Idaho Accelerates Treasure Valley Highway Projects with $1B TECM Funding Boost

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is moving forward with a new wave of infrastructure investments, fast-tracking key expansion projects in Treasure Valley after the passage of House Bill 25 earlier this year. The legislation funnels $20 million annually into the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) fund for the next three years, unlocking the ability to invest an additional $1 billion across Idaho’s transportation network.

“Since Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation funds were first used by the department for bonding and advancing major projects in 2022, ITD has delivered timely construction of expansion projects across the state,” ITD said in its announcement. “Today’s actions are a continuation of that.”

The newly allocated funding means that several high-priority corridor projects in Southwest Idaho — particularly in the rapidly growing Treasure Valley region — will begin earlier than initially anticipated, some by several years. These projects are now recommended for inclusion in the draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP) and are open for public feedback in July, ahead of formal approval by the Idaho Transportation Board in September.

Projects Recommended for Design and Construction

1. SH-16: SH-44 to Beacon Light Road
   • This expansion will widen the corridor from two to four lanes, include a median barrier, and feature an overpass at Floating Feather Road.
   • Construction is now scheduled for 2027, advancing by one year from previous plans.
2. I-84 Mobility Improvements: Boise to Nampa Corridor
   • An ongoing study will prioritize potential operational improvements, including auxiliary lanes, and the new revenue will fund top-ranked needs as they are identified.
3. US-20/26: Middleton to Star
   • This project will add a second lane in both directions and introduce a center turn lane for enhanced safety.
   • Originally slated for later in the decade, it will now break ground in 2026, a four-year acceleration.
4. SH-44: Star to SH-16
   • Widening from three to five lanes between Mira Avenue and Moyle Avenue, along with resurfacing from Star Road to Mira Avenue, is planned.
   • Construction will begin in 2027, two years ahead of schedule.

Previous TECM Success in Southwest Idaho

The TECM fund has already delivered major regional improvements. In Southwest Idaho:

• ITD extended SH-16 from I-84 to US-20/26, building five new interchanges along the way. That corridor is on track to open by 2027.
• On SH-55, TECM funding is being used to expand the road to four lanes from Farmway Road to Middleton Road, with that project also targeting completion in 2027.

According to ITD, “The board’s action today reflects continued investment targeting congestion and capacity in major corridors that were previously funded by TECM bonds as authorized by the Idaho Legislature.”

Public Input and Next Steps

With these projects now in the draft ITIP for 2026-2032, residents will have the chance to provide input during ITD’s annual public comment period in July 2025. The feedback will help shape the final investment plan submitted to the Idaho Transportation Board in September.

“These latest projects were identified because they are existing high-priority corridor needs that will improve traffic flow and increase safety,” the department stated.

Broader Impact

The Treasure Valley — encompassing Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and surrounding cities — has experienced rapid population growth, intensifying pressure on its roadways. These upgrades are expected to reduce travel times, improve safety, and accommodate long-term regional development.

With strategic investments and accelerated timelines, Idaho officials say the latest round of TECM-backed construction represents a proactive approach to solving infrastructure challenges before they become crisis points.

Originally reported by Courtney Salmon in Idaho TD.