Challenge
Thain Road is a four-lane commercial corridor that cuts diagonally through Lewiston, Idaho. Skewed intersections with many different access points make this two-mile stretch of road challenging to navigate. The public initially requested that the roadway be widened, but due to the physical constraints of the surrounding commercial development, this was not feasible. Lewis Clark Valley MPO needed to find another way to create a safer, more unified corridor that accommodates all roadway users.
Solution
The Kittelson team partnered with the Lewis Clark Valley MPO through a thoughtful, informed concept planning process. The public’s feedback helped drive the design alternatives for each of the corridor’s intersections. To incorporate the community’s ideas and preferences into the plan, Kittelson and the MPO formed a steering committee with staff from the MPO, City, and Lewiston Transit. This committee provided technical guidance and made decisions at key milestones. Additionally, our team and the MPO hosted three major outreach events, including both in-person and interactive online open houses.
The Outcome
How Community Collaboration Paved the Way for a More Connected Corridor in Lewiston
Our team refined the alternatives through a three-tier process to create a corridor plan that enhances connectivity, safety, and operations for people who walk, bike, drive, and take transit. Public participation was among the strongest the MPO had ever seen on one of their projects. The MPO adopted the plan, and it is set to go in front of the City Council to be adopted and funded by the City for construction.
