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Surveying, testing begin for three I-84 interchange projects

Preliminary work to design replacement interchanges at Meridian, Broadway and Gowen roads is scheduled in the Treasure Valley as weather conditions permit. Over the next month, motorists likely will experience intermittent nighttime lane closures and shoulder restrictions on Interstate 84 in Meridian and east Boise as crews test soils and survey for reconstruction of the interchanges.

Crews will survey the areas and collect geotechnical samples from the three sites. Construction is scheduled to begin early in 2014. Work will include widening I-84 under the Meridian Interchange and adding a third lane between the Broadway and Gowen interchanges. Gowen Road also will be widened under I-84 between Eisenman and