AASHTO Journal - Idaho Crafting Long-Range Transportation Plan

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is seeking input on a long-range statewide transportation through a series of public meetings over the next month.

[Above photo by ITD]

ITD said its Long-Range Transportation Plan will look at the needs of the state’s transportation network out to 2050 and consider a variety of factors including growth, travel demands, land usage, safety, economic development, system reliability, and anticipated revenue.

An additional public comment period to review a draft of this plan is planned for summer 2026, with the final draft expected to be released in 2027.

“This policy document looks at current conditions, existing plans and future trends in Idaho and lays the foundation for ITD to continue to deliver on our mission of safety, mobility and economic opportunity,” said Amy Schroeder, ITD’s division administrator for planning, in a statement.

“It’s not necessarily about identifying specific projects,” she added. “It’s about determining, through data analysis and public input, the best strategy for investing in the transportation system given the variability of future revenue.”

The plan comes at a time of extraordinary growth and funding uncertainty, the agency said.

Besides seeking public feedback, ITD is engaging with other planning organizations so its planning document addresses the state’s transportation network as a whole; extending beyond just state-managed highways to locally owned routes and alternative modes of transportation.

“This is about working with local jurisdictions and planning agencies to address congestion in major cities,” Schroeder emphasized. “It’s also about adopting a statewide perspective and recognizing that it’s just as important to look at improving safety and reducing fatalities in our rural areas.”

The agency is involved in a similar planning endeavor regarding the state’s railroad network.

ITD is currently updating the Idaho Statewide Rail Plan; evaluating the current condition and performance of Idaho’s rail network, identifies system-wide challenges and opportunities, and outlines strategies to strengthen rail infrastructure. That plan – expected to be released in spring 2026 – will also explore key topics such as rail safety, grade crossings, and access for rail-served industries that help drive Idaho’s economy.

Unlike other statewide transportation plans, the agency said in a separate statement that this rail plan does not allocate funding for specific projects. Instead, it provides a strategic foundation that supports future grant applications and coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration and other partners.

ITD added that railways in Idaho are operated by the private sector, with the agency sharing responsibility for safety at highway-rail crossings.