Bingham County repeals approach-spacing rules, amends Road Standards (Resolution 2024-40)

Bingham County commissioners voted Nov. 6 to repeal the county'9s Approach Spacing Standards and amend the Road Standards Manual, citing citizen concerns and updated engineering language. The adopted language sets a 60-foot minimum spacing between approaches (with specified exceptions), limits approach width at the right-of-way to 40 feet, and caps the grade connecting an approach to the roadway at 3% for the first 30 feet.

Public Works Director Dusty Whited reviewed the new approach spacing, width and grade language and told the Board the changes reflect concerns raised by residents and better align county practice with safety standards. The Board'9s action adopted Bingham County Resolution No. 2024-40; the resolution states, in part, "WHEREAS after discussion the Board of County Commissioners believe that it is in the best interest of Bingham County citizens to repeal the Approach Standards and amend the Bingham County Road Standards Manual as presented." Commissioner Jackson moved to repeal the existing standards and Commissioner Jensen seconded; "The motion carried," and the resolution took effect Nov. 7, 2024.

The change will be enforced by the Public Works Department through the Road Standards Manual. A companion vote amended the Road Standards Manual references to approach spacing and removed the stand-alone approach ordinance language so that future technical updates are centralized in the Manual.