ITD ponders 'Curve' decision

SANDPOINT — The Idaho Transportation Department board is preparing to make a decision one way or another on funding for the U.S. 2 “Curve” connector project.

According to ITD District 1 spokeswoman Barbara Babic, the board met in April for an informational meeting to discuss possible projects across the state eligible for end-of-the-year funding. Since the end of the ITD fiscal year arrives on June 30, money typically frees up at the end of the year for various projects. Using the information presented in April, the board will likely make a decision about the Curve at a June workshop.

“We’re competing statewide (for that funding),” Babic said. “However, the staff generally looks across the state to spread the money around equitably.”

One positive development for the Curve is the fact that ITD staff have included the connector among their list of recommended projects for end-of-the-year funding.

“The board relies quite heavily on recommendations from staff,” Babic said.

“That’s definitely a positive sign for the project.”

Should the board approve the funding, the final design process will begin. Some of the groundwork has already been laid out by David Evans and Associates, a consulting firm the city hired to draft a concept for the connector that will divert U.S. 2 highway traffic between Lake and Cedar Streets. After running the conceptual phase through engineering work, artistic renditions and public comment opportunities, the firm developed the “mini-couplet” option, which solves three-lane capacity issues with a pair of one-way intersections.

However, ITD will be responsible for bringing any conceptual ideas into a final design that will serve as a blueprint for construction. If the work progresses smoothly, Babic said construction on the Curve could begin as early as the construction season of 2013.