The Bannock Transportation Planning Organization (BTPO) conducted a school zone safety study in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area (School Zone Evaluation & Traffic Study, prepared by RMES, 2005). The study recommended the implementation of uniform traffic control devices including signing, striping, sidewalk, curb and gutter in compliance with current standards in the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices). The study identified a financial need of approximately $1.3 million.

This summer BTPO notified members of the BTPO Technical Advisory Committee that a second round of stimulus funds would be available. Given limited funds, the BTPO Policy Board prioritized locations to include Chubbuck Elementary, Indian Hills Elementary, Wilcox Elementary, Hawthorne Middle School , and Idaho State University . Since the majority of work is located in Pocatello, the City of Pocatello agreed to sponsor the project.

The State of Idaho has awarded the City of Pocatello funds to design and construct the School Zone Traffic Safety Improvement Project. This stimulus project is funded with money from the United States Department of Education and will be administered by LHTAC (Local Highway Technical Assistance Council). The total amount funded for this project is $755,160 ($76,000 for project development, $84,150 for construction engineering, and $595,010 for construction). There is no local match. Bid documents are due in February 2010, and we anticipate that the State will advertise the project for public bid in the summer of 2010.

Please contact Deirdre Castillo, Senior Engineer, at 234-6587 for more information. You may also contact Merril Quayle, Development Review Engineer at 234-6228.