Challenge
The Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD) US 20/26 Corridor Study identified the need for significant investment along this important east/west arterial that connects Boise to Caldwell, but funding for construction projects was limited and not available in the near future. After Costco Wholesale and adjacent developers identified a preferred site on the southeast corner of Chinden Boulevard and Ten Mile Road, Costco and ITD now had a shared interest to implement the improvements identified by ITD’s corridor study, as several of them would need to happen to support Costco’s development.
Solution
Costco Wholesale and the Idaho Department of Transportation partnered together to enter a Sales Tax Anticipated Revenue (STAR) Program Agreement, through which Costco would provide the funds for this project and earn the money back as sales are generated. Kittelson was heavily involved with coordination efforts between traffic agencies, public involvement, and keeping the project running smoothly. Innovation and imagination on the part of all participants paved the way for the success of this project, making way for quick construction.
The Outcome
Increased safety and mobility of Chinden Boulevard
Through collaboration between ITD, Costco Wholesale, and Kittelson, this project advanced from 5% design to completed construction in two years. The several miles of increased capacity, which includes bicycle and pedestrian facilities, will provide for future development and growth for the area and Chinden Boulevard is now a transportation facility that supports local economic vitality, promotes active transportation, and provides environmental protections to the area.
