Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic & TransporationQ: Why does Meridian have so much traffic? 
A: Due to its central location between several of Southwestern Idaho’s most populous cities and towns, which themselves have been experiencing extraordinary regional growth, Meridian carries the cross-traffic of the Valley. According to a recent study by the Community Planning Association of Southwestern Idaho (COMPASS), the center of the Treasure Valley’s population has been gradually moving westward since the 1970’s and is now located in Meridian, with its “bullseye” centered near Eagle Road at Pine Avenue. Residential development that occurs in Eagle, Kuna, and
In addition, the transportation network in and around
The overriding reason for traffic in Q: Although Meridian is not the “road funding agency” or “builder,” what is the City doing to ease traffic?
A: The City of Meridian has made it our top priority to help transportation agencies help us. Among the pro-active steps we’re taking to help find and support solutions to Meridian’s heavy traffic are the following:
Q: If Meridian’s roads are so crowded, why is new development still being allowed? A: There are several reasons why a moratorium on development is not a practical solution to the transportation challenges in
Further, the amount of new development that occurs in an area is determined by general market conditions, which don’t typically vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and city to city. In other words, if the City of
In addition, the money that pays for our roads is partially generated by road impact fees, which are generated by new development. Rather than stopping development entirely and jeopardizing much-needed road funding, we’re developing in smarter ways. (i.e., adding jobs, services, dining, shopping, entertainment and healthcare closer to where people live and work and therefore helping them eliminate longer car trips.)
The City is also taking steps as part of the Blueprint for Good Growth process to ensure that new development will not continue to occur in the absence of adequate road capacity to serve it. The Blueprint Consortium is developing implementation measures, including an adequate public facilities ordinance, to make the Blueprint plan a reality. Meridian City Council approved a resolution on April 24, 2007 in support of implementing Blueprint, and embracing an adequate public facilities ordinance.
To learn more about Blueprint for Good Growth, please click here.
Click here to read an article about the adequate public facilities ordinance.
To view Meridian's April 24, 2007 Resolution, please click here.
Q: Why does it seem I spend longer and longer sitting at stop lights? A: While it may feel like an eternity passes while you wait for a light to turn green, you’re probably spending less than three minutes at any given traffic signal in Meridian. In fact, a network of 19 traffic signal lights were retimed last fall along four of Meridian's major travel corridors (Meridian Road / Main Street / Cherry Lane & Fairview / and Franklin Road). ACHD reports indicate up to a 36% reduction in travel time, up to 5% reduction in stops at traffic signals, up to 14% reducation in wait time at intersections for green lights, and over 114,000 gallons of fuel saved per year. To view the complete report, click here. Q: Why do road improvement projects take so long after they’re approved? A: Most road construction projects go through three basic stages once they’re added to ACHD’s Five Year Plan. First is the design & engineering process, which regularly takes more than a year to complete. Design is followed by the land acquisition process, which can also take up to a year or more. The final step is construction, which can also take a year or more, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Q: Why is there so much road construction all at the same time? A: Road work, and related utility work that tears up the asphalt, generally requires warm weather. Asphalt and concrete require warm temperatures to set up properly. The problem for motorists is that our valley’s climate compresses the window of opportunity for doing road work from mid-spring through early fall – a little over half of the year. Adding to the number of road closures or lane restrictions is the fact that much more than road work occurs during this construction season. Underneath the roadbed, you’ll find the sewer, water, gas, phone and other utilities that make urban life possible, and these require regular maintenance and occasional repair, as well. Q: Why is there a need for transportation planning becoming more regional? A: Transportation planning today clearly requires a regional rather than a solely local view. Most people do not spend their entire day in one town. Driving to work, school, shops and recreation may require driving through several towns and rural areas. Communities acting individually cannot solve regional transportation demands. Also, funding resources are limited. It makes sense for communities to collaborate to make sure that transportation systems work smoothly together and that individual projects make the system as a whole stronger. Q: Why is land use important in developing a transportation plan? A: The land use / transportation connection has been a growing concern in transportation planning. Many communities, especially those larger areas seeking to improve the effectiveness of public transportation, have turned their focus on changing the way their communities develop. Higher density, well-designed housing, increased connectivity of streets, and the mixture of residential with appropriate commercial and services can all play a part in improving the use of alternative transportation, reducing the need to drive. |