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Regional Boards => Northwest => Topic started by: Bickendan on May 22, 2018, 03:00:23 PM

Title: Idaho
Post by: Bickendan on May 22, 2018, 03:00:23 PM
While I encourage more individual threads about Idaho projects, this thread can also be used for ease of access and discussion, particularly of statewide/regional importance.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Bickendan on August 12, 2019, 10:07:25 PM
Wish I had snapped a picture of it, but are the directional control signs that Idaho uses at route junctions unique to Idaho?
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.9753562,-116.9139983,3a,37.5y,224.24h,87.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgGZuVNH4bobZ1Djf7C7d1Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: rarnold on August 27, 2019, 10:28:19 PM
Quote from: Bickendan on August 12, 2019, 10:07:25 PM
Wish I had snapped a picture of it, but are the directional control signs that Idaho uses at route junctions unique to Idaho?
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.9753562,-116.9139983,3a,37.5y,224.24h,87.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgGZuVNH4bobZ1Djf7C7d1Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I have never seen signs in that design anywhere else. They also use that design at interstate interchanges, except with mixed-case. Clean look and I like having different directions on different signs.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: US 89 on May 05, 2020, 07:32:44 PM
Apparently Idaho has a new state highway shield design, which they're using on both BGSs and standalone shields. Looks like it's been the new standard since Idaho updated their state MUTCD supplement in 2016 (https://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/manuals/Sign_Chart_Supplement.pdf).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corcohighways.org%2Fhighways%2Fid%2F55%2F84nampato78%2F0.jpg&hash=d3ca8c50d48918a4f0b36b7205b0e05b259e3197)
(photo from corcohighways (http://corcohighways.org/?p=549))

Compare to the old BGS design:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/972/42282412332_9126a2acd3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27qmq6b)

And the old standalone design:

(https://i.imgur.com/Ofka3JB.jpg)

So essentially, they've inverted the colors and removed the state name, producing a shield that I think looks disgusting especially on a BGS. The numbers look like they're floating away. Maybe a border would help somewhat in that regard, but I still think this was a major step in the wrong direction for a state that has generally produced quite good signage overall.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: corco on May 05, 2020, 09:39:58 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 05, 2020, 07:32:44 PM
Apparently Idaho has a new state highway shield design, which they're using on both BGSs and standalone shields. Looks like it's been the new standard since Idaho updated their state MUTCD supplement in 2016 (https://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/manuals/Sign_Chart_Supplement.pdf).

Compare to the old BGS design:

And the old standalone design:

So essentially, they've inverted the colors and removed the state name, producing a shield that I think looks disgusting especially on a BGS. The numbers look like they're floating away. Maybe a border would help somewhat in that regard, but I still think this was a major step in the wrong direction for a state that has generally produced quite good signage overall.

This is terrible. I saw my first standalone shield when I went for a quick loop drive last weekend.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corcohighways.org%2Fhighways%2Fid%2F52%2F72to95%2F9new.jpg&hash=f05fd9b4574fa3311563af1b4e22fad591127aca)

As 89 notes it's apparently been the standard since 2016- I only started noticing them in 2018 (on Idaho 55 as photoed above), and then started to see them very sporadically pop up over the last year or two, assuming it was just some weird contractor error and a lack of a robust inspection process.

Instead we've got this new monstrosity, where the numbers randomly float and one's eyes go to the big Idaho blob instead of to the numbers. Very disappointing, and I'm trying to figure out how to write a nicely worded e-mail to ITD to express concern about this design change. I understand the desire to have a unified shield for both independent and green sign applications, but this was the wrong direction to go IMO.

There were perhaps test versions of this shield posted on Idaho 55 in Nampa that are better, with a border and state name, which would have been an okay compromise.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corcohighways.org%2Fhighways%2Fid%2F55%2F84nampato78%2F2c.jpg&hash=426f50f54de31b694c4213bfacc7e5445ac76716)
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Rothman on May 05, 2020, 10:29:01 PM
There were jokes about Montana being "sad Nixon" if you look at the border.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: US 89 on May 05, 2020, 11:34:33 PM
Quote from: corco on May 05, 2020, 09:39:58 PM
There were perhaps test versions of this shield posted on Idaho 55 in Nampa that are better, with a border and state name, which would have been an okay compromise.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corcohighways.org%2Fhighways%2Fid%2F55%2F84nampato78%2F2c.jpg&hash=426f50f54de31b694c4213bfacc7e5445ac76716)

In addition to the border and state name, that one is also better because the Idaho state outline is smaller, and the numbers are closer to the center of the shield (and may be bigger, too). Either way the route number is far more prominent on that shield than it is on the new standard.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: rarnold on May 06, 2020, 06:33:23 PM
Quote from: corco on May 05, 2020, 09:39:58 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 05, 2020, 07:32:44 PM
Apparently Idaho has a new state highway shield design, which they're using on both BGSs and standalone shields. Looks like it's been the new standard since Idaho updated their state MUTCD supplement in 2016 (https://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/manuals/Sign_Chart_Supplement.pdf).

