few months which resulted in two recommended alternatives moving forward. Those alternatives are the focus of this online meeting.

    Summer 2020

    Public Involvement Meeting #4

    We Are Here

    Summer – Fall 2020

    Prepare, Review with Agencies, and Publish PEL Report

    2+ Year Process

    NEPA Process

    Alternatives Development

    The project team developed and refined concept-level alternatives based on study criteria and public input. Each alternative is analyzed and screened to determine if it meets the Purpose and Need of the PEL.

    The PEL report will be completed by Fall 2020 and recommended alternatives, along with the no build alternative, will move into the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

    Activate image to enlarge in a new tab.

    Alternatives are analyzed and screened to determine if they improve safety, reduce congestion, improve access, provides for pedestrian and bicycle connections, provides for future growth, consider environmental impacts, consider public input, and provide benefits relative to project cost. Public involvement is continous throughout analysis and screening.

    Alternative C3

    Alternative C3 — Removed From Consideration

    • Provides direct ramp connections from I-15 south of Exit 118 to US-20
    • Adds a new crossing to the north at Higham Street for local street connectivity
    • Provides opportunities to develop pedestrian and bicycle connections between I-15 and US-20
    • Separates the local and through traffic between Exit 118 through the City Center/Riverside Exit 308A

    Activate image to enlarge

    Alternative C3 Aerial map includes Roadways, Structures, and Roadway Obliterations. It also includes 9 highlighted roads: from south to north they are Science Center Drive, Fremont Ave., Hgham St., Anderson St., Olympia Dr., Grandview Dr., Skyline Fr., Lindsay Blvd., and Broadway St. I-15, Exit 118 and US-20, Exit 308 and 309 are also called out. The Alternative area is featured with the notations of the roadway obliterations.

    Map Legend

    RoadwayStructureRoadway Obliteration

    The exact impacts of the alternatives to residences, businesses, access, etc., are unknown. Impacts will be determined as design details are refined.

    Alternative E3

    Alternative E3 — Recommended For Consideration

    • The I-15 Broadway Interchange Exit 118 and New I-15/US-20 Olympia Drive exit are farther apart and connected with direct access ramps
    • US-20 is realigned to the north
    • The new I-15/US-20 Olympia Drive exit is north of the existing Exit 119 at Grandview
    • Converts current US-20 between Grandview Drive and Fremont Avenue to a local street
    • The Alternative E3 US-20 location results in a shorter new Snake River bridge crossing
    • Moves regional traffic from I-15 through direct access ramps that lead to/from US-20

    Activate image to enlarge

    Alternative E3 Aerial map includes Roadways, Structures, and Roadway Obliterations. It also includes 7 highlighted roads: from south to north they are Science Center Drive, Fremont Ave., Anderson St., Olympia Dr., Grandview Dr., Skyline Fr., Lindsay Blvd., and Broadway St. I-15, Exit 118 and US-20 and Exit 309 are also called out. US-20, grade separation, no access to and from US-20 at Fremont Ave. is called out on the map. A call-out showing no access to and from I-15 is called out on the map at Grandview Dr. There is a new exit at 1-15 and Olympia Drive. The Alternative area is featured with the notations of the roadway obliterations.

    Map Legend

    RoadwayStructureRoadway Obliteration

    The exact impacts of the alternatives to residences, businesses, access, etc., are unknown. Impacts will be determined as design details are refined.

    Alternative H2

    Alternative H2 — Recommended For Consideration

    • Moves the east/west portion of the new US-20 alignment farther south than previous Alternative H
    • Converts current US-20 between Grandview Drive and the Lewisville Highway to a local street
    • Realigns US-20 and connection to I-15 first, followed by a possible split-diamond interchange at Exits 118 and 119

    Activate image to enlarge

    Alternative H2 Aerial map includes Roadways and Structure. It also includes 12 highlighted roads: from south to north they are 5th Avenue West, Lewisville Hwy, 49th North, 33rd North, Fremont Ave., Holmes Ave., Anderson St., Olympia Dr., Grandview Dr., Skyline Fr., Lindsay Blvd., and Broadway St. are called out on the map. A call-out indicating that the interchange type will be determined during the NEPA phase. Interchange type may provide access to the west side of I-15. A call-out showing where a Split-Diamond Interchange is located between Broadway St. and Grandview Dr.
    Diagram of a split diamond interchange with directional paths highlighted

    Split-Diamond Interchange

    The split-diamond interchange is a potential option to address the existing conditions. More analysis will need to be performed during the NEPA process to develop options on I-15 between Exits 118 and 119.

    Map Legend

    RoadwayStructure

    The exact impacts of the alternatives to residences, businesses, access, etc., are unknown. Impacts will be determined as design details are refined.

    What's Next?

    Using public comments gathered through this online meeting, the project team will complete the final PEL Study report and submit it to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

    FHWA will work with ITD to determine the next steps in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning and project development.

    2021—2024

    NEPA Environmental Preliminary Design *

    * Pending project funding.

    2025—2026

    Final Design

    2027—Beyond

    Construction

    Stay Involved

    Public input will be an important part of choosing the final project that best fits the community’s needs. Please continue to stay involved. ITD will host in-person meetings in the future to continue gathering input. You will receive future mailings as the project moves forward.

    Please continue to check the project website for updates. Opens in new window

    Contact us

    Idaho Transportation Department
    Attn: Megan Stark ITD
    Public Information Officer
    ITD District 6
    206 N. Yellowstone Highway
    Rigby, ID 83442

    Email: I-15US20Corridor@itd.idaho.gov

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