Adam RollinsResidents of Nampa, Idaho, will vote on a $38 million transportation bond to address traffic congestion and improve safety along roadways and pedestrian corridors. The city will hold the bond election May 21, 2024. Nampa is 20 miles west of Boise.
If approved, the bond would allocate $15 million to build a four-lane crossover between Twelfth and Eleventh avenues. Once built, the connection would provide a more direct route to and from Interstate 84, allowing drivers to smoothly transition between streets without requiring additional turns at intersections. When combined with other bond intersection improvements, the crossover would help reduce downtown congestion by 75%, redirect most heavy truck traffic out of the downtown area and improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Construction would start between 2026 and 2027.
The city would use $9 million to design access roads between Nampa and the upcoming State Highway 16/I-84 Interchange. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is currently building the SH-16 extension. The city would design the Nampa connection on the south side of the interstate, alongside a separate east-west connection extending additional nearby roads. The funds would allow the city to finish the design portion of the $80 million project. Once completed, the connection would reduce congestion by up to 10%. The city expects more than 20,000 vehicles would use the connection by 2050. Design would begin in 2027.
The bond would provide $5 million to improve Library Square, which would connect with the Twelfth and Eleventh avenues crossover project to reduce congestion. The project would increase Eleventh Avenue to six lanes, allow two-way traffic on Eleventh Avenue and determine if two-way traffic is needed on Twelfth Avenue. If completed, the project would reduce congestion by 20%, reduce motorist delays and improve safety. Construction would begin in 2025.
The city would spread an additional $5 million across six Safe Routes to School sidewalk improvement projects. Bond approval would allow the city to build and repair sidewalks near elementary, middle and high schools, increasing student safety and mobility. Construction for all six projects would begin between 2025 and 2026.
The bond’s remaining $4 million would allow the city to reduce congestion at the Treasure Valley Marketplace and Midland intersection. If the funding is approved, the city would increase intersection capacity and eliminate conflict points. Construction would begin in 2026.
Photo courtesy of Idaho Walk Bike Alliance
