Background

Horrocks supported the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), the City of Idaho Falls, and Bonneville County in Idaho's first major PEL study. The study encompassed six interchanges on I-15 and US-20 and included an analysis of how traffic volumes, congestion, and the aging infrastructure are affecting safety and mobility for all users.

Project Details

This PEL study evaluated proposed alternatives and their potential impacts to local resources for incorporation into the national Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process in obtaining clearance for final design. Horrocks conducted planning work, which included an initial wetland investigation, biological resources inventory, and historic architecture scan on the large study area. Horrocks also completed conceptual design using ConceptStation to inform the Transportation Economic Development Impact System (TREDIS) model and associated cost-benefit decisions.

Outcomes

This pre-NEPA study helped affected stakeholders screen alternatives for both short- and long-term solutions and was developed with involvement from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This comprehensive analysis served as a valuable resource for ITD, providing design decisions for these heavily used roadways.

Awards:

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Environmental Excellence Award, 2022