16th and Washington Streets Intersection Pedestrian Safety Project

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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.

  • April 11, 2025

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    11 Apr 2025
    • 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.

  • April 4, 2025

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    04 Apr 2025
    • 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 ongoing.
    • Storm drain manhole complete.

  • March 28, 2025

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    28 Mar 2025
    • 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.

  • March 14, 2025

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    14 Mar 2025
    • Work started March 3rd.
    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection.
    • Ped ramps and existing signal poles removed.
    • Underground electrical work started March 10th and is on-going.

  • March 6, 2025

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    06 Mar 2025
    • Work started March 3rd.
    • Contractor working on the east side of the intersection.
    • Ped ramps removed.
    • Existing signal poles removed.
    • Electric underground starting March 10th.

  • February 28, 2025

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    28 Feb 2025
    • Notice to proceed is anticipated for March 3rd.
    • Contractor anticipates starting on the east side of 16th Street.

  • Construction to start in March

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    29 Jan 2025

    Starting as early as March, the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) will be installing traffic calming and pedestrian safety enhancements at the intersection of 16th Street and Washington Street. Construction is expected to be complete late summer of 2025.*

    Construction Impacts

    • Temporary road closures
    • Pedestrian detours and sidewalk closures
    • Lane restrictions with flaggers
    • General construction noise, dust, equipment backup alarms and ground vibration
    • Crews will work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. unless otherwise approved
    • The contractor will work with property owners to minimize impacts

    *Construction schedules may change.

Page last updated: 11 Apr 2025, 09:48 AM