The Nez Perce County Highway District unveiled a $12 million road maintenance and safety improvement plan Thursday that will address deteriorating pavement conditions, upgrade intersections, and add pedestrian infrastructure across Nez Perce County’s busiest corridors over the next two years. The plan prioritizes projects based on traffic volume, safety data, and pavement condition assessments conducted during a comprehensive countywide road survey completed in January.
The survey found that approximately 28% of Nez Perce County’s maintained road miles have pavement conditions rated “poor” or “failing,” meaning the road surface has deteriorated beyond the point where simple resurfacing can restore it and requires more extensive reconstruction. An additional 35% of road miles are rated “fair,” meaning they need preventive maintenance within the next 2-3 years to avoid further deterioration.
Priority Projects for Nez Perce County
The plan allocates $5.2 million for road reconstruction and overlay projects on the county’s most heavily traveled routes, including segments of Highway 95 and connector roads between Lewiston and Lapwai, Culdesac, Peck. Another $3.8 million funds intersection safety improvements at six locations identified as high-accident areas based on Idaho Transportation Department crash data.
The remaining $3 million funds pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure including new sidewalks adjacent to schools, marked crosswalks at high-traffic intersections, and signage improvements in residential areas where speeding complaints have been most frequent.
“Good roads aren’t a luxury — they’re the foundation of a functioning community,” the highway district director said. “People need safe, well-maintained roads to get to work, take their kids to school, and access emergency services. This plan addresses our most critical needs with the funding we have available.”
Funding Without New Taxes
The $12 million plan is funded through existing highway district revenue, which comes primarily from state fuel tax distributions, vehicle registration fees, and federal highway aid. No new property tax levy or bond is required. The district also applied for $2.4 million in federal Local Highway Technical Assistance Council grants to supplement the funded projects.
What Comes Next
Construction on the first phase of projects begins in May, with most road work scheduled during the summer months to take advantage of favorable weather conditions. Residents can report road conditions and safety concerns through the highway district’s online portal or by calling the district office. Project updates and construction schedules will be posted on the district website. For Idaho transportation coverage, see Idaho News.