Boise Guardian » Traffic

Thoughts From The Road

dave — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:53:47 +0000

The day job has the GUARDIAN on the road making photographs and observing the “American Condition.” We share some random observations.

–The new bridge across the Coloorado River below Hoover Dam is a great time saver if you are headed south of Las Vegas, but you can’t see it (or the dam) as you drive across. Thee is a parking lot and pedestrian access on the north end of the bridge.

–Arizona entrepreneurs have figured a way to sign up residents to buy solar panels for their rooftops. The the deals amount to obligations to purchase, but are to be repaid with the money earned by selling power back to the electric company that is forced to purchase the power. The real money is in the “Renewalable Energy Credits”–a mini version of the windmills lumped into thousands of invididual homeowners.

–Old semi-trailers are used along the freeways as billboards. Either to skirt a billboard law or just because they can be moved easily.
–Trucks outnumber cars by at least two to one on I-10 from Phoenix to El Paso, Texas.

–From El Paso to San Antonio you really have to WANT a speeding ticket…the speed limit is 80 mph. Some of the trucks actually go that fast, but the 585 miles stilll go slow, even at 80!

–Amazed at the number of people who choose not to watch news or read papers. A friend in boise gave up news for Lent and liked it so much he has adopted the practive permanently.

–Motorhome culture in Arizona provides lots of jobs. The big ones are everywhere–even with gas at $4 per gallon.

–Border Patrol seems to be everywhere. The inspection station at Sierra Blanca, Texas permanently blocks I-10 just like at a border crossing. Dogs sniff vehicles and the armed agents check everyone passing through…both reassuring and disconcerting.

Big Brother Bieter’s Meters Monitored

dave — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:55:57 +0000

Inquiring minds have asked the GUARDIAN about credit card security on the new parking meters being tested in the downtown area–thank goodness they haven’t put them on the Bench yet!

MODERN PARKING VENDOR IN PARIS

Our sources tell us the credit card is swiped and the info goes via radio signal–like a cell phone–from each meter to a bank processing center as the card is swiped. The new meters being tested count backwards for the free 20 minutes which causes some confusion among motorists. The technology is similar to those devices carried by the rental car attendants in large city airports where they print a receipt in the lot upon return.

We hear the “multi space” parking vendor machines tested previously at City Hall didn’t pass the public acceptance test. Folks just weren’t ready to go to the kiosk and return to their vehicle and display the receipt on the dash.

Some even newer machines will soon be tested in the BoDo area that will cover multi car spaces. These solar powered devices will rent individual spaces by the numbers–like some of the private lots downtown. Instead of a meter maid (or butler) being forced to check the spots or look for dash displays, they will have a hand held “app” that will tell them which spaces are expired. Those machines could be more profitable for the city because they eliminate the need for individual meters and allow those friendly meter monitor people to make a single stop without checking an entire block.

If we can just get an “app” to track a GPS on the bicycles peddled by the meter monitors and sound an alert, it could save everyone some cash (or credit card) money.

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Busiest Intersection In Idaho Is Eagle & Fairview

dave — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:04:41 +0000

Afa County Highway District has released its 2011 traffic counts, placing several intersections in a tight competition for busiest in the county–and in most cases probably the state.

Eagle Council Wants Greenbelt Open To Bikes In G.C.

dave — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:32:31 +0000

In a move that may be a wave of the future, yet another local government has joined the will of the people.

The Citizens for an Open Greenbelt (COG) made its case to the Eagle City Council on Tuesday, seeking to get the Greenbelt opened to bikes in the Garden City stretch currently blocked to bikes. It was apparently a compelling argument prompting the Eagle City Council to vote unanimously to take a public position in support of opening bicycle access through the section of the Riverside Village Subdivision of Garden City. Additionally Eagle elected officials want to immediately open a dialogue with the Garden City Mayor and Council to make this happen.

COG chairman Gary Segers told the GUARDIAN, “This is no longer an issue that just the Citizens for an Open Greenbelt has with Garden City. It now includes another major city in the Treasure Valley that believes the Garden City bike ban has a significant and negative impact on it’s residents, businesses, and users of the Eagle Greenbelt.”

Perhaps Boise’s City Council can take a hint from the bikers and Eagle councilors and urge Garden City to, “Tear Down That Wall.”

Serious Attitude On Speeding In Canada

dave — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:58:56 +0000

The day job took the GUARDIAN editor on a lengthy road trip during the past couple of weeks, including a spin around the North Shore of Lke Superior in Canada.

