At this year’s American Public Works Association Conference, the City of Pocatello received the Project of the Year award for the “greater than $3 million, less than $10 million” category. Award criteria are as follows: improves quality of life, solves a community problem, reduces the cost of government, and increases City services with minimal dollar outlay.
The intersection of Hawthorne and West Quinn Road:
Project of the Year: More than $3 million, less than $10 million
The Hawthorne and Quinn intersection began as a four-way stop, with traffic backing up significantly in all directions during peak hours. The Bannock Transportation Organization Policy Board determined that traffic at this intersection had exceeded its design capacity and improvements were needed. The intersection facilitated over 10,000 daily trips before construction and this number was projected to increase.
The total estimated cost of the project was approximately four million dollars. The City of Pocatello paid a 7.34% match and the City of Chubbuck reimbursed the City of Pocatello 25% of that match. Utility work for this project included natural gas, electrical, irrigation lines, communication lines stormwater facilities, and retaining walls. Property acquisitions, utility adjustments and relocations, and irrigation piping permits were also required.
The project has been a cooperative effort between the City, State, and private contractors. All lanes are now open, and the traffic light is fully functional. The intersection was widened and upgraded with a state-of-the-art traffic signal, ADA-accessible sidewalks, and crosswalk signals. Additionally, bicycle lanes were added, improving mobility for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
*Drone photo courtesy: Drone Perspective Services, LLC