Compare to the old BGS design:

And the old standalone design:

So essentially, they've inverted the colors and removed the state name, producing a shield that I think looks disgusting especially on a BGS. The numbers look like they're floating away. Maybe a border would help somewhat in that regard, but I still think this was a major step in the wrong direction for a state that has generally produced quite good signage overall.

This is terrible. I saw my first standalone shield when I went for a quick loop drive last weekend.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corcohighways.org%2Fhighways%2Fid%2F52%2F72to95%2F9new.jpg&hash=f05fd9b4574fa3311563af1b4e22fad591127aca)

As 89 notes it's apparently been the standard since 2016- I only started noticing them in 2018 (on Idaho 55 as photoed above), and then started to see them very sporadically pop up over the last year or two, assuming it was just some weird contractor error and a lack of a robust inspection process.

Instead we've got this new monstrosity, where the numbers randomly float and one's eyes go to the big Idaho blob instead of to the numbers. Very disappointing, and I'm trying to figure out how to write a nicely worded e-mail to ITD to express concern about this design change. I understand the desire to have a unified shield for both independent and green sign applications, but this was the wrong direction to go IMO.

There were perhaps test versions of this shield posted on Idaho 55 in Nampa that are better, with a border and state name, which would have been an okay compromise.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corcohighways.org%2Fhighways%2Fid%2F55%2F84nampato78%2F2c.jpg&hash=426f50f54de31b694c4213bfacc7e5445ac76716)

For a standalone shield I'm okay with inverting the color. I'm okay with losing the "IDAHO" script since the state shape is on the shield it is redundant. The problem for me comes with the numbers (too small) and the shield not having a border.

On a BGS it doesn't look bad, and I get the want for uniformity, but it looks awful in the standalone format.

I think this fits in the "change for change's sake" category. D-/F
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Road Hog on May 06, 2020, 10:08:04 PM
Quote from: rarnold on August 27, 2019, 10:28:19 PM
Quote from: Bickendan on August 12, 2019, 10:07:25 PM
Wish I had snapped a picture of it, but are the directional control signs that Idaho uses at route junctions unique to Idaho?
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.9753562,-116.9139983,3a,37.5y,224.24h,87.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgGZuVNH4bobZ1Djf7C7d1Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I have never seen signs in that design anywhere else. They also use that design at interstate interchanges, except with mixed-case. Clean look and I like having different directions on different signs.
Texas used that style of directional sign up until about 15 years ago (about the same time they switched to Clearview). Those signs were usually scrunched together with no space between them. Also each control city got a single sign no matter what direction.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Stephane Dumas on May 26, 2020, 04:52:44 PM
There's some studies to upgrade the connection between I-15 and US-20 in Idaho Falls some alternatives include a realignement of I-15 and US-20 as well as a western beltway.
https://i15us20connector.com

the maps showing the alternatives begins at page 64. https://i15us20connector.com/files/I15US20_Level2_Analysis.pdf
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: US 89 on May 26, 2020, 09:24:45 PM
It always shocked me that there wasn't a freeway grade connection from US 20 to I-15, especially when 20 is essentially interstate standard all the way past Rexburg. I've nearly been rear-ended heading westbound at that first light because the dude behind me barely realized the freeway was going to end in time.

Personally I hope they go with option C, but any improvements would be good to see here.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Alps on May 26, 2020, 09:55:05 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 26, 2020, 09:24:45 PM
It always shocked me that there wasn't a freeway grade connection from US 20 to I-15, especially when 20 is essentially interstate standard all the way past Rexburg. I've nearly been rear-ended heading westbound at that first light because the dude behind me barely realized the freeway was going to end in time.

