I-84 westbound off-ramp at Nampa's Garrity Interchange to be relocated this weekend, helping drivers

BOISE - Motorists traveling westbound on I-84 can expect a change at the Garrity Interchange this weekend. The westbound off-ramp will be relocated and will be available for drivers about three-quarters of a mile closer to the Robinson Road overpass.

The ramp's new location and increased length will allow westbound traffic to use the far right lane on I-84 (slow lane) to safely exit, and should help reduce congestion during the evening commute and Idaho Center events.

Depending on the weather, the change will either take place Friday night or Saturday night (Oct. 8 or 9), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.

Work to open the new ramp will take place overnight starting at 10 p.m. and be open for traffic by 5 a.m. the next morning.

Access a picture of crews working on the ramp via ITD's Facebook page here.

The temporary off-ramp was needed the last couple of months while crews removed and replaced the old off-ramp with new concrete pavement.

The interchange project is expected to be completed by summer 2011, with three lanes open in each direction on I-84 over the bridge, eventually connecting with a fourth lane in each direction east of the interchange.

ITD and the Idaho State Police advise motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for information on the state highway or interstate system.