Chinden

The history of Chinden Boulevard in Garden City and improvements to US 20/26 have received significant community and media interest during this period of unprecedented growth in southwest Idaho’s Treasure Valley (comprised of Ada and Canyon Counties). As an enclave surrounded by the City of Boise on the north, east, and south sides, Garden City’s comparative lack of infrastructure on this primary corridor through the city is stark as travelers leave the tree-lined and bicycle-friendly City of Boise.

A proposal to address the design of Chinden.

ITD, Garden City, Ada County Highway District, COMPASS, the City of Boise, and VRT have partnered to submit a Reconnecting Community Pilot Program grant for the design of Chinden.

Please submit letters of support to Joey Schueler at jschueler@compassidaho.org.  For convenience an executive summary and draft letter are attached.

Garden City is partnering with Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) and Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to submit a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) planning grant application for a design of Chinden Boulevard in Garden City from Branstetter Street to Fairview Avenue.  This study is anticipated to address and provide the initial design for:

1. Bicycle and pedestrian facilities;
2. Street trees and landscaping zones;
3. Location and design of pedestrian crossings;
4. Access management including ingress and egress locations and medians; 
5. Interaction with Stockton, Osage, and Fenton;
6. Drainage; and
7. Identify right of way needs and constraints.

It is anticipated that this plan will set the basis for future construction projects.  The intended results include:

1. Increased capacity and safety for all modes of transportation (cars, transit, bicycles, and pedestrians);
2. Safer access to businesses;
3. Safer and more comfortable bicycle and pedestrian facilities; and a more attractive road.