Personally I hope they go with option C, but any improvements would be good to see here.
H seems far and away the best alternative from a traffic operations standpoint, as well as opening up the downtown to development and bike/ped traffic. Minimum ramp clutter and braiding.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: webny99 on May 26, 2020, 10:01:02 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 26, 2020, 09:24:45 PM
It always shocked me that there wasn't a freeway grade connection from US 20 to I-15, especially when 20 is essentially interstate standard all the way past Rexburg. I've nearly been rear-ended heading westbound at that first light because the dude behind me barely realized the freeway was going to end in time.

Wow, that's bad, and this overhead (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.5046904,-112.0543637,3a,90y,263.12h,79.39t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sI0OG2mDJih5sxGRlBksyDQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DI0OG2mDJih5sxGRlBksyDQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D3.6236646%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) certainly doesn't help matters. I would never, ever see a "next right" sign like that and think that I might have to stop at a light in between the sign and where I make my turn. Next right is freeway lingo around here.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: US 89 on May 26, 2020, 10:54:55 PM
Quote from: Alps on May 26, 2020, 09:55:05 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 26, 2020, 09:24:45 PM
It always shocked me that there wasn't a freeway grade connection from US 20 to I-15, especially when 20 is essentially interstate standard all the way past Rexburg. I've nearly been rear-ended heading westbound at that first light because the dude behind me barely realized the freeway was going to end in time.

Personally I hope they go with option C, but any improvements would be good to see here.
H seems far and away the best alternative from a traffic operations standpoint, as well as opening up the downtown to development and bike/ped traffic. Minimum ramp clutter and braiding.

The more I look at it, the more I'm coming to like H. It's just going to mean I have to reclinch that segment of US 20 - I don't think I can justify continuing to claim that if the new alignment is over a mile further north with new interchanges. But I guess I can use a new US 20 bypass as an excuse to get up to Idaho Falls and clinch some of the other routes in that area.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Alps on May 27, 2020, 10:44:33 AM
Quote from: US 89 on May 26, 2020, 10:54:55 PM
Quote from: Alps on May 26, 2020, 09:55:05 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 26, 2020, 09:24:45 PM
It always shocked me that there wasn't a freeway grade connection from US 20 to I-15, especially when 20 is essentially interstate standard all the way past Rexburg. I've nearly been rear-ended heading westbound at that first light because the dude behind me barely realized the freeway was going to end in time.

Personally I hope they go with option C, but any improvements would be good to see here.
H seems far and away the best alternative from a traffic operations standpoint, as well as opening up the downtown to development and bike/ped traffic. Minimum ramp clutter and braiding.

The more I look at it, the more I'm coming to like H. It's just going to mean I have to reclinch that segment of US 20 - I don't think I can justify continuing to claim that if the new alignment is over a mile further north with new interchanges. But I guess I can use a new US 20 bypass as an excuse to get up to Idaho Falls and clinch some of the other routes in that area.
Under any alternative, I expect a road meet.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Dougtone on November 18, 2020, 04:58:25 AM
Gribblenation goes to Idaho as we visit one of the two high bridges over the Snake River Canyon in the Twin Falls area. The Hansen Bridge, about 8 miles east of Twin Falls on ID 50, may be lesser known than the Perrine Bridge, but it is still impressive to see.

https://www.gribblenation.org/2020/11/idahos-hansen-bridge-over-snake-river.html (https://www.gribblenation.org/2020/11/idahos-hansen-bridge-over-snake-river.html)
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Dougtone on November 19, 2020, 05:01:14 AM
The I.B. Perrine Memorial Bridge is the more well known of the bridges that spans over the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho. Spanning some 486 feet above the Snake River, the Perrine Bridge draws comparisons to the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia. It's an impressive sight to see on US 93.

https://www.gribblenation.org/2020/11/idahos-perrine-memorial-bridge-over.html (https://www.gribblenation.org/2020/11/idahos-perrine-memorial-bridge-over.html)
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: nexus73 on November 19, 2020, 06:45:14 PM
Quote from: Dougtone on November 19, 2020, 05:01:14 AM
The I.B. Perrine Memorial Bridge is the more well known of the bridges that spans over the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls, Idaho. Spanning some 486 feet above the Snake River, the Perrine Bridge draws comparisons to the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia. It's an impressive sight to see on US 93.

https://www.gribblenation.org/2020/11/idahos-perrine-memorial-bridge-over.html (https://www.gribblenation.org/2020/11/idahos-perrine-memorial-bridge-over.html)

It most certainly is!  I have caught it once and was surprised by the height and terrain. 

