Nez Perce Street Corridor Study

Thank you for visiting the Nez Perce Street Corridor Study Virtual Open House.

Toggle through the sections using the navigation banner above or simply scroll down to learn more about the project background, objectives, and provide feedback through the public comment survey.

A virtual public meeting will be held on Thursday, September 29 ^th  at 5:30pm to answer your questions and discuss the options.

To join on your computer or mobile Microsoft Teams meeting app, click the button below

Or call in (audio only) +1 469-214-8538 Phone Conference ID: 877 273 406#

The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) is exploring improvements along the Nez Perce corridor between Columbus Street and Orchard Street. Bicycle Improvements The study will identify bicycle improvements for a new 2.3 mile low stress bikeway connecting Orchard Street to Columbus Street. The proposed route will provide a low-stress bicycle alternative to Overland Road, providing access to two schools (Hillcrest Elementary and Whitney Elementary) and a number of key north/south bicycle routes including Phillippi Street on the west side of Orchard Street and Latah, Owyhee, Shoshone, and Columbus Streets on the east side of Orchard Street. Pedestrian and Other Improvements In addition, the study will identify potential traffic calming measures, transit improvements, and pedestrian improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

We heard from the public about each segment of the Nez Perce Corridor Study through outreach conducted in July 2022. Summaries of key findings are presented in the following section.

Read the full public engagement summary located here:  full report 

What We Heard:

• 39% of respondents were concerned about the lack of sidewalks
• 42% were concerned about the lack of protection for bicyclists
• Respondents were generally supportive of adding sidewalk on both sides of all streets, but particularly Pond Street
• Most responses wanted to maintain parking on both sides of the Pond Street
• Commentors expressed safety concerns about the Orchard Street / Malad Street intersection

Modifications Since July 2022:

• Consideration of an enhanced crossing at Orchard Street / Malad Street intersection
• Pond Street right of way width does not allow the addition of sidewalks on both sides while maintaining existing on-street parking. No change is recommended.

Proposed Improvements:

• Sharrows in both directions for bicyclists
• Fill gaps in the sidewalk network:
  • South side of Malad Street between Orchard Street and Pond Street
  • East side of Pond Street between Malad Street and Targee Street (removes on street parking on east side)
  • West side of Pond Street between Hillcrest Elementary and Greenbriar Drive
• Intersection Improvements:
  • Orchard Street and Malad Street (Enhanced crossing with Americans with Disabilities Act improvements)
  • Malad Street and Pond Street (Marked crossing with Americans with Disabilities Act improvements)

What We Heard:

• 44% of respondents are concerned about the lack of sidewalks
• 61% of respondents liked the addition of bike lanes
• Broad support of better pedestrian facilities

Modifications Since July 2022:

• 6 foot sidewalk on the north (uphill) side of the roadway
• 6 foot bike lane on the north (uphill) side of the roadway
• Sharrows on the south (downhhill) side of the roadway

Proposed Improvements:

• 6 foot sidewalk on the north (uphill) side of the roadway
• Driveways for the country club's delivery area and cart path
• 6 foot bike lane on the north (uphill) side of the roadway
• Sharrows on the south (downhill) side of the roadway
• Intersection realignment at Country Club Road & Roosevelt Street

What We Heard:

• Respondents were almost unanimously concerned with vehicle speeds on Roosevelt Street

• 59% of respondents supported the realignment of the intersection but thought paint would be ineffective

Modifications Since July 2022:

• Enhanced Pedestrian Crossings (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons):
  • Country Club Drive / Roosevelt Street intersection
  • Roosevelt / Nez Perce Street intersection
• Curbing to delineate the realigned Country Club Drive / Roosevelt Street intersection (instead of paint)

Proposed Improvements:

• Enhanced Pedestrian Crossings (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and Americans with Disabilities Act improvements)
  • Country Club Drive / Roosevelt Street intersection
  • Roosevelt / Nez Perce Street intersection
• Curbing to delineate the realigned Country Club Drive / Roosevelt Street intersection
• Buffered bike lanes in both directions
• Fill a gap in the existing sidewalk network on the east side of Roosevelt Street between Country Club Road and Palouse Street (removes on street parking on the east side)

Three separate options for this segment were offered for public comment. All three options proposed traffic calming measures at key intersections including raised intersections, bulbouts, ADA improvements, or 4-way stops.

• Option A maintained on-street parking on both sides of Nez Perce and added Sharrows in both directions.  

• Option B eliminated parking on the south side of Nez Perce and added bike lanes in both directions.  

• Option C eliminated parking on both sides of Nez Perce and added buffered bike lanes in both directions.  

What We Heard:

• Respondents were almost unanimously concerned with vehicle speeds on Nez Perce Street

• 42% of respondents favored Option B

Modifications Since July 2022:

• Option B improvements carried forward, Options A and C eliminated from further consideration

Proposed Improvements:

• Raised intersection with Americans with Disabilities Act improvements:
  • Nez Perce Street / Cleveland Street intersection
  • Nez Perce Street / Atlantic Street intersection
  • Nez Perce Street / Hervey Street intersection
  • Nez Perce Street / Abbs Street intersection
• Bulbouts (north side of Nez Perce only) with Americans with Disabilities Act improvements:
  • Nez Perce Street / Roosevelt Street intersection
  • Nez Perce Street / Latah Street intersection
  • Nez Perce Street / Shoshone Street intersection
• Maintain Existing 4-way Stop Configuration:
  • Nez Perce Street / Latah Street intersection
  • Nez Perce Street / Owyhee Street intersection
• 6' Bike lanes in both directions
• Eliminate existing on-street parking on the south side (maintain existing parking on the north side)

What We Heard:

• 43% of responses listed the need for sidewalks as a concern

• 43% of responses noted protection for bikes as a concern

Modifications Since July 2022:

• None

Proposed Improvements:

• Sharrows in both directions for bicyclists
• Fill gaps in the sidewalk network on both sides of Nez Perce Street

Open comment period: Sept. 22 - Oct. 6

Edinson Bautista, ACHD Senior Transportation Planner

208.387.6100

TTY: 1.800.377.3529

 projects@achdidaho.org