The 90 kph speed limit translates to 55 mph. These big blue and yellow signs were an intimidating factor when it came to passing someone doing about 50 mph. For conversion, use .60 times 50 kph and you get a mere 30 mph. Imagine how easy it is to pass a slow mover and punch it to 80 mph downhill.

Our final thought on traffic laws in Ontario was, “do they use anesthetic for the surgery if you get caught with a DUI?”

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Idaho Cities Battle For Convention Dollars

dave — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:27:46 +0000

GROWTHOPHOBE (growth o phobe)–”One who opposes growth just for the sake of growth. Usually refers to municipalities and governments seeking to increase population and attract businesses merely for the sake of growing without due regard to long term affect on citizens and taxpayers.”

The opposite of GROWTHOPHOBE is GROWTHOPHILE and that special breed seems prolific among local politicians and Chambers of Commerce. The standard justification is always “jobs and money” without regard to the finite supply of each. Just check out the plans of three Idaho cities infected with convention center mania.

–The Greater BOISE Auditorium District, B-BAD for short, has a board member election coming up in November and rather than IF, the major political question is “where and how big?” when it comes to additional meeting space. The city has also funded a feasability survey to build a new baseball park downtown.

–Meanwhile, NAMPA is hellbent on repeating its financial debacle at the Idaho Center with another hotel room tax to fund even more entertainment venues. The May 17 election will ask voters if a new auditorium district should be formed with five unopposed nominees to serve on the board.

–IDAHO FALLS voters will also go to the polls to decide on a 5% room tax to fund a convention center. Not taking a hint from the financially troubled Qwest Arena in Boise, plans in I.F. call for a hockey team as the so-called “anchor tenant.” Financial benefits for the proposed center range from an annual loss of $88,000 to a profit of $1.88 million. Not a very sound investment for the bond market.

Lest we forget, all three of these venues will be competing with each other in a game of “who can give away the most.” An ice arena, baseball park or giant display space is not a guarantee to attract visitors. Officials in both Nampa and Idaho Falls claimed in news stories they could borrow against revenues to fund debt. Even if it were legal, lenders are not likely to risk money when repayment is subject to the whims of the market place and management skills of hoteliers.

Article VIII, sec 3 of the Idaho constitution makes no distinction about funding sources, be they revenue bonds or general obligation bonds when it comes to auditorium districts. If a municipality (subdivision of state government) wishes to go into debt of more than a single year’s revenues, they MUST seek permission and get approval of 2/3 of the electors voting in an election for such permission.

A hotel tax, while dedicated for an auditorium district, is PUBLIC MONEY and it belongs to the people of the District. THEY–not a board–hold the sole authority to enter into debt in excess of a single budget year’s revenues.

Many issues beyond the wishes of hoteliers are to be considered when a convention center is built. It is up to the citizens alone to determine if they want such a venue in their community. Boise voters have twice denied permission of the Greater Boise Auditorium District to go into debt. Once it was defeated by a simple majority and the second time the G-BAD boys failed to get the required 2/3 majority.

This type of uninformed promotion causes law abiding citizens to lose faith in their government at all levels when officials and their lawyers spread “disinformation” and make plans based on false assumptions about funding sources.

Idaho is a wonderful place with natural scenic beauty unequaled in most of the nation. We have great fishing, hunting, skiing, camping, and related outdoor activities to offer.

However, we are NOT an urban destination for conventions. Boise’s Mayor Dave Bieter is fond of noting the City of Trees is the “most remote city of its size in the country.” Right on Mr. Mayor! No matter how big you make our airport, there is no reason for out of staters to convene in Boise, Idaho Falls, or Nampa. With just over 2 million residents, it is our opinion that more auditorium venues will serve only to dilute the market to the detriment of all.

We already do a great job of offering rooms and serve as a “jumping off spot” for back country float trips, skiing at the likes of Sun Valley, etc. We just don’t have enough naked showgirls, or cartoon characters in a plastic fantasyland to call ourselves a “destination” for major national conventions. We are remote and that is part of our charm.

Like convenience stories of the 1970s, hotels have popped up at every major intersection and many want local government to fill their rooms. It takes more than a public facility funded with tax dollars to sell motel rooms.

GROWTHOPHOBES will gladly settle for the philosophy of former BSU coach Dan Hawkins who proclaimed, “Bigger isn’t better. Better is better.”

EDITOR NOTE–While GROWTHOPHOBE is not yet in the dictionary, nearly every internet search using the word will send you back here where it all started–the BOISE GUARDIAN!