Rick
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Kniwt on March 24, 2021, 10:19:33 AM
The Idaho Statesman reports that ITD has withdrawn plans for a CFI on ID 44 in Eagle after public complaints.

https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/traffic/article250146689.html
QuoteState officials have scrapped plans to introduce an innovative traffic design at an intersection in Eagle after receiving negative public feedback, according to the Idaho Transportation Department.

Last month, construction crews began building an $8.9 million "half continuous flow intersection,"  which would have rearranged the route of left-turning traffic from Idaho 44 onto Eagle Road. Unlike a standard intersection, the new traffic pattern would have shifted left-turning vehicles to the opposite side of the road before reaching the intersection, allowing opposing traffic to flow at the same time.

... "There was a lot of feedback during that period last month and there were a lot of questions,"  Vincent Trimboli, communications manager for ITD, told the Statesman. "We just didn't feel like this was the right time and the right situation to put the displaced left-turn configuration into place."

The more traditional layout is expected to cost roughly the same as the scrapped design, ITD said, and it predicts peak delays will be 60 seconds at the new intersection, whereas current wait times can be as long as 118 seconds. The peak continuous flow delays were expected to be just 46 seconds.

(https://www.idahostatesman.com/latest-news/774owh/picture249297790/alternates/FREE_1140/intersection%20map.jpg)
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: andy3175 on March 25, 2021, 10:19:39 AM
Unusual accident and rescue on Interstate 84 at the Malad Gorge bridge... everyone survived, and the truck was back onto the Interstate safely.

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2021/03/16/couple-dogs-left-dangling-over-100-ft-gorge-when-pickup-truck-loses-control-on-bridge/

QuoteA driver of a pickup truck pulling a 30-foot trailer lost control of his vehicle on Monday while driving across the Malad Gorge Bridge on Interstate 84 in southern Idaho.

It just so happens that the Malad Gorge bridge is appropriately named as the gorge beneath it reaches a depth of about 100 feet.
The truck plunged off the bridge but stayed connected to the trailer by the safety chain, which kept the vehicle from dropping onto the gorge.

The two people and the two dogs were left dangling over the gorge for hours.

All survived the ordeal due to what's being called a "heroic rescue"  by the Gooding County (Utah) Sheriff's Office and the Magic Valley Paramedics Special Operations Rescue Team (SORT).

Soon after deputies arrived, they connected more chains to the vehicle so it wouldn't break away from the trailer and plunge into the canyon.

Then the emergency responders showed up and did what they do: out-of-the-ordinary rescues.

"SORT members were able to rappel down to the dangling pickup truck and attached a harness to each victim allowing rescuers to raise each to safety,"  a spokesman for the rescue team said. (Yes, that means the dogs too).

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210325/130d7c00ada9ebcbaa4d1377f6dca898.jpg)


Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: US 89 on March 25, 2021, 04:18:42 PM
Quote from: andy3175 on March 25, 2021, 10:19:39 AM
Quotethe Gooding County (Utah) Sheriff’s Office

Hm. This happened in Gooding County, Idaho...
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: bing101 on April 04, 2021, 08:00:55 PM

Here is a Tour of I-84 by freewaybrent.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: andy3175 on May 22, 2021, 04:35:13 PM
The north-south Idaho 16 expressway/ freeway planning continues in the Treasure Valley just west of Boise:

https://boisedev.com/news/2021/05/21/itd-highway-16/?amp

QuoteA new freeway-like road that will run north to south in the center of the Treasure Valley just took a big step forward.

The Idaho Transportation Department announced it would outlay $170 million to build the Central Valley (Highway 16) Expressway, connecting Interstate 84 to the current Highway 16, eventually running to Emmett.

Right now, Highway 16 ends at Chinden Blvd., but as BoiseDev was the first to report in 2018, the long-term plans would build out a north-south freeway of sorts. The project started with the portion of the road from State St. to Chinden Blvd., which crews completed in 2014.

The project would include a large Flying Wye-style interchange with I-84 and a large interchange at Ustick Rd. It would be largely free of traditional stoplights or other stops. Some roadways would not directly intersect with the new Highway 16, like Cherry Ln., which would pass under the new highway.


SM-G975U

Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Plutonic Panda on July 04, 2021, 09:13:17 PM
Great article from Construction Equipment Magazine about dozens of projects funded and soon to start around Idaho:

QuoteThe Idaho Transportation Board approved dozens of new road projects across every corner of the state during its regular monthly meeting in Lewiston. The projects include $350 million in construction work that is expected to begin sometime next year.

