During a recent Ada County Highway District meeting, officials discussed ongoing traffic concerns at the intersection of Tree Farm Way and Chinden Boulevard, particularly related to the traffic generated by Rock Harbor Church. Residents have raised alarms about vehicles queuing back onto Chinden Boulevard, especially during peak times on Sundays, which poses a potential safety hazard.

John Wasson from the Ada County Highway District acknowledged the issue, noting that complaints have been received about traffic stacking onto the highway, particularly during church events. He indicated that while there have been no formal complaints logged with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), the situation warrants further investigation. Wasson mentioned that the church generates significant traffic not only on Sundays but throughout the week, complicating the traffic flow in the area.

The discussion also touched on the possibility of adjusting traffic signal timings to alleviate congestion during peak church hours. However, officials noted that changes can only be made if the church's schedule is consistent, as sporadic events would not justify a permanent alteration to traffic signals.

Commissioner Ballard raised the idea of employing flaggers to manage traffic flow during busy times, but Wasson clarified that any such measures would require a formal traffic control plan approved by both the ACHD and ITD. The conversation highlighted the need for collaboration between the church and local authorities to find effective solutions to the traffic challenges posed by the church's operations.

As the meeting concluded, officials agreed to continue monitoring the situation and gather more data before implementing any changes. The next steps will involve further analysis of traffic patterns and potential outreach to the church to discuss traffic management strategies.