Although the Hailey City Council this week adopted the city's Traffic Master Plan after two years of studies and public comment, the costly improvements to the city streets still have a way to go before becoming a reality.
At their meeting on Monday, Dec. 10, City Council members approved of the plan, which looks at Hailey's street and sidewalk needs over the next 20 years and, if implemented in full, would cost an estimated $24.6 million.
This figure was provided by the Boise-based traffic consultants Transpo Group, which completed traffic counts and studied numerous intersections in the city prior to making recommendations.
This money would be used to address the city's top priority of necessary improvements to state Highway 75/Main Street corridor and River Street, as well as increased pedestrian safety along Woodside Boulevard.
In addition to the Main Street area, the plan includes improvements to trails and sidewalks on select city streets that will connect Hailey schools, neighborhoods and retail and dining areas together. Some of the streets chosen for possible pedestrian and bicycle improvements are Myrtle, Bullion and Elm Streets.
"I think we're aware of what's coming down the road," City Engineer Tom Hellen said while presenting a slide to the council and public that detailed the deficiencies in the road system that already exist or are forecasted to appear in the next two decades.
He said that the plan would serve as a starting point and Mayor Susan McBryant explained that the different proposed projects would each be subject to further deliberation when capital improvement projects are proposed for the annual budget.
Hellen added that many of the city's streets have fallen behind an acceptable level of service and that some streets, such as the 30-year-old Woodside Boulevard, need to be completely redone, rather than simply maintained.
However, maintenance is no small task either, as the Transpo Group estimated that it would take approximately $250,000 per year to keep Hailey's streets up to standard.
"In reality, this is almost a wish list," commented Hailey resident Peter Lobb.
Councilman Rick Davis, who will take over as mayor next month, said that Hailey's financial situation will play a role in how the plan is implemented.
"Perhaps we don't need the most luxurious option," Davis said.
Mayor McBryant explained that while the recommendations may be beyond the financial capabilities of the city, the master plan is a necessary step in order to be eligible for various types of funding, such as grants.
In addition to federal and state funding, Hellen said that money could come from a revenue bond, local option tax revenue, or the creation of a local improvement district.
He also said that $6.7 million of the improvements would be eligible from the traffic impact fee program, which receives money from developers of new subdivisions. However, this money isn't guaranteed as it's tied to new development and the housing market.
