Hailey Welcome Center: Airport Way Improvements: A Gateway to Hailey

The Hailey Urban Renewal Agency (HURA) invites you to contribute to proposed improvements to the Airport Way District, aiming to enhance safety, connectivity, and visual appeal for residents and visitors, as well as businesses and their employees. Although the area’s industrial character will remain intact, these updates will create a safer, more inviting environment for pedestrians and cyclists while establishing a welcoming first impression for those arriving in Hailey and the Wood River Valley.

This vital corridor continues to grow as a bustling hub with a variety of businesses, many with numerous employees and strong client bases traveling to and from the area. Some businesses even host programs involving children, underscoring the need for a safer environment. The area is also home to essential services like the St. Luke’s Family Clinic, which serves the entire community and the Friedman Memorial Airport

With increasing foot and bike traffic in the district, including travelers frequently seen walking with suitcases from the airport, the need for safer, dedicated pedestrian and bicycle paths has become clear. Currently, the sidewalk on Airport Way ends at the "S" curve, leaving pedestrians and cyclists to navigate a challenging and unsafe stretch through areas with busy business entrances and parking access points.

The proposed improvements would address these safety issues with proposed options such as a protected pathway for both pedestrians and cyclists, separated from vehicle traffic by landscaping and lighting.

Plans could include the addition of banners along the pathway that celebrate Hailey’s unique character.  The upgrades aim to enhance the area’s appearance and create a safer and more welcoming experience for those traveling through the area—many of whom are making their first impression of Hailey and the Wood River Valley, gateways to the Sun Valley resort and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

Please join us for a public meeting to learn more about these proposed improvements and provide your feedback. This is a collaborative effort, and your input is essential in shaping the future of the Airport Way District and ensuring it meets the needs of our community.

Meeting Details:

• Date: Thursday, December 5
• Time: 5:00 pm
• Location: Hailey Welcome Center, 781 S Main Street

To RSVP (appreciated but not required), please contact Lisa Horowitz at [email protected].