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Desert Avenue, Latigo Drive to Cole Road
May 2024
Welcome
The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) is working on improvements along Desert Avenue in South Boise. This project will enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety by adding consistent curb, gutter, and multi-use pathways on both sides of the street.
Additionally, the project will update pedestrian ramps in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. ADA requires that pedestrian ramps be designed to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids.
Learn more about the project below.
Project Purpose
- Increase connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians
- Enhance safety for all users
- Improve quality of the street
Project Description
- Construct curb, gutter, and a 10-ft multi-use pathway on both sides of Desert Avenue
- Add bulb-outs to some wider side streets where they intersect with Desert Avenue to increase safety for pedestrians
- Install a pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB) at the Cole Road intersection
- Install a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) at the Silver Spur Street intersection
- Install a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) on Desert Avenue near Missoula Way
- Add speed cushions along Desert Avenue
- Construct additional storm drain facilities
- Rehabilitate the existing pavement
Click the button below to view a detailed concept design for Desert Avenue from Latigo Drive to Cole Road.
Key Features
This section summarizes the key features of the proposed design for Desert Avenue.
Computer renderings of some of the key features have been developed to provide a graphical depiction of what the improvements could look like.
The graphics below are for illustrative purposes only. Exact street features and materials are subject to further study and refinement by ACHD.
Speed Cushions
Speed Cushions are a physical traffic control measure to slow vehicles.
Speed Cushions include cutouts to allow emergency vehicles to pass through without significant slowing.
Note: Click and drag the slider bar right and left to compare the key features to the existing road.
Multi-Use Pathway
Multi-use pathways offer a safe space for pedestrians and cyclists to share, separate from vehicular traffic.
Multi-use pathways are planned along both sides of Desert Avenue for the full length of the project.
Bulb-Outs
Bulb-outs are proposed throughout the project area to increase safety for pedestrians.
Bulb-outs extend the sidewalk or curb line out into the street and increase safety by:
- Narrowing the street to shorten crossing distance for pedestrians
- Slowing vehicles
Bulb-outs will be constructed on the following Desert Avenue cross-streets:
- Latigo Drive
- Tinker Street
- Round-up Street
- Silver Spur Street (south side only)
- Saddle Street
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB)
A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) is proposed at the Desert Avenue and Cole Road intersection.
PHBs facilitate safe pedestrian crossings by stopping vehicle traffic as required.
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB)
Two Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) are proposed along Desert Avenue. They will be located at:
- Desert Avenue and Silver Spur Street
- Desert Avenue and Missoula Way
RRFBs provide a designated crossing location for pedestrians across Desert Avenue.
Project Timeline
2024
Design Started
May 2024
Gather Public Feedback (WE ARE HERE)
2026
Begin Purchasing Property Necessary For Project
2027
Start Construction
Nearby Projects
ACHD has planned many projects in the surrounding area over the next five years. To learn more, click the interactive map below to view the many projects included in ACHD's Integrated Five-Year Work Plan (IFYWP).
ACHD Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP) - 2024 thru 2028
Let Us Know What You Think!
Please use the survey below to share your feedback on the Desert Avenue, Latigo Drive to Cole Road project with ACHD. After the comment period closes, ACHD will review, and address comments received from the public.
What do you think?
Your comments are always welcome however, they can be best used if received by June 6, 2024.
Contact Us
Tawnya Converse, ACHD Project Manager
(208) 387-6100
projects@achdidaho.org