Many of the projects are part of Idaho Gov. Brad Little's "Building Idaho's Future" transportation funding solution.

"Idaho is the fastest growing state in the nation," Gov. Little said. "To keep up with the demands of a fast-growing state, our historic transportation funding solution helps save Idahoans' time, keeps us safe on our roads, and makes our state's economy even stronger. I appreciate the Idaho Transportation Board for acting quickly to put these new funds to work."

Projects approved that are ready now include $170 million of transportation expansion and congestion mitigation (TECM) funds to expand Idaho State Highway 16 from its current location at U.S.-20/26 (Chinden Boulevard) to Interstate 84. The board also dedicated $37 million of TECM funds to expand U.S.-20/26 to four lanes from Middleton Road to I-84. Both projects should be under construction next year and will likely be bonded.

In addition, the board approved approximately $140 million in projects with one-time funds from the Building Idaho's Future program, along with federal and state COVID Relief funds. This statewide group of projects is focused on critical maintenance and safety needs for highways and bridges from Ashton in eastern Idaho, to the Magic Valley and north to Wallace.

- read more here: https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/idaho-transportation-board-approves-dozens-of-projects/53003
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Quillz on September 12, 2021, 07:05:59 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 05, 2020, 07:32:44 PM
Apparently Idaho has a new state highway shield design, which they're using on both BGSs and standalone shields. Looks like it's been the new standard since Idaho updated their state MUTCD supplement in 2016 (https://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/manuals/Sign_Chart_Supplement.pdf).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corcohighways.org%2Fhighways%2Fid%2F55%2F84nampato78%2F0.jpg&hash=d3ca8c50d48918a4f0b36b7205b0e05b259e3197)
(photo from corcohighways (http://corcohighways.org/?p=549))

Compare to the old BGS design:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/972/42282412332_9126a2acd3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27qmq6b)

And the old standalone design:

(https://i.imgur.com/Ofka3JB.jpg)

So essentially, they've inverted the colors and removed the state name, producing a shield that I think looks disgusting especially on a BGS. The numbers look like they're floating away. Maybe a border would help somewhat in that regard, but I still think this was a major step in the wrong direction for a state that has generally produced quite good signage overall.
Okay, not really a fan of these. They don't look too bad as markers on a BGS, but as shields, they need a border. They remind me a bit of California's first miner spades:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Faaroads.com%2Fshields%2Fimg%2FCA%2FCA19340011i1.jpg&hash=c39f411d61d56d2b9bba38384979c59932cbcf9d)
And then within a year or so, they went to this:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Faaroads.com%2Fshields%2Fimg%2FCA%2FCA19351501i1.jpg&hash=5d904bfafa6643d6b03ca48d84701d48c38fed6d)
See? Even back in the 1930s, you needed to have a border to hold all the elements together. Especially at night, you'll just see a number seemingly floating on its own. That said, I do think removing the state name is fine in this case. It didn't seem necessary when you already had a silhouette of the state itself. Honestly, if a border was added, these would actually be fine.

I did like Idaho's inverted shields, but I guess doing it this way saves on cost.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 12, 2021, 09:55:49 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 05, 2020, 07:32:44 PM
Apparently Idaho has a new state highway shield design, which they're using on both BGSs and standalone shields. Looks like it's been the new standard since Idaho updated their state MUTCD supplement in 2016 (https://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/manuals/Sign_Chart_Supplement.pdf).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corcohighways.org%2Fhighways%2Fid%2F55%2F84nampato78%2F0.jpg&hash=d3ca8c50d48918a4f0b36b7205b0e05b259e3197)
(photo from corcohighways (http://corcohighways.org/?p=549))

Compare to the old BGS design:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/972/42282412332_9126a2acd3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27qmq6b)

And the old standalone design:

(https://i.imgur.com/Ofka3JB.jpg)

So essentially, they've inverted the colors and removed the state name, producing a shield that I think looks disgusting especially on a BGS. The numbers look like they're floating away. Maybe a border would help somewhat in that regard, but I still think this was a major step in the wrong direction for a state that has generally produced quite good signage overall.

