CHUBBUCK — The Idaho Transportation Department will host a public hearing this evening in Chubbuck to gather comments and suggestions on proposed improvements to I-15 and its connecting roads in the Chubbuck/North Pocatello area. 

The hearing will be at the city of Chubbuck City Council Chambers, 5160 Yellowstone Avenue in Chubbuck, from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be an open-house format that allows the public to view information and visit with project staff during the hearing. 

“We certainly encourage people to attend our meeting and talk with project staff who will be on hand,” said Idaho Transportation Department Public Involvement Coordinator Adam Rush. “We encourage the public to come look at the displays that will be available and let us know how we’re doing and what they think of the proposed improvements.”

The improvement proposals came about after an Environmental Assessment conducted by the transportation department that evaluated interstate access and congestion around I-15 in Chubbuck were completed. An array of preliminary concepts were presented at public meetings in April 2005 and June 2006.

After the initial screening, a total of nine “build” alternatives plus a No Action alternative 

were studied more in depth. Based on engineering studies, environmental studies and public input, a preferred alternative has been selected which includes a new interchange at milepost 73 near Siphon Road and a northbound collector-distributor road along I-15.

The preferred alternative also includes extending Siphon Road east from Hiline Road to I-15 and continuing east and south to connect to Olympus Drive at its intersection with Chubbuck Road near the Bannock County Fairgrounds. Both alternatives were evaluated in the Environmental Assessment.

The main goal of the hearing is to gather more recent input from community members about the proposed projects and to discuss any new ideas or concerns. 

“Our ultimate goal with our projects is to improve safety, economic opportunity and mobility, “ Rush said. “Those are the three key areas we look at with our highway projects, we want to get people’s feedback on how well were doing on those three areas.”

The need for the project arises from limited access to the interstate for northbound and southbound motorists on I-15 north of I-86, along with the planned commercial and residential growth east/west of I-15 in the study area. Existing conditions have created congestion and safety concerns at current access points and future growth and development will only make the situation worse. 

Rapid growth in northern Chubbuck areas and the northeastern bench has caused congestion at the interstate access points at the Chubbuck Interchange on I-86 at U.S. 91, and at the Pocatello Creek Interchange on I-15. The study area is approximately bounded on the south by the I-15/I-86 wye and on the north by 2 1/2 Mile Road.

The purpose of the proposed action is to provide transportation system solutions to improve user operating conditions in the northern Pocatello/Chubbuck region while enhancing regional transportation system efficiency and safety. 

The study area also includes potential connecting roads and ramps at potential interchange locations. Local improvement options not using I-15 also were considered.

It is anticipated the project will be built in multiple phases as funding becomes available. Acquisition of right-of-way will occur during the project development of each phase.

Ultimately the meeting will allow the community to view the proposed changes and allow them to give their input directly to the folks who are in charge. Rush says the input from the community is invaluable, “We’ve identified the areas needed for improvements and we’d love to get people’s thoughts and comments to see if we’re on the right track.”

ITD would like interested individuals, agencies, groups and the community to provide comment and testimony on the proposed location, design and environmental effects of the proposed improvements. Written testimony, statements or exhibits will become part of the official record if postmarked by Jan. 24, 2013.

Comments can be submitted at the hearing, e-mailed to comments@itd.idaho.gov or mailed to: Adam Rush, ITD Office of Communications, 3311 W. State Street, Boise, ID 83707.