Public input leads to improvements
Idaho County Commissioner Jim Rehder sought out input from the public on targeting safety improvements on U.S. Highway 95 and now the suggestions are becoming a reality between Grangeville and Ferdinand.  Idaho County Commissioner Jim Rehder, pictured here on the right, discusses public concerns with ITD workers on his recent visit to Fenn, where turn lanes are being added to US Highway 95.
Rehder contacted the Idaho Transportation Dept (ITD) about the need to address traffic congestion on Highway 95 at Fenn, and ITD agreed to include the widening of shoulders and turn lanes in the current resurfacing project. This area is particularly dangerous during harvest time when grain trucks are accessing the warehouses. "ITD deserves much credit for working this safety upgrade into the current project and within budget," said Rehder.
Public input was also sought on the Greencreek Road/Highway 95 intersection.  Resident comments were sent to ITD in favor of an over/underpass.  As a result, ITD has agreed to hold public comment on this project in the next 4-6 months.  Commissioner Rehder stated, "This intersection has been an ongoing safety hazard since the road was built in the mid-1970s".
The final project in this section of the state highway is at the Highway 95/Jentges Road intersection. This project is included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).  A turn lane is scheduled to be constructed in 2011.  "We need to be sure this project doesn't get cut from next year's STIP and is completed on schedule," Rehder said.  
"Highway statistics don't always tell the whole story when identifying dangerous sections of road."  Rehder said.  "These upgrades are crucial to the safety of our citizens in Idaho County." 

Cottonwood, Idaho 83522
 

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