Ironman Event To Dominate Boise Streets

dave — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:34:09 +0000

Boise is in the middle of a five year run of Ironman constest which will have a major impact on driving patterns around the city on Saturday.

What a wonderful thing it is to be chosen to host this run-swim-bike contest of athletes. The economic impact and notoriety should help bring jobs and business to the “most remote city of its size in North America.”

Click to get full details of street closures from Ada County Highway Department.

Traffic Advisory
Ada County Highway District

June 10, 2010
Information Contact:
Robbie Johnson
Office: 208-387-6228
Cell: 208-860-6628

Major impacts to drivers expected during Boise’s Ironman event

Over the course of eight hours, participants in Ironman Boise 70.3 will race through town as they complete a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run in succession. This year’s Ironman Boise will start on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 2 p.m. beginning at Lucky Peak Reservoir and end in downtown Boise on 8th Street in BoDo.

1,400 participants are expected for this event. This is the third year of a five-year agreement between the Ironman organizers and the city of Boise. Course maps and information about the event are available on the Ironman Boise Web site: www.ironmanboise.com. The maps are also attached to this email.

The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) is working with Boise City, Ironman organizers, Boise Police, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and others to prepare for the road closures necessary to make the event possible. Citizens not involved in the Ironman event are urged to prepare and take alternate routes. Detour routes will be in place for the closures and drivers should use caution. Boise Police officers will be stationed along the course and will help residents get in and out of businesses and residences during the event. There will be around 75 flaggers directing traffic and 45 volunteers will also help along the route at intersections and driveways.

ITD is planning a different approach to restrictions on Idaho 21, which is used for the cycling portion of the event. Idaho 21 has been completely closed in the cycling area in years past, but this year one lane will be maintained for traffic to get through in both directions. There are no “hard” or complete closures planned without detour routes in place.

Idaho 21 on Saturday, June 12

2:15 p.m. – Flaggers will start directing traffic between Diversion Dam and Surprise Way, and lane restrictions will be put in place.

Between Diversion Dam and Lucky Peak Dam, the right southbound lane and shoulder will be closed off to traffic. Bikes will use the closed lane, and one lane south and both lanes north will remain open to motorists.

Between Diversion Dam and Surprise Way, traffic will be restricted to one lane. Vehicles will be guided northbound or southbound one direction at a time.

Between Surprise Way and Technology Lane one lane in each direction will be maintained.

7:30 p.m. – Based on past years, the last bicyclist is anticipated to move through by this time. Traffic flagging will end as soon as the last rider leaves Idaho 21.

7:45 p.m. – The highway returns to normal operations.

Other ITD roads impacted Saturday, June 12

Noon – Front Street will close between 6th and 9th streets. Traffic will be detoured north on Capitol, west on Idaho, south on 9th back to Front. This area will be the first-aid medical station and the command center for law enforcement during the event.

Between 2:40 p.m. and 7 p.m. the I-84 Eisenman interchange ramps will be closed and traffic will be detoured to the Gowen interchange. The closure of the Eisenman interchange allows the bicycling portion of the competition to be rerouted away from the Gowen interchange and the Idaho 21/Federal Way intersection, which are more heavily used by motorists. The interchange is expected to reopen as soon as the last cyclist gets through the area.

4 p.m. – Myrtle Street will close between Capitol Boulevard and 9th Street. Traffic will be detoured north on 11th, east on Main Street, south on 3rd back to Myrtle.

11 p.m. – Myrtle Street will return to normal operations.

After midnight – Front Street will return to normal operations.

ACHD roads impacted include:

Full closures

8th Street between Broad Street and Front Street closed Thursday, June 10 (today) at 8 a.m. and will be back open Sunday at 8 a.m.

Capitol Boulevard between Myrtle Street and Front Street will be closed Friday, June 11 from 6 p.m. to Sunday, June 13 at 12:30 a.m.

Broad Street between Capitol Boulevard and 9th Street will be closed between 4:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Saturday.

Pleasant Valley Road from Gowen Road to Ten Mile Creek Road will be closed from 3 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturday.

Ten Mile Creek Road will be closed from Pleasant Valley Road to South Cole Road from 3:20 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Eisenman Road from Interstate 84 to the Boise Factory Outlets mall will be closed from 2:50 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturday.

Federal Way and Capitol Boulevard will be closed between Protest Road and Myrtle Street from 4:30 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. Saturday.

Lane restrictions

Warm Springs Avenue between Highway 21 to the ParkCenter Bridge will have a lane restriction and delays between 4 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. Saturday. Only northbound traffic will be allowed between Highway 21 and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. The Shakespeare Festival will be accessible from town, but expect detours and delays.

