BOISE, Idaho — With the recent lines at the Boise and Nampa Costco's, the new location in Meridian is welcome news.
But first, let's talk about the Idaho Transportation Department and A.C.H.D. and what they're doing to improve road conditions in the area.
Costco's developer is putting a lot of effort into making traffic issues better by working with local agencies that otherwise wouldn't happen. The improvements at the intersection of Chinden and Ten Mile will include two lanes in each direction with a center turn lane, bike lanes, sidewalks, and a new traffic signal at Ten Mile and Lost Rapids Drive, and a new pedestrian signal at Malta Drive that takes you past Heroes Park. This project is expected to be complete in the fall of this year.
Just to the east on Chinden is a massive new development called Linder Village that is really taking shape. The project that will be anchored by Winco Foods includes retail stores and offices, and the city of Meridian has expressed interest in opening a new library branch as well. With Fred Meyer and Eagle Island Market across the street, you can only imagine what that will do to traffic. That's why as part of the development project, Chinde Boulevard is planned to be widened to five lanes from Linder Road to Meridian Road.
With the widening of Linder Road south of McMillan completed, and the widening of Ten Mile south of McMillan soon to be completed in the near future, traffic should flow smoother to the Chinden corridor.
Keep in mind, that's a lot of traffic that won't be heading east to Eagle Road, and that's a good thing.
