16th and Washington Streets Intersection Pedestrian Safety Project

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This project is substantially complete. 

Starting this spring, the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) will be installing traffic calming and pedestrian safety enhancements at the intersection of 16th Street and Washington Street. The goal is to install features that help emphasize pedestrian and bicycle traffic, enhancing safety for all users.

Improvements Include

  • Replacing the traffic signal with pedestrian-activated enhanced crossings (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons). This technology is more appropriate for this area’s specific safety needs.
  • Improving intersection lighting.
  • Upgrading pedestrian ramps to current ADA standards.
  • Installing raised pedestrian crossings on 16th St. to increase visibility of those crossing the street and better manage vehicle speeds through the intersection.
  • Constructing bulb-outs to reduce crossing distances and enhance pedestrian safety.

Why replace the traffic signal with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)?

  • The existing signal components at 16th and Washington are nearly 40 years old and are no longer functioning as efficiently as they should.
  • There is some concern that southbound drivers on 16th St. are focused on the signal at 16th and State when it is green. This may lead to drivers disobeying red indications at Washington St.
  • RRFBs are pedestrian-activated flashing LED lights typically mounted adjacent to the pedestrian crossing. When activated, the indications alert drivers to pedestrian presence, increasing driver awareness and improving pedestrian safety.

Improvements are planned for spring 2025.

Starting this spring, the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) will be installing traffic calming and pedestrian safety enhancements at the intersection of 16th Street and Washington Street. The goal is to install features that help emphasize pedestrian and bicycle traffic, enhancing safety for all users.

Improvements Include

  • Replacing the traffic signal with pedestrian-activated enhanced crossings (Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons). This technology is more appropriate for this area’s specific safety needs.
  • Improving intersection lighting.
  • Upgrading pedestrian ramps to current ADA standards.
  • Installing raised pedestrian crossings on 16th St. to increase visibility of those crossing the street and better manage vehicle speeds through the intersection.
  • Constructing bulb-outs to reduce crossing distances and enhance pedestrian safety.

Why replace the traffic signal with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)?

  • The existing signal components at 16th and Washington are nearly 40 years old and are no longer functioning as efficiently as they should.
  • There is some concern that southbound drivers on 16th St. are focused on the signal at 16th and State when it is green. This may lead to drivers disobeying red indications at Washington St.
  • RRFBs are pedestrian-activated flashing LED lights typically mounted adjacent to the pedestrian crossing. When activated, the indications alert drivers to pedestrian presence, increasing driver awareness and improving pedestrian safety.

Improvements are planned for spring 2025.

This project is substantially complete. 

  • June 20, 2025

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    Work on the west side of the intersection began May 12th

    o Electrical work ongoing

    o Pavement markings and signs remaining

    Work on the west side of the intersection began May 12th

    o Electrical work ongoing

    o Pavement markings and signs remaining

    This project is substantially complete. 

  • June 13, 2025

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    • Concrete intersection complete.
    • Landscaping ongoing.
    • Asphalt paving anticipated the week of June 16th.
    • Concrete intersection complete.
    • Landscaping ongoing.
    • Asphalt paving anticipated the week of June 16th.

    This project is substantially complete. 

  • June 6, 2025

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    • Placed pole bases.
    • Ped ramps placed.
    • Valley gutter and sidewalk anticipate being completed by June 5th.
    • Concrete intersection ongoing.
    • Placed pole bases.
    • Ped ramps placed.
    • Valley gutter and sidewalk anticipate being completed by June 5th.
    • Concrete intersection ongoing.

    This project is substantially complete. 

  • May 30, 2025

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    • Work on the west side of the intersection began May 12th.
    • Placed pole bases.
    • Excavation ongoing.
    • Curb and gutter ongoing.
    • Work on the west side of the intersection began May 12th.
    • Placed pole bases.
    • Excavation ongoing.
    • Curb and gutter ongoing.

    This project is substantially complete. 

  • May 16, 2025

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    • Removed asphalt.
    • Installing storm drain.
    • Prepping for curb and sidewalk.
    • Removed asphalt.
    • Installing storm drain.
    • Prepping for curb and sidewalk.

    This project is substantially complete. 

  • May 8, 2025

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    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection.
    • Signage and pavement marking remain on east side.
    • Work on the west side of the intersection begins May 12th.
    • Removals starting.
    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection.
    • Signage and pavement marking remain on east side.
    • Work on the west side of the intersection begins May 12th.
    • Removals starting.

    This project is substantially complete. 

  • May 2, 2025

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    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection
    • Sidewalk, curb and gutter complete
    • Raised intersection placed
    • Paving anticipated week of May 5th
    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection
    • Sidewalk, curb and gutter complete
    • Raised intersection placed
    • Paving anticipated week of May 5th

    This project is substantially complete. 

  • April 25, 2025

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    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection.
    • Sidewalk, curb and gutter complete.
    • Forming for raised intersection.
    • Placing concrete next week.
    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection.
    • Sidewalk, curb and gutter complete.
    • Forming for raised intersection.
    • Placing concrete next week.

    This project is substantially complete. 

  • April 17, 2025

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    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection.
    • Sidewalk, curb and gutter complete.
    • Forming for raised intersection.
    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection.
    • Sidewalk, curb and gutter complete.
    • Forming for raised intersection.

    This project is substantially complete. 

  • April 11, 2025

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    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection.
    • Ped ramps and existing signal poles removed.
    • RRFB poles placed, waiting on cure.
    • Prepping for curb and sidewalk.
    • Curb and gutter placed.
    • Ped ramps placed.
    • Forming for raised intersection.
    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection.
    • Ped ramps and existing signal poles removed.
    • RRFB poles placed, waiting on cure.
    • Prepping for curb and sidewalk.
    • Curb and gutter placed.
    • Ped ramps placed.
    • Forming for raised intersection.

    This project is substantially complete.