Eagle Road is Getting some new Safety Upgrades
As we head into the busy holiday season, you may be thinking about all of the shopping to come and what that means as you move about the community. This week, I want to share a few transportation updates that are coming to improve safety and mobility along some of our arterial roadways.
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is preparing to activate their new innovative pilot program to install Variable Speed Limit Signs along the busiest sections of Eagle Road. LED speed limit signs are being installed now and will clearly display adjusted speed limits from 55 mph to 45 mph, during peak commuting hours from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Extra flashing beacons will be added to give a clear visual cue of the speed limit change. ITD will also install speed-feedback signs that show your real-time speed to encourage you to travel the posted speed.
This should help everyone drive at a more consistent speed during times of traffic congestion, in hopes of reducing abrupt slowdowns and crashes along Eagle Rd. The signs are expected to be activated for use in early 2026.
This is a data-driven, safety-first effort to improve traffic flows, and help drivers get to where they are going safely. Over the next two years of the pilot program, ITD will monitor crash rates, traffic flow data, and driver compliance to make sure the changes are effective in preventing accidents and keeping traffic moving smoothly.
Another project that is almost ready for drivers is improvements to Eagle Road from Lake Hazel to Amity. This project continues to progress with signal pole installation at Lake Hazel and finishing up the roundabout at Taconic intersection. The project remains on track to be substantially complete by the end of December, weather permitting.
Also, ITD is updating its Long-Range Transportation Plan and is looking for your input. The Department is updating the plan for the next 25 years and seeks your input on how to address future growth, travel demands, land use, safety, development, and system reliability.
As Meridian and the State of Idaho continue to experience rapid growth and change, this plan will help ensure that the state’s transportation network supports the safe and efficient movement of people and goods.
Go to the Idaho Long-Range Transportation Plan to learn more and take the survey.
Maintaining safety on Eagle Road takes a lot of coordination from many public agencies across the Valley. I appreciate all the work that has been done so far and look forward to how these improvements will make Meridian safer. And, thank you to all our residents for your patience, cooperation, and focus on safe driving as we work to improve one of the State’s most critical roadways.
About the author
Trevor Smith
Communications Manager