On Monday, December 22, 2008, the ACHD Commission adopted the Northwest Foothills Transportation Study. To view the Final Study Report, click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page.The final study report has been divided into sections for better online viewing.
In response to the influx of proposals for planned communities and future development in the Northwest Foothills, the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) has initiated a study to analyze future impacts to the regional transportation system.
The purpose of this study is to:
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Analyze potential impacts of development on the existing and future transportation system
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Predict traffic conditions and identify future transportation needs
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Identify a future road network
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Establish policies for improving the transportation system when development occurs
This study will not justify land use plans, endorse development or provide approval for future development.
Study Process
Important steps in the study process include:
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Reviewing approved and working land use plans (City of Eagle & Ada County)
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Identifying environmental conditions
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Gathering public input about future transportation needs
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Coordinating with land use, transportation and local agencies
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Conducting detailed traffic analysis
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Identifying transportation system alternatives and evaluating their impacts
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Determining a preferred transportation system alternative
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Receiving approval by regional policy makers to achieve plan acceptance
The Northwest Foothills Transportation Study utilizes land use plans, including the City of Eagle's Comprehensive Plan and Ada County's Comprehensive Plan.
On Thursday, August 14, 2008, the first public open house was held to introduce the study and to seek public input and feedback. To view the materials and displays from the open house, click on "View All," located under "Related Documents" on the upper right hand side of this page.
Based on input gathered from the public and key stakeholders following the first open house, ten transportation system alternatives were created that showed variations in the potential network. Alternative evaluation criteria were identified to measure agency and community goals for the study area. Each alternative was analyzed based on these criterion and was removed or carried forward for further analysis.
Two additional open houses were held for this study, encouraging the public to review the analysis of transportation system alternatives, the recommended number of lanes for roadways in the network, intersection configurations and to provide feedback. To view materials and displays from the October 2, 2008 and November 13, 2008 open houses, click on "View All," located under "Related Documents" on the upper right hand side of this page.