I'd be more peeved that the route number has to be condensed to squeeze into the upper right corner of the shield.  I have a similar beef about Michigan and North Carolina's diamond shields.  How about a shield design where one can actually read the damn route number while zipping along the highway?  Maine and West Virginia's squares and rectangles may be boring, but you can easily read their route numbers.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Quillz on September 13, 2021, 12:42:37 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on September 12, 2021, 09:55:49 PM
Quote from: US 89 on May 05, 2020, 07:32:44 PM
Apparently Idaho has a new state highway shield design, which they're using on both BGSs and standalone shields. Looks like it's been the new standard since Idaho updated their state MUTCD supplement in 2016 (https://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/manuals/Sign_Chart_Supplement.pdf).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.corcohighways.org%2Fhighways%2Fid%2F55%2F84nampato78%2F0.jpg&hash=d3ca8c50d48918a4f0b36b7205b0e05b259e3197)
(photo from corcohighways (http://corcohighways.org/?p=549))

Compare to the old BGS design:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/972/42282412332_9126a2acd3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27qmq6b)

And the old standalone design:

(https://i.imgur.com/Ofka3JB.jpg)

So essentially, they've inverted the colors and removed the state name, producing a shield that I think looks disgusting especially on a BGS. The numbers look like they're floating away. Maybe a border would help somewhat in that regard, but I still think this was a major step in the wrong direction for a state that has generally produced quite good signage overall.

I'd be more peeved that the route number has to be condensed to squeeze into the upper right corner of the shield.  I have a similar beef about Michigan and North Carolina's diamond shields.  How about a shield design where one can actually read the damn route number while zipping along the highway?  Maine and West Virginia's squares and rectangles may be boring, but you can easily read their route numbers.

They actually do use wide shields now. According to the documentation, it's always Series C, but you just make the shield wider for three-digit routes. That's an actual improvement over the previous design.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Max Rockatansky on October 04, 2021, 10:46:32 PM
I recently visited Boise, here is a 10 part series on the trip:

https://www.gribblenation.org/2021/10/2021-boise-idaho-visit.html
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: skluth on December 15, 2021, 11:43:39 PM
Quote
ITD prepares to bid $100 million overhaul of 'Flying Y' interchange

POCATELLO – The Idaho Transportation Department plans to accept bids soon for an estimated $100 million overhaul of the "Flying Y" interchange that joins Interstate 15 and Interstate 86.

ITD Engineer Manager Eric Staats, said the work will be bid in early 2022, and construction is planned to commence in the late summer.

ITD also launched an unrelated study on Wednesday examining the logistics of widening I-15 one section at a time from Pocatello to Idaho Falls. Though the Flying Y project will include two lanes, Staats said the bridges will be designed to leave room for a third lane, with an eye to the future.

Rest of article here (https://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/itd-prepares-to-bid-100-million-overhaul-of-flying-y-interchange/article_d3f501cf-2dab-57f0-a8a9-10f6b06bb62e.html)
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: doorknob60 on December 16, 2021, 04:45:32 PM
I saw that article the other day, and was annoyed that there are apparently 2 "Flying Y" interchanges in Idaho. The I-84/I-184 interchange is usually called that as well. Real creative naming, guys. The headline was confusing to me until I read the article.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Max Rockatansky on December 16, 2021, 04:49:54 PM
Quote from: doorknob60 on December 16, 2021, 04:45:32 PM
I saw that article the other day, and was annoyed that there are apparently 2 "Flying Y" interchanges in Idaho. The I-84/I-184 interchange is usually called that as well. Real creative naming, guys. The headline was confusing to me until I read the article.

I wonder what they would make of Exit 0 on I-184?  That was pretty much the most interesting part of the freeway when I drove it in September. 
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Bruce on January 13, 2022, 07:05:59 AM
ITD is planning to abandon SH-75 Spur from Ketchum to Sun Valley and transfer it to Blaine County.

https://itdprojects.org/projects/id-75-spur/
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: 74/171FAN on January 13, 2022, 10:53:39 AM
Quote from: Bruce on January 13, 2022, 07:05:59 AM
ITD is planning to abandon SH-75 Spur from Ketchum to Sun Valley and transfer it to Blaine County.

https://itdprojects.org/projects/id-75-spur/

I guess this route is completely unsigned because I could not find it in Travel Mapping.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: US 89 on January 13, 2022, 03:26:52 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on January 13, 2022, 10:53:39 AM
Quote from: Bruce on January 13, 2022, 07:05:59 AM
ITD is planning to abandon SH-75 Spur from Ketchum to Sun Valley and transfer it to Blaine County.

https://itdprojects.org/projects/id-75-spur/

I guess this route is completely unsigned because I could not find it in Travel Mapping.

