EAGLE ROAD (SR-55) IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
A COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR
The purpose of this project is to upgrade SH-55 to an urban expressway with grade separated interchanges. upgrades also include reducing the number of signalized intersections along the route, and operational improvements to the highway. as well as a landscaped median.
PROJECT STATS
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Basic Information:
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Indyroads Vision for this project:
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PROJECT BACKGROUND
Compass Idaho has included an eventual widening and safety upgrade to Eagle Road that includes upgrades to Eagle road. Such as:
- A 6 lane freeway complete with interchanges at major junctions, Limited Access control, and no signals throughout the entire length of the project. This option will probably be very unlikely due to the numerous commercial and high-end residential developements in close proximity to the highway. This would make Right-of-way costs highly prohibitive.
- Upgrading to a 6 lane urban boulevard, with center two way turn-lanes, synchronized signals and possible addition of raised medians in some areas. This option will probably be the most likely since it would require much less Right-of-way to be aquired, and it would be low cost since the roadway is already 4, lane with center two way turn-lanes. This will still allow access to the commercial and residential areas near the highway.
- A 6 lane urban expressway with limited access, raised center medians the entire lenght, synchronized signals. Restricted turning movements and non-major intersections. This option is feasable since it requires less Right-of-way aquisition, and provides decent albiet limited access commercial and residential areas. This option also has a moderately low cost since the roadway could be expanded easily.
WHAT WILL IT DO TO HELP
The object is to reduce travel times, improve safety, and increase the amount of traffic volume the road can handle. Synchronizing signals, building overpasses, addition of a median and eliminating the Two-Way turn lanes will do this effectively.
VISIONS FOR SH-55/EAGLE ROAD
Grade separating the congested major intersections along the corridor is important to allow traffic to flow more freely along the corridor and reduce the long delays experienced during peak periods. These intersections should include Eagle/Fairview, Eagle/Ustick, Eagle/McMillan and Eagle/Chinden. Also redesigns of all other signalized intersections needs to be completed. The entire corridor from the freeway north to SR 44 in Eagle must be widened to 6 lanes and could possibly incorporate some form of peak-time commuter/HOV lanes along the corridor.
Additionally, non-major intersections should be restricted or limited access as they impede traffic flow. Access to Eagle Road should be limited at all points along the route. There should be no left turns permitted on Eagle Road except at signalized intersections. The roadway median should be raised and landscaped. U-turns should be permitted in some locations. U-turn ramps could also be utilized to replace the prohibited left turn maneuvers. The use of Right turn ramps should also be considered to allow traffic to to more easily merge into and out of the road more safely.
Due to the very high volume of traffic that utilizes this road, There are many hazards faced by pedestrians. Pedestrian bridges could be constructed with the project in certain areas, and the use of pedestrian refuges or safety zones at intersections must be incorporated into the corridor design.
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Updated 05/07/2008