TPP EA UPDATE RELEASED - NO OVERPASSES OR FENCING!!!!
ITD released their decision regarding the Targhee Pass Project yesterday. We are thankful to hear that they have chosen an alternative that does not include wildlife overpasses or fencing! Below is a brief summary of the alternative chosen. We would like to thank everyone for their support!
EA Overview
ITD and FHWA evaluated a number of possible alternatives to improve roadway structural integrity, traffic flow and safety of the Targhee Pass segment of U.S. 20. The EA summarizes the impacts of each alternative, and identifies Alternative 3 as the preferred alternative.
Roadway improvements included with Alternative 3 (and all of the build alternatives) are:
An additional travel lane in the uphill direction from SH 87 to the Montana State line
Shoulder widening from 5-feet to 8-feet
Hill cut to improve stopping sight distance
Left- and right-turn lanes into Big Horn Hills Estates entrances
Tree clearing to reduce shade
Road subsurface reconstruction and drainage improvements
In addition to the roadway improvements, Alternative 3 would include installation of an animal detection system throughout the 4-mile segment of U.S. 20. The system would alert drivers to the presence of animals. This alternative does not include crossing structures with wildlife fencing. Selecting Alternative 3 would require working with a vendor to install and then monitor and adapt the system over a period of several years to achieve a higher level of effectiveness. Monitoring would include evaluating the ability of the system to accurately detect animals, monitoring driver response, and monitoring road kill and crash data.
Comments & Public Hearing
Public Hearing - ITD and FHWA invite the public to participate in a public hearing regarding the EA.
Date: Thursday, January 17, 2019
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Location: Island Park EMS Building, 4124 County Circle Road, Island Park
The public hearing will be an open-house format, so citizens are encouraged to attend any time during the three-hour period. The public will have the opportunity to view displays, ask questions and give written or verbal comment. Hearing materials will also be made available on this website the day of the hearing for those unavailable to attend in-person.
Commenting on the EA - Attending the public hearing is not a requirement for submitting a comment. Comments can also be submitted via:
Phone: (208) 220-5937
Email: targheepass@langdongroupinc.com
Regular mail: Idaho Transportation Department District 6 (Attn: Public Involvement Coordinator), P.O. Box 97, Rigby, ID 83442-0097
EA report can be viewed here:
https://islandparkus20.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Targhee-Pass-EA.pdf