Idaho Falls, ID – The current resurfacing and re-striping project on S Boulevard, from Sunnyside Road to Northgate Mile, is just one example of improvements the City is making to accommodate long-term plans, safety, future growth and connectivity as identified in the bicycle and pedestrian Connecting Our Community (COC) plan.

Construction crews are putting the final touches on S Boulevard – one of this summer’s largest city road construction projects. The re-striping of S Boulevard from 17^th Street south to Sunnyside Road will be completed on Thursday, September 20^th and will include the addition of center turn lane and bike lanes.  Fog coating, north of 17^th Street to Northgate Mile will be done on Saturday, September 22, weather permitting, followed by lane striping the following week. The roadway will remain open and accessible during both of these phases.

In the COC plan, adopted by City Council in December 2014, community members identified the addition of more bike lanes throughout the city a high priority, with the improvements along S Boulevard the number one priority. To adhere with that plan, bike lanes were included in the construction plans along the entire S Boulevard corridor.

“The added bike lanes along S Boulevard, as well as those on fifth and sixth streets, will connect an essential piece of the bike route that connects Sunnyside Road to Tautphaus Park, schools, other city amenities and ultimately the downtown and River Walk,” states Idaho Falls Public Works Director, Chris Fredericksen. 

As the city continues to grow and the recreational opportunities at Tautphaus Park expand, as identified in the Tautphaus Park Master Plan, the addition of a center turn lane along the entire length of S Boulevard will improve the efficiency of traffic flow while providing a separation between opposing lanes of traffic and a lane for emergency vehicles. North of 17^th Street will also improve pedestrian crossing safety by requiring pedestrians to cross only three lanes of traffic rather than four.

An evaluation of the new S Boulevard roadway configuration will be conducted next year where a report of safety findings may be presented, along with any adjustments that may be appropriate.

Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon states, “We appreciate community member’s patience and understanding during this very busy construction season. We encourage community engagement in city processes, such as projects and the creation of long-term plans.  The feedback can be invaluable to city leaders.”

Community members are encouraged to sign up to receive communications from the City of Idaho Falls by going to the City website and clicking on the blue Notify Me button. Construction notices are sent from the City of Idaho Falls News category. Subscribers can also sign up to receive other important notifications from the city.  The City’s Facebook and Twitter pages are also great sources of information.

ABOUT CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY PLAN

The 2014 COC Plan focuses on making improvements in the pedestrian and bicycle trails and paths in the Idaho Falls area.  Building on public input received from a survey of more than 1,100 community members and community workshops, the plan focuses on key strategic improvements to the city’s trail and Greenbelt/River Walk network. 

S BOULEVARD PUBLIC NOTICES

Update on S Boulevard Construction, North of 17^th Street

Temporary Closure of S Boulevard from Yellowstone to 3^rd Street

Bicycle Route Improvements Provide Greater Connectivity

S Boulevard Storm Drain Improvements

Intersection Closure – S Boulevard & Elm Street

Storm Drain Work on S Boulevard Begins Wednesday (July 25)   

Extensive Construction on S Boulevard this Summer

Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with city staff, contact Public Information Officer, Kerry Hammon at (208) 612-8122 or [email protected]. 

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