The Idaho Transportation Board has approved US$ 350 million for dozens of new road projects across the state. The projects are expected to begin construction work in 2022. Projects approved that are ready for construction include US$ 170 million of transportation congestion and expansion mitigation (TECM). The funds are to expand Idaho State Highway 16 from its current location at Chinden Boulevard to Interstate 84. The Idaho Transportation Board also approved US$ 37 million to the TECM for the expansion of four lanes from Middleton Road to I-84 on U.S.-20/26. US$ 140 million in projects was also approved by the board with one-time funds from the Building Idaho’s Future program, along with state and federal COVID Relief funds, the statewide group of projects is focused on key safety and maintenance needs for bridges and highways from Ashton in eastern Idaho, to the Magic Valley and north to Wallace.
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“We want to thank the Idaho Legislature and Governor for one of the most significant transportation investments in state history. Our goal as a board is to be great stewards of this funding. We will work with the department to pick the projects across Idaho that will have the greatest return on investment in improving safety, increasing mobility, and addressing Idaho’s rapid growth,” said Bill Moad, the Idaho Transportation Board Chairman. “Project development is very important. The Board wants the department to have projects ready for the Building Idaho’s Future program and to be constantly advancing additional work for any future federal or state funding opportunities. It is our goal to put the money to work as soon as it becomes available,” he added.
The board also approved nearly US$ 170 million for project development that will go into design, environmental planning, and right-of-way acquisition in addition to the US$ 350 million in projects.
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