Public input sought for six years of transportation projects

For the next 30 days, locals can give their opinions on just about every transportation project coming up in Bannock County for the next six years.

From bridges, to intersections, to the planned south valley connector, every transportation project using federal dollars is on the Transportation Improvement Project list, open for public comment from Aug. 6 through Sept. 6.

Planning Director Mori Byington said at this point public opinion probably won’t change what projects will or won’t be done, but could still make a difference.

“Just to get a sense of what the public thinks of various projects. It wouldn’t change a lot of the projects, but it does give you the opportunity to impact how that project might get designed,” Byington said.

There are also many smaller projects, like the plan to put a traffic light on the intersection of Carter and Fifth street in Pocatello, at the edge of ISU campus.

Nick Cue crosses the street there at least once or twice a day and he said a light could ease the minds of many pedestrians.

“A lot of people would benefit crossing. I see a lot of people are hesitant crossing sometimes. The crosswalk is there but you still worry a little bit. It says you can cross but not all of the time is it safe,” Cue said.

Much of the planned projects also focus on repairing and replacing old bridges.

According to Byington, many bridges in the area are reaching the end of their useful lives. He said they’re still safe, and will stay that way if needed rehabilitation is done.

“You need to do that maintenance to make sure it doesn’t get you in the long run. And that’s what we’re doing, is make sure these bridges are effective for now and in the future,” Byington said.

Click here to see the Transportation Improvement Project plan.