The Alameda-Jefferson intersection has long been plagued by traffic congestion. At times the Level of Service (LOS) is rated “D” which means that average travel speeds are about 40 percent of free-flowing speeds. Within a few years this intersection will be at LOS F, characterized by gridlock and high delays. In addition, traffic signal studies have shown that the Alameda-Jefferson intersection would not benefit from interconnected signals.

City staff has designed several traffic plans to alleviate congestion at the Alameda-Jefferson intersection. All options require additional right of way and are expensive, making this project a candidate for federal aid funds. Bannock Transportation Planning Organization (BTPO) conducts Long Range Planning Meetings, and this intersection ranked first in the region by the public. As a result, BTPO added this project to the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP).

The Alameda-Jefferson intersection project is in the project development stage. The first task will be a traffic study that will be conducted by a consultant. This study will be incorporated into a concept report that will list design options and construction phases. The City has selected Parametrix, Inc. of Boise as the engineering consultant for this stage of the project. As soon as the agreement is finalized, the consultant can begin work on this stage of the project. The construction year has not yet been assigned but will be programmed sometime after 2015.

The State shares the Alameda-Jefferson intersection with the City, and they will share in the cost of this project. The second phase of construction will be sponsored by the State.

Please contact Deirdre Castillo, P.E., Senior Engineer, at (208) 234-6587 with any questions.