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Safety concerns lead to closure of busy I-84 onramp;
motorists respond by saying 'thanks'

After weeks of attempts to improve safety for traffic merging onto Interstate 84 at the Franklin eastbound on-ramp in Nampa, ITD decided to close the ramp Sunday (Sept. 18). It will remain closed until early 2012, when the project to widen I-84 between the Franklin and Garrity interchanges is complete.

Eastbound interstate access is still available nearby – both the Northside and Garrity ramps are approximately one mile from the Franklin interchange. Drivers are urged to allow extra time as they adjust to the new route.

Closure of a freeway ramp for construction isn’t unusual. But public response to last week’s closure certainly was.

The closure came amid motorist concerns at the temporary construction on-ramp. Some crashes and near-accidents prompted ITD to take steps in the last several weeks to improve the safety at the location.

Crews removed about 18 lengths of solid concrete median barrier at that location to improve visibility for drivers, and ITD placed a sign west of the exit asking freeway drivers to move into the left lane to allow ramp traffic to safely merge.

But those safety measures didn’t relieve the stress some motorists felt about merging into the lane with other vehicles driving at freeway speed.

Drivers continued to struggle and safety concerns persisted. The need to ensure public safety outweighed the need to maintain freeway access and accommodate traffic flow, which ultimately drove ITD’s decision to close the ramp.

Prompt notification was the first major step in the closure process. An electronic message sign was placed on the ramp a few days before the closure, advising motorists of the change. Radio ads, timed during the morning and evening commutes, were purchased to announce the closure. A news release was distribute to alert the news media and engage them in spreading the word.

Visits were made the area businesses to explain the situation. And social media avenues (Facebook and Twitter) also were used for those who get their news that way.

“We realize this is an inconvenience to motorists who will have to adjust their commute route,” said Dave Jones, ITD District Engineer for Southwest Idaho. “We looked at several options, and in the end, decided the best decision is to close the ramp. We appreciate people’s patience and understanding.”

Public outcry? Complaints about the closure? Demands to keep the ramp open? Reluctance to alter commuting routes and schedules to other on ramps a mile on both sides?

The public generally appreciated the precaution, and a number of motorists called and sent e-mail messages to ITD thanking the department for placing their safety above commuting convenience. (See a sample of the responses below.)

The overall construction project is ahead of schedule, Jones noted. Originally planned for completion in summer 2012, expansion is expected to be completed in early 2012.

The temporary on-ramp length and configuration at Franklin Boulevard is constrained by its proximity to the Phyllis Irrigation Canal. However, the permanent on-ramp will have no limitations - it will extend on a new bridge over the canal and create a longer lane onto I-84.

Crews cannot begin construction on the bridge until after irrigation season is over and the canal is dry, which could be late October or early November.

Almost unanimous support

Closing a freeway access point often generates criticism. In this case, however, the response was almost unanimously in support of the decision.

While a few business owners/operators lamented the closure, most understood and supported the reasoning behind the closure – that safety considerations trump other interests like access or mobility.

In the news coverage of the closure, several residents expressed relief that it was being done. Comments ranged from "Great! I almost got hit today" to "I've never been so happy to hear a ramp is closing."

ITD received several comments from citizens following the decision, and they were all positive. Here’s a sample:

"Thank you, I certainly understand why the ramp is being closed - I am one of those commuters who uses the ramp every day. I appreciate your response."
– Janice DeBoer

"I appreciate the decision. I agree that it is the best possible solution until the project is finished. Recently my sister-in-law got rear-ended trying to merge there, so both my wife and I have been using the Northside on-ramp anyway."
– Stewart Larsen

"That's great! Thank you for doing something. I have been asking my wife to stop using the ramp - now she won't have a choice. You won't ever know but YOUR action in this matter probably saved lives. Thank you very much."
– Mark Floth

"Thank you for doing this! The constant string of accidents was getting out of control!!!"
– Kelley Noe

"Makes sense... That's a tough spot to merge, with an awkward angle for visibility and the jersey barriers allowed no room for error. I've been using Garrity now for a while after getting tired of that white-knuckle merge!"
– Scott Hurst

"Thanx for shutting down the eastbound on-ramp at exit 36 in Nampa."
– R. Chris Lambing