BMPO hosting two additional meetings for future traffic planning on Tuesday and Wednesday
Published at | Updated at
The following is a news release from the Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization.
IDAHO FALLS — In response to the outpouring of interest in the High-Capacity Roadway Study, the Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMPO) has planned two more public meetings this week.
The study released in October is part of a two-year effort to inform elected officials about potential solutions to the area’s traffic challenges, specifically proactive planning for high-capacity roads.
After considering the input already received, Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization is considering additional options, including widening and realigning 65th South and moving a potential expressway further south. Moving the expressway further south would require a different study in the future.
RELATED | Hundreds oppose proposed South Expressway at open house
“I think it is fantastic to have so many people engaging on the High-Capacity Roadway Study,” said Lisa Burtenshaw, Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization chairwoman. “With the continued growth, we constantly hear concerns about increases in traffic. This planning process provides potential options to address these issues. When a final regional plan is implemented, it will be the result of a robust process and collaboration between cities and the county.”
The meetings will be held at the Bonneville County Fairground Event Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, and from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The format will include a presentation so residents can learn more about the study, followed by a question-and-answer period.
“The High-Capacity Roadway Study is a planning effort intended to help the cities and county serve traffic needs over the next two decades,” said DaNiel Jose, a transportation planner with Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization. “Proposals for traffic solutions in the study are conceptual and subject to change based on future needs and public comment.”
BMPO is comprised of elected officials and representatives from the Cities of Ammon, Idaho Falls, Iona and Ucon; Bonneville County; the Targhee Regional Public Transportation Authority (doing business as Greater Idaho Falls Transit or GIFT); and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD).
BMPO provides a forum for cooperative transportation decision making. With support from BMPO staff and public participation, BMPO is responsible for coordinating the local transportation planning process. Any plans will eventually need to be adopted by elected city and county officials. Learn more at: https://www.bmpo.org/.