Connecting our Community Takes Connection with Other Agencies

Last week, the City of Meridian held a special joint meeting with Ada County Highway District (ACHD) to get updates on ongoing and future road construction projects impacting Meridian. Meetings like these are a great way for collaboration between the elected officials and staff to discuss the number one priority identified by our residents, transportation.
There were three items on the agenda.  ACHD updated the Meridian City Council on several projects currently moving forward in Meridian. Among the projects highlighted included:

• Ustick Road, Black Cat Rd to Ten Mile Rd (Schedule 2025–2026 | Total budget $4M)
  This section of Ustick Road is a major east-west corridor in Meridian, serving both commuters and local businesses. This project is under construction and nearing completion in 2026. Improvements include wider lanes, upgraded intersections, and enhance pedestrian and bicycle access, improving safety.
• Ustick Road, Ten Mile Rd to Linder Rd (Scheduled 2026-2027 | Total budget $10M)
  This is the next phase of Ustick Road. Residents can expect similar improvement to the streets as Black Cat Rd to Ten Mile Rd. Road closures are already in place as ACHD begins construction on this mile of street.
• Stoddard Road, Victory Road to Overland Road (2026 Purchase of Right-of-Way (ROW) $1M / Construction budget $5M)
  Planned improvements include widening lanes, updating intersections, and adding sidewalks to enhance safety for all users. 
  To view a complete list of planned roadway projects for Meridian, you can find the information on the Integrated Five-Year Work Plan at ACHD.

The next item on the agenda was an update on the City’s number one road priority, the Linder Road Overpass. The Linder Road Overpass is a major infrastructure project that allows drivers to travel more efficiently to the north and south, reduce delays on Meridian Road and Ten Mile, and enhance public safety response times in the area. The second phase of this project will go out to bid in the coming months and construction of the bridge over I-84 and widening of Linder north of the interstate will start later this year in conjunction with the Idaho Transportation Department. 

The final item we discussed were two specific projects that the City is evaluating as potential future roadway projects:

• Connecting E. 3rd Street from Fairview to Franklin – The City is re-evaluating the current planned alignment that would improve traffic flow and provide an additional north/south route in and through downtown Meridian, generally using E. 3rd Street.
• Studying opportunities for additional connections and improved access between Eagle Road and Meridian Road, north of I-84 – This project aims to enhance options for all roadway users to traverse east-west between I-84 and Franklin Road. Potential roadway extensions, intersection enhancements, and additional pedestrian facilities are being explored. 

These discussions with ACHD are an important part of ensuring Meridian’s transportation system keeps pace with our city’s growth while remaining safe and accessible for everyone. By working together, we can prioritize projects that reduce congestion, enhance public safety, and make it easier for residents, businesses, and visitors to get where they need to go. If you are interested in watching the full meeting, you can do so on the City’s YouTube Page.