Idaho Falls Residents Weigh In on Proposed Roundabout

City officials host open house to address concerns about new traffic circle at Birch Street and South Boulevard

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The City of Idaho Falls held an open house to gather public feedback on a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Birch Street and South Boulevard. City Engineer Jon Knowles said the roundabout would improve safety by reducing conflict points and slowing traffic. Residents who attended the event, including Mya James, Mike Quinn, and Canon Browning, generally expressed support for the project, though some had concerns about how it might impact nearby businesses.

Why it matters

The intersection at Birch Street and South Boulevard currently has a stop sign and has seen multiple crashes, according to officials. The proposed roundabout is intended to improve traffic flow and safety in the area, which is a busy commuter route for local residents.

The details

The open house featured toy cars to demonstrate how the new roundabout would work. City Engineer Jon Knowles said the roundabout would reduce the number of conflict points, or places where crashes can occur, from 9 to 6. He also noted that the roundabout would slow traffic, making any collisions less severe. The project will also include new medians on Birch Street and South Boulevard that will prevent left turns from alleys and side streets, requiring drivers to make right turns and navigate the roundabout instead.

  • The open house was held on Wednesday, February 13, 2026.
  • The city is still accepting public feedback on the proposed roundabout project.

The players

Jon Knowles

City Engineer for the City of Idaho Falls.

Mya James

A local resident who attended the open house.

Mike Quinn

A local resident who attended the open house.

Canon Browning

A high school student who attended the open house, in part for a government class.

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What they’re saying

“This evening, what we're hoping to teach people, or help them understand, is that roundabouts are a great option for an intersection like this.”

— Jon Knowles, City Engineer (EastIdahoNews.com)

“They're going to keep traffic open both ways through most of the project. That was our biggest concern.”

— Mike Quinn (EastIdahoNews.com)

“It shouldn't affect your daily commute too much.”

— Mya James (EastIdahoNews.com)

What’s next

The city is still accepting public feedback on the proposed roundabout project and may make adjustments based on the input received.

The takeaway

The proposed roundabout at Birch Street and South Boulevard aims to improve safety and traffic flow in a busy Idaho Falls intersection, though some local residents have concerns about how it may impact nearby businesses and commutes.