ITD seeking public comment on long-range transportation plan

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking public comment on a long-range transportation plan.

ITD staff will be presenting the plan and answering questions from the public at each of the district offices statewide on Tuesday night.

The plan is called “Idago 2040.” It outlines ITD’s priorities in transportation for the next 20 years. Among future road construction and highway maintenance, they illustrated how they are going to respond to emerging technologies.

That includes things like the possibility of self-driving vehicles. Since technology is unpredictable, ITD expected to review this plan and make necessary changes every five to ten years.

Transportation Planner for District 5, Chris Peirsol, says it’s exciting to look towards the future, but adjusting to technology could be challenging. “We know that smart cars are already out on the roads but we don’t know how soon that could become a viable thing throughout the state of Idaho, Peirsol said. “We know it’s coming. We don’t know what the impact could be at this time, but we know we must be willing to respond.”

They are currently stressing the importance of public comment and are urging people to review their plan. They are accepting public comment through April 10.