The US Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded the City of Pocatello $7,750,000 for major safety improvements at the intersection of North Kraft Road and the North Main Extension. The North Portneuf Crossing project will include final design and construction of critically needed infrastructure, recreational facilities, and transit amenities in the area.

The funds were awarded through DOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE, Grant Program. Because the project location is in a DOT defined area of persistent poverty, there is no match requirement for the project and it will be entirely funded through the grant.

The project will include the installation of a traffic signal at North Kraft Road and North Main Extension, extending Foothill Blvd., bicycle and pedestrian improvements, a paved trail on the north side of the Portneuf River with a pedestrian bridge at Pocatello Creek, a new Pocatello Regional Transit bus stop, stormwater updates as well as new medians, sidewalks, and crosswalks. North Portneuf Crossing also includes funding for planning of a paved trail for the Pacific Steel & Recycling trailhead.

Local developers have committed to dedicate land for the connection of Foothill Blvd. With the award of these funds the City of Pocatello and its partners will not have to rely on limited formula and local funding, enabling the City to start on the project in the next fiscal year.

When awarding the money, DOT prioritized projects that enhance safety, quality of life, and innovation. DOT also looked at how the project improves and encourages active non-motorized transportation on multimodal paths. DOT received over $15 billion in asks and awarded $2.26 billion through the program. Pocatello was one of 162 grant recipients.