Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in America, and the Treasure Valley is at the center of that growth. With hundreds of thousands of new residents expected in the coming decades, one big question is on everyone’s mind:

How will Idaho keep up with the traffic, infrastructure, and transportation demand?

On this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett Lofto sit down with Jason Brinkman, ITD Division Administrator and District 3 Engineer for the Idaho Transportation Department, and Mollie McCarty, Chief External Affairs Officer at ITD.

They break down what’s really happening behind the scenes as Idaho prepares for massive population growth — from highway expansion and congestion planning to the funding strategies and policies that will shape the future of transportation across the state.

The conversation dives into:

• Why the Treasure Valley population has doubled in 25 years
• How ITD plans highways 20–30 years before they’re built
• The real story behind GARVEE bonds and major infrastructure funding
• How projects like Highway 16 and I-84 improvements come together
• Why right-of-way, land costs, and planning timelines matter so much
• How transportation investment improves safety and saves lives
• What the business community can do to help keep Idaho moving

With Idaho expected to add another 500,000 people in the coming decades, the decisions made today will shape the future of the state’s economy, safety, and quality of life.

If you live, work, or run a business in Idaho — this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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