Idaho roadway maintenance and preservation a priority for ITD

Changes in project funding levels have led to changes in the Idaho Transportation Department‘s (ITD) seven-year investment program, with a primary focus on maintaining and preserving roads and bridges in good condition, the agency recently announced.

The decision to adjust priorities came during June’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting, at which time the ITD Board directed staff to seek public input regarding the proposed changes.

“We are listening to communities and stakeholders to help us prioritize the resources we have,” said Chairman Bill Moad.

Public comment on planned construction and project development slated for the next seven years will be formally solicited beginning in July. The board will then release its final approved project list in September, according to a recent ITD press release.

“ITD is continuing studies and project development for expansion to the greatest extent possible to be prepared for the potential restoration of revenue in coming years,” Moad said. “We want to deliver major projects that add capacity to the system and support our strong economy, but right now with available funding our primary focus has to be keeping roads and bridges safe, smooth and open.”

The release further detailed how ITD “invests with purpose” by funding projects necessary for preserving existing roads and investments before adding more miles to the system. Keeping roads and bridges in good condition have been prioritized. Proposals have also been made to move other projects to a classification of “Early Development,” a categorization of unfunded projects.

Funded projects focus on protecting and maintaining the usability of the current transportation network, the release stated. All changes are reflected in the Idaho Transportation Investment Program, which is used to identify planned projects scheduled for the next seven years and are based on available funding.