Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Sun Valley speaks out on highway plan

City wants new look between Elkhorn Road and Ketchum


By MEGAN THOMAS
Express Staff Writer

The Sun Valley City Council approved two separate resolutions last week regarding the Idaho Transportation Department's proposed changes to state Highway 75.

With little discussion, the council unanimously passed Thursday, Feb. 16, a resolution to approve a multi-jurisdictional comment letter on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the plan to widen and improve Highway 75 through the Wood River Valley. The Ketchum City Council also approved the letter last week.

"We created a resolution to make it stronger in the eyes of ITD," Sun Valley Assistant Community Development Director Marisa Nelson said.

The cities of Sun Valley, Carey, Bellevue, Hailey and Ketchum and Blaine County presented a public comment letter to ITD and the Federal Highway Administration in late January. The new letter states that the jurisdictions did not change their positions, but they instead wish to restate the common recommendations, which include support for ITD's "Alternative 3."

If approved, that alternative would expand Highway 75 through the Wood River Valley into a four-lane highway with high-occupancy-vehicle lanes employed during the peak hours of commuter traffic.

The Sun Valley City Council then unanimously agreed to a resolution that approves a joint letter to be submitted with the city of Ketchum. The city of Ketchum approved the letter Monday, Feb. 13, and recommended that the letter incorporate stronger language to emphasize support for multi-modal transportation options and more public involvement opportunities. The Sun Valley City Council incorporated the suggestions.

The joint letter specifically requests the following specific plans and design elements relevant to Ketchum and Sun Valley:

· The two cities declare support for a "build alternative" for the section of state Highway 75 between Elkhorn Road and Ketchum and also between River Street and Saddle Road in Ketchum. The alternative addresses the transition from four lanes south of Elkhorn Road on Highway 75 to two or three lanes into the city of Ketchum. ITD had indicated a recommendation for the "no-build alternative" in those areas.

Other comments specific to the area:

· Sun Valley identifies the intersection of Elkhorn Road in Sun Valley and state Highway 75 as a key entrance to the city. The letter requests context-sensitive design of the intersection as the city's entrance.

· Removal or under-grounding of the high-voltage power lines along state Highway 75 and Lane Ranch.

· Replacing the bridge over Trail Creek in Ketchum.

· Developing a three-lane Main Street with improved pedestrian areas and crossings.

· Coordinating traffic signals.

· Conducting bike and pedestrian improvements, including, but not limited to, appropriately designed and connected sidewalks, landscape buffers between the sidewalk and curb, appropriately designed bike lanes as an alternative to the existing trail system.

· Support for the Wood River Trail system as alternative recreation, and a request that ITD commit and record the protection of the trail system as a continuous transportation corridor.

· Installing a roundabout at Serenade Lane in Ketchum.

· Installing a signal at Tenth and Main streets in Ketchum.

· Lowering the elevation of the highway at the intersection of Warm Springs Road, Sixth Street and Main Street in Ketchum.

Other comments express:

· Support for a four-lane highway option up to Elkhorn Road in Sun Valley. The option is paired with support for a comprehensive operating scenario to control the growth of peak-hour traffic, reduce transit and carpool travel time. The scenario calls for a peak-hour HOV lane with restrictions, extensive transit system enhancements, and a comprehensive regional and local transportation demand management program.

· A request for additional public involvement to give all entities a better understanding of the various operating scenarios. Ketchum and Sun Valley request that ITD partner with elected officials, staff and citizens.

Councilwoman Ann Agnew, away on medical leave, did not take part in the meeting.




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