Idaho’s transportation system plays a crucial role in supporting its economy and connecting its residents. Given the state’s vast landscapes, from rural farmlands to rapidly growing cities, efficient transport infrastructure is essential for the movement of people and goods. This article will explore Idaho’s transportation network, focusing on its roadways, public transit, air travel, and freight systems, as well as the challenges and opportunities the state faces in ensuring seamless connectivity.
Roads Infrastructure:
Interstate Roads:
Idaho’s road system forms the backbone of its transportation infrastructure. The state is crisscrossed by several major highways, including Interstate 84 (I-84), which runs from the Oregon border through Boise and onto Utah, and Interstate 90 (I-90), which serves the northern part of the state, connecting it to Montana and Washington. These interstates are vital for long-distance travel and freight movement, connecting Idaho to neighboring states and national markets.
Intrastate Roads:
State and local roads play an equally important role in connecting Idaho’s smaller towns and rural communities. Many people in Idaho drive their own cars to get around since most of the state is rural. This makes road maintenance and expansion critical, particularly as populations grow in urban areas like Boise. While the Idaho’s road system works well for most residents, but maintaining infrastructure in the mountainous and remote areas is a big challenge. Harsh winters and rough terrain often adds to frequent repairs.
Transportation:
Idaho’s modes of transportation can be divided into two parts.
Private & Public Owned Transportation:
With an extensive network of interstate highways and intrastate roads, the state of Idaho offers reasonable access to other states, major cities, and rural areas. However, the major mode of private transportation in Idaho is the privately owned automobile. There is only one bus service, ValleyRide provides services to only Boise city, and surrounding areas. This reliance on personal vehicles has increased the growth of suburban communities, however, it has also contributed to traffic congestion, particularly in urban centers like Boise and Idaho Falls. According to Forbes, Idaho and Wyoming tied for the highest rate of car ownership nationwide, with 96.2% of households in both states reporting access to at least one vehicle in 2022. This number in Idaho has reached 1.9 million vehicles in 2023 including all the private, public, and commercial vehicles (US Department of Transportation).
Commercial Transportation:
Commercial transportation plays a vital role in Idaho’s economy, supporting the movement of goods and services throughout the state and beyond. Trucking is the most common mode of commercial transportation, with numerous trucking companies operating within Idaho. According to the US Department of Transportation, the number of registered trucks in Idaho in 2023 is 1,266,283 including 1,258,139 private & commercially owned trucks, while 8,144 are publicly owned.
Railways also serve as a crucial component of the transportation infrastructure, connecting Idaho to national and international markets. According to the American Association of American Railroads, the number of freight railroads in 2021 was ten (10).
Additionally, air transportation is essential for connecting Idaho to other regions of the country and the world, with major airports located in Boise and Idaho Falls. In 2023, the Boise airport had 139,983 aircraft operations (Source: Wikipedia article on Boise Airport). Further, the latest stats on iflyBoise show that the number of passengers traveling through Boise Airport was 471,066 in July 2024.
Challenges and Future Outlook:
As Idaho’s population continues to grow, particularly in urban areas like Boise, the state’s transport system faces increasing pressure. Road congestion is becoming more common, especially during peak commuting hours, and there is a need for ongoing investment in road expansion and maintenance.
Additionally, the environmental impact of Idaho’s car-dependent transportation system has led to discussions about the need for more sustainable options, including electric vehicle infrastructure and expanded public transportation networks.
In future, Idaho will need to balance these demands with its limited resources. Investment in road improvements, public transit expansion, encouraging electric vehicles (EVs), developing EVs infrastructure, and airport upgrades will be essential to ensure that the state’s transport system can meet the needs of its growing population while maintaining economic connectivity.
In the coming article, we will focus on the transport system in Treasure Valley, and then we will narrow our focus to private, and commercial transport system in Idaho, and the challenges associated with them. Have any questions or want to know more about the transport system in Idaho? Let us know at COBEEthics@boisestate.edu!