Upgraded Hitt & 25th Street intersection set to reopen
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IDAHO FALLS – City officials from Ammon and Idaho Falls invite the community to attend the opening of a new road and upgraded East 25th Street and Hitt Road intersection (Target) on Monday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m.
The cities will cut the ceremonial ribbon by making a symbolic left turn onto Hitt Road through the ribbon and then circling back around to the green space along the new corridor.
Ammon Mayor Dana Kirkham, Ammon City Councilman Brad Christensen and Idaho Falls City Council President Mike Lehto will all speak.
On Oct. 5, HK Contractors began work to accommodate a new traffic signal and an exit-only roadway behind Target designed to relieve traffic congestion at that section of the Hitt Road corridor. Work was completed on schedule and within budget, according to a news release from the City of Idaho Falls.
The cost for signal upgrade, right-of-way work and materials was $147,300, which was shared equally between Ammon and Idaho Falls. The work beyond the Hitt Road right-of-way that connects the Target parking lot to the new intersection has been paid by the City of Ammon with support from Woodbury Corporation.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Kirkham. “Thank you to the leadership and staff on both sides of the street for your tenacity and determination to find a compromise that will improve convenience and safety in and out of the Ammon shopping center. It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we work together for the benefit of the common good.”
HISTORY
In April of 2014, city councils and directors from both cities began in-depth discussions to coordinate efforts along the Hitt Road corridor. Subcommittees were formed to evaluate and explore options for improvements at key intersection. Projects were then prioritized.
The intersection at Sunnyside Road & Hitt Road quickly rose to the top with the announcement of plans to open a new Cabela’s store in Ammon in 2015. Work at this intersection was completed on schedule in July.
With the Sunnyside Road and Hitt Road intersection complete, attention immediately shifted to the East 25th Street and Hitt Road intersection with an eye toward relieving traffic congestion along that corridor before the busy 2015 holiday season.
IN MEMORY
“This project is the fruition of addressing public frustration with a collaborative effort. I am so happy to be making this improvement,” Ammon City Councilman Brad Christensen said. “We are also pleased to honor Idaho Falls Councilman Dee Whittier with a tree which has been planted in his memory. He was a tremendous partner who had a passion for this and other traffic issues.”
Whittier passed away from a heart attack in March.
“I welcome this new stoplight access and tip my hat to our creative engineers. And, I very much applaud city leaders from both of our communities for their willingness to focus on solutions and on moving forward equitably so we might facilitate progress for both communities,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “That was a big part of Dee’s approach. He and I shared a belief that the citizens of Ammon and Idaho Falls each deserve our very best efforts.”
17th STREET & HITT ROAD
Redesign of the 17th Street & Hitt Road intersection remains a high priority for both cities, but they do not anticipate addressing this intersection in this budget year. Both cities continue to investigate redesign and funding options.
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