Regional access‑management plan and high‑capacity roadway study move toward multi‑agency adoption

City and regional transportation staff presented a combined update to the Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMPO) access management plan and a high‑capacity roadway study and asked Idaho Falls to consider adoption as part of a coordinated, regional implementation.

Background and intent: BMPO staff said the access management plan — last substantially updated in 2012 — and the high‑capacity roadway study evaluate existing traffic conditions, identify congestion and safety choke points, and recommend corridor classifications, right‑of‑way targets and access spacing for new development. The study aims to preserve future rights‑of‑way and improve the city’s ability to compete for state and federal transportation funds by keeping projects “shovel ready.” The MPO area includes Idaho Falls and neighboring jurisdictions including Ammon, Iona and Bonneville County.

Public input and alternatives: Staff described a series of public meetings in 2023–2025, including a large kickoff meeting and follow‑ups. An expressway concept shown in early outreach drew extensive public comment; many attendees opposed a high‑speed expressway alignment through developed areas and asked for alternatives. MPO staff said public feedback helped refine the study and identify transition areas where agricultural access and new neighborhood access must be balanced.

Key recommendations: The plan recommends functional classifications and right‑of‑way widths for future arterials, with a typical target of 100 feet of right‑of‑way for major arterials and larger widths for strategic corridors. It also recommends that most higher‑speed corridors use separated shared‑use paths rather than on‑street bike lanes; staff said three arterial routes (examples included 60th Street South, 5th West and 40th South in presentation maps) could retain on‑street bike lanes where construction is already advanced.

Regional coordination and funding: Council members and staff emphasized that a unified, multi‑jurisdictional plan helps secure external funding and reduces interagency friction. Local staff noted that right‑of‑way acquisition and environmental issues can be major schedule drivers for large transportation projects, and that early planning reduces those risks.

Next steps: MPO staff said the policy board and member jurisdictions would be asked to adopt the updated access management plan and high‑capacity roadway study in the coming weeks; the county and several cities had adoption on their upcoming agendas. Councilors did not vote on adoption at the Sept. 2 meeting but were briefed before the item was scheduled for formal action.