Even Corco didn't know about this one...

http://corcohighways.org/?p=42
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: doorknob60 on January 13, 2022, 03:43:46 PM
Yeah I never knew that was on the state highway system either. Though I've only been to Sun Valley once.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 08, 2022, 08:44:57 AM
This is cool. Idaho is using a special machine to pick up trash in the medians: https://itd.idaho.gov/news/new-machine-to-pick-up-trash-on-i-90-this-spring/

I haven't seen this in other states.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Bruce on April 08, 2022, 11:43:37 PM
The new I-90 / SH-41 interchange in Post Falls will be an SPUI that is shifted to the north side of the underpass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVbjYHQB8OQ

(https://i.imgur.com/15bGs0j.jpeg)
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: rte66man on April 09, 2022, 11:37:52 AM
Quote from: Bruce on April 08, 2022, 11:43:37 PM
The new I-90 / SH-41 interchange in Post Falls will be an SPUI that is shifted to the north side of the underpass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVbjYHQB8OQ

(https://i.imgur.com/15bGs0j.jpeg)

Never seen a SPUI shifted like that. I wonder where else you can find one.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: roadfro on April 09, 2022, 09:22:42 PM
That offset SPUI is a very interesting concept. It's probably gotta be a bit more expensive than a regular SPUI given three smaller bridges versus one really wide one, but the application makes sense here given the parallel road.

Is it gonna have signals with green on top...? :)
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Alex on April 10, 2022, 08:03:48 AM
Quote from: rte66man on April 09, 2022, 11:37:52 AM
Never seen a SPUI shifted like that. I wonder where else you can find one.

There is a similar SPUI at Interdtate 225 and Alameda Avenue (https://maps.app.goo.gl/2cXmp9UNJkcCuU7T7) in Aurora, Colorado.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Stephane Dumas on April 26, 2022, 08:53:24 AM
Quote from: Alex on April 10, 2022, 08:03:48 AM
Quote from: rte66man on April 09, 2022, 11:37:52 AM
Never seen a SPUI shifted like that. I wonder where else you can find one.

There is a similar SPUI at Interdtate 225 and Alameda Avenue (https://maps.app.goo.gl/2cXmp9UNJkcCuU7T7) in Aurora, Colorado.

As well as another one at St.Paul, Minnesota at I-694/Rice St. where a former diamond interchange was converted into a SPUI.
https://goo.gl/maps/kxqz78NCUJyjtUq36
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: rte66man on April 27, 2022, 11:02:42 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on April 26, 2022, 08:53:24 AM
Quote from: Alex on April 10, 2022, 08:03:48 AM
Quote from: rte66man on April 09, 2022, 11:37:52 AM
Never seen a SPUI shifted like that. I wonder where else you can find one.

There is a similar SPUI at Interdtate 225 and Alameda Avenue (https://maps.app.goo.gl/2cXmp9UNJkcCuU7T7) in Aurora, Colorado.

As well as another one at St.Paul, Minnesota at I-694/Rice St. where a former diamond interchange was converted into a SPUI.
https://goo.gl/maps/kxqz78NCUJyjtUq36

That interchange shows as an offset roundabout, not a SPUI. Does Google have it wrong?
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Stephane Dumas on April 29, 2022, 03:04:14 PM
Quote from: rte66man on April 27, 2022, 11:02:42 PM
That interchange shows as an offset roundabout, not a SPUI. Does Google have it wrong?

Google have it right, I guess it could be a variant who could be called "SRUI" (Single Roundabout Urban Interchange). However there a real shifted SPUI where Rice Street meet MN-36. https://www.google.com/maps/@45.007569,-93.1037842,1584m/data=!3m1!1e3
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: mrsman on May 11, 2022, 03:29:56 PM
Quote from: Alex on April 10, 2022, 08:03:48 AM
Quote from: rte66man on April 09, 2022, 11:37:52 AM
Never seen a SPUI shifted like that. I wonder where else you can find one.

There is a similar SPUI at Interdtate 225 and Alameda Avenue (https://maps.app.goo.gl/2cXmp9UNJkcCuU7T7) in Aurora, Colorado.

This is a fantastic design.  One thing about most of the normal SPUIs that I have been to is that in order to make left turns, you have to swoop across the whole intersection.  In some ways it feels a bit unnatural, in that in making your left turn, you basically have to drive a little bit in opposite direction traffic to then meet up with the onramp.

Take this example in Pikesville, MD:

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3843465,-76.7335423,3a,37.5y,284.35h,82.79t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sYvnON3RVudYkNpZeRt6qbA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

You are sitting at the stop line waiting for a green arrow to make a left.  You have to go all the way to where that green sign is on the left to make it to the onramp.  This is probably one of the main reasons that permissive lefts at SPUIs are rare, even for single lane left turns.

But the intersection in Aurora, CO feels like a normal intersection.  A direct left turn can be made in the normal fashion.  Much more intuitive (and probably safer).

The off-set SPUI seems pretty rare, but one half of this interchange in design is not so rare.  It usually occurs where there is a major street that is parallel to the freeway.  (Some times the major street is the old highway that was replaced by the freeway).  If that parallel street is set to end at another major street that is also serviced by a freeway exit and entrance, it is a convenient design to get traffic on the parallel street directly on the freeway.

West Main Street entrance onto US 101 in Ventura, CA.  An offset half-SPUI to get business route traffic directly onto freeway:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ventura,+CA/@34.2822034,-119.3180284,17.3z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x80e9ad155097394d:0x24eff57c367aeae8!8m2!3d34.2804923!4d-119.2945199


Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: roadman65 on July 31, 2022, 06:45:52 AM
https://itd.idaho.gov/news/construction-begins-next-week-on-the-i-90-sh-41-interchangePost Falls to receive a SPUI, but not one that meets under or over the freeway.

https://itdprojects.org/projects/i90sh41ic/
Look and you'll see on ITD's page how it will look.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Bruce on February 12, 2023, 05:03:51 PM
Anyone know what is going on with I-84 Business in Caldwell and Nampa? It's planned to be relinquished (https://itd.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Adjustments-Mar2022_Packet.pdf) to the cities, but the board says they're waiting on AASHTO approval. But AASHTO isn't supposed to handle business Interstates.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on November 08, 2023, 05:55:09 PM
ITD will begin a series of projects to widen I-15 between Pocatello and Idaho Falls to three lanes. Starting in 2024, the segment between Northgate (Exit 73) and Fort Hall (Exit 80) interchanges will be under construction with all of the bridges to be replaced to accommodate a third lane within the median.

https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i15northgatetoblackfoot
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Taters on November 11, 2023, 02:05:34 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on November 08, 2023, 05:55:09 PM
ITD will begin a series of projects to widen I-15 between Pocatello and Idaho Falls to three lanes. Starting in 2024, the segment between Northgate (Exit 73) and Fort Hall (Exit 80) interchanges will be under construction with all of the bridges to be replaced to accommodate a third lane within the median.

https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/i15northgatetoblackfoot

Been hearing about this one for a while. Traffic counts seem relatively low but it seems like the area is growing enough that maybe counts will become much higher to justify this project in the coming years. My prediction is that it will probably be at least until 2035 that this project isn't fully complete but maybe I'm wrong.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: JREwing78 on November 11, 2023, 08:59:24 PM
Curious to know how much seasonal fluctuations in traffic factor into it; being the primary route north to Yellowstone from SLC. Commercial AADT is also fairly high at 5000-6000 vehicles per day, which factors into any decision to widen.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Taters on November 12, 2023, 01:44:28 AM
Quote from: JREwing78 on November 11, 2023, 08:59:24 PM
Curious to know how much seasonal fluctuations in traffic factor into it; being the primary route north to Yellowstone from SLC. Commercial AADT is also fairly high at 5000-6000 vehicles per day, which factors into any decision to widen.

True. Not only is ITD working on this, they are also in the process of conducting multiple longer term studies/ environmental assessments on US-20 between Idaho Falls and West Yellowstone. I'll list a few of those here:

https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/us20-chester-to-ashton-ea
https://itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/south-saint-anthony-interchange
https://itdprojects.org/projects/us-20-ashton-to-sh-87-jct/

Most of these probably won't be in construction for years, but the seasonal factor is probably a little bit greater on US-20 (esp. north of Rexburg) compared to I-15 in the area.
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on March 07, 2024, 06:15:05 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkxGZLutwrI

The interchange in Jerome on Interstate 84 (Exit 168) is very (I don't know how to describe it)!
Title: Re: Idaho
Post by: Alps on March 07, 2024, 06:52:00 PM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on March 07, 2024, 06:15:05 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkxGZLutwrI

The interchange in Jerome on Interstate 84 (Exit 168) is very (I don't know how to describe it)!
Rotary. (looks like some old ones Mass has around)