ACHD updates council on Linda Road and Linder corridor projects; outlines right‑of‑way and cost challenges

Project managers from the Ada County Highway District presented detailed updates on Linda Road (Overland Road to Franklin Road) and the Linder corridor (Pine to Ustick) at the Jan. 21, 2025 joint meeting with Meridian City Council, outlining construction phasing, right‑of‑way needs, cost estimates and interagency coordination.

Reed Selmer, ACHD project manager, described the Linda Road project as a two‑phase construction effort. Phase 1 focuses on the Overland/Linda intersection (including signal and corner improvements, widening of the south leg and 10‑foot multiuse paths) and was scheduled to open for bids in February 2025, with construction set to begin soon after and run through the end of that summer, Selmer said. He reported that phase‑1 right‑of‑way is nearly complete and that there are no concerns about completing necessary parcels for phase 1.

Selmer said phase 1’s construction is budgeted at approximately $4.3 million and is funded in part by a strategic initiative award to the City of Meridian. Phase 2 includes an I‑84 overpass, widening north of I‑84 to Franklin to a five‑lane section with median islands, 10‑foot multiuse paths on both sides, irrigation updates, realignment of Verbena Drive and a new basin near Linder and Linder (north of the shown screenshot). Selmer reported roughly $7.0 million budgeted for right‑of‑way acquisition for phase 2 and said total construction across both phases is about $28 million.

Commissioners, council members and staff discussed right‑of‑way timing and funding. Selmer said phase‑2 right‑of‑way is approximately 50% complete, with about 50 parcels identified for phase 2 and roughly 23 parcels already acquired. When asked, ACHD staff said they expect to complete right‑of‑way acquisition before construction begins but acknowledged the process is lengthy.

Justin Lucas, ACHD, clarified the project’s relationship with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Lucas said ITD has allocated funding for the overpass within its planning documents (the State Transportation Improvement Program), but ACHD has not yet executed the formal agreement that would authorize the transfer of that funding; ACHD staff said they are working toward a formal agreement in advance of construction.

Diane Bevans described the Linder corridor (Pine to Ustick) as a particularly complex and costly effort. She said the adopted concept is a five‑lane section with either a two‑way left‑turn lane or medians and 10‑foot multiuse paths, and that right‑of‑way—not construction—is the largest cost for that corridor. Bevans reported an early right‑of‑way estimate of about $18.8 million and said the phase includes acquisition of about 35 residential parcels. She warned that acquiring dozens of homes creates relocation challenges and remnant parcels that could remain vacant for years; ACHD staff recommended beginning right‑of‑way acquisition early and considering phased construction to manage impacts.

Council members asked about negotiations, eminent domain and citizen outreach. ACHD staff said roughly 99% of property acquisitions are negotiated successfully and that relocation assistance and market‑value appraisals are part of the program; condemnation is used rarely. Selmer and Bevans said ACHD has already begun outreach with affected homeowners and is coordinating with Meridian on timing and potential city contributions to accelerate projects.

Commissioners and council members discussed tradeoffs between prioritizing projects and using city funds to accelerate schedule; ACHD staff said there is no fixed cost‑share percentage that guarantees acceleration but that city partnership and targeted funding can speed projects and help secure additional partners, including ITD.

No formal votes or approvals on the Linda Road or Linder proposals occurred at the meeting; ACHD staff said they will continue right‑of‑way work, interagency agreements and coordination with Meridian staff and property owners before returning with further schedule and funding details.