Recommendations are being made to improve driver safety along Highway 12 and 95 near the Clearwater River Casino east of Lewiston.
An independent audit team assembled by the Idaho Transportation Department delivered suggestions this week to address highway safety concerns in light of a number of fatal accidents in the area, including two within the past three months.
The group recommended an interchange, which is already planned for the east entrance, as the long-term solution to provide safe access from the plaza to the highway. Short-term options would have all incoming traffic enter at the west approach, and all exiting traffic leave at the east. Three later options include the addition of an acceleration lane for eastbound traffic at the east entrance; widening the westbound right turn lane at the east entrance to create separation between turning and thru traffic; and creating ThrU-turns for both intersections, with all left turns into and out of the plaza accomplished by first turning right and then making a U-turn to reach a destination.
Lowering the speed limit was considered but not recommended.
As part of the audit, the team evaluated road conditions and driver behavior, but did not consider construction costs, environmental impacts, and right of way impacts.
ITD will start assessing the viability of all recommendations with the Nez Perce Tribe, and a final report will be issued in three to four weeks. Audit team members came from Nez Perce Tribal Transportation Department, Nez Perce County Road and Bridge, the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, the Federal Highway Administration, ITD, and ITD’s Office of Highway Safety. (Idaho Transportation Department)
