Public can help decide future of Moscow, Troy highways

Pullman, WALocal News

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is exploring options for a new highway route and ring roads to alleviate traffic between Moscow and Troy. Public input collected during a recent meeting will help shape these proposals, which aim to improve U. S. Highway 95 and Idaho Highway 8. Janet Zarate, ITD engineering manager, emphasized the importance of public feedback for future congestion management over the next 25 years.

Residents like Jeff Chaffins voiced frustrations about traffic conditions, citing the absence of turn and passing lanes that contribute to accidents. ITD plans to utilize traffic volume studies and community feedback to determine which projects will advance. Moscow Mayor Art Bettge supports extending A Street to create an essential east-west route, reducing downtown congestion. Bettge also advocates upgrading West Palouse River Drive to accommodate potential freight traffic from Washington. The public can view proposed concepts at us95sh8.

com, with hopes that funding will materialize from the Idaho Legislature for prioritized projects.

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