Gowen Road between Eisenman Road and Pleasant Valley will be westbound traffic only between 2:50 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Saturday.

Holcomb/Bergeson between Boise Avenue and Federal Way will only be open to eastbound traffic from 4:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

ACHD will have special traffic signal timing plans for the closures on Capitol, Front and Myrtle to help move traffic. An ACHD traffic operations engineer will be at the ACHD Traffic Management Center Saturday monitoring traffic conditions and adjusting signals if needed.

Reader boards on local highways and the Connector are in place to alert motorists to the closures. Ironman organizers distributed 5600 mailers describing traffic impacts to residents.

Coppers Watch You On ACHD Cameras

dave — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:29:25 +0000

In a program with which we can’t really argue, Ada County Highway District is making its extensive network of traffic cams available to coppers at the dispatch center.

ACHD Video Traffic Cam Control Center

ACHD Commish Sara Baker revealed the arrangement on her blog yesterday and noted several recent crimes and emergencies which involved police use of the system.

You too can view intersections, but unlike the coppers at dispatch, you can’t manipulate the camera view. An Ada County Sheriff’s spokesman told the GUARDIAN the department has had control of the traffic cameras “after hours” since mid-February.

Coppers From Similar Cities Share Info

dave — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:13:03 +0000

Your readers may find the following benchmark cities study helpful in a discussion on many topics you cover in your forum ranging from crime stats to employee information to things like miles driven. The BENCHMARK SURVEY is from a group of similar size cities who seek to compare notes.

For instance, data regarding some of the discussion threads about annual miles driven and accidents, is under traffic safety. Short answer to a commenter’s question: in 2008 employees drove 1,668,825 miles. we had 30 employee involved accidents–down from 44 the year prior. Of the 30 crashes, employees were at fault in 16 of them.

As soon as I receive the 2009 report the website will be updated. Thanks, MIKE MASTERSON, chief BPD.

“E” Will Get You Passing Grades On Bikes

dave — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:40:37 +0000

By JIM KERNS
Deputy Chief, Boise PD

The tragic deaths of 3 cyclists this last spring led to a call to action for the citizens of Boise to become more aware of the bike riding public. It seems that there are many polarized attitudes regarding bike riders on public streets. If you read the blogs, there are many people that feel as if the bike riding community does not belong on the city streets. They should be relegated to the bike lanes, greenbelt, and foothills. There are equally strong feelings from the Biking community about sharing the roadways, providing a safe passageway, and providing equality in roadway sharing.

The fact is that bikes and cars will share the same roadways, always. It is important for both sides of this discussion to realize this fact. Motorists need to become more aware of bike riders, provide for a safe riding corridor, and allow bikes the same courtesies that other vehicles are allowed and given.

Cyclists should remember that they are at a distinct safety disadvantage while they are on the roadways. They need to be conscientious, responsible, and safe while riding their bikes on public roadways. There are over 3000 traffic crashes each year involving two or more motor vehicles. Most of these crashes result in no injury or minor injuries to those involved. However, bike/ motor vehicle crashes almost always lead to some type of injury to the bicyclist. It is for this reason that bike riders should be most vigilant in their safety procedures.

The Boise Police Department realizes that things that don’t get counted don’t get done. Due to the tragic deaths in May 2009, the BPD took a strong look at the 3 E’s of problem-solving. The department increased the enforcement of bike ordinances in 2009. There was over a 100% increase in bike citations from 2008 to 2009.

In addition to enforcement, education was a major focus this year. Our Mountain Bike Unit provided bike education to over 29 area schools, civic groups and City Recreation classes. They provided in-house bike rule education to all patrol officers, and they also attended several public forums on bike safety issues that were sponsored by the biking community. Additionally, the officers of BPD made a very concerted effort to stop and educate bike riders throughout the spring, summer and fall. The Boise Police Chief put out an advisory to all officers to take a vigilant attitude towards bike violations. Anecdotally, there were literally hundreds of contacts made by our bike officers, SRO officers, and patrol officers to warn and educate the public.

The final E represents engineering. BPD is working with ACHD to ensure that roadway design is adequate for the biking public. Areas of concern are addressed at monthly meetings with ACHD. Additionally, a member of the Mountain bike Unit is assigned to the ACHD bike safety task force. This group meets monthly to discuss strictly bike safety issues.

The safety of our citizens is very important to the Boise PD and we will continually strive to make Boise “The most liveable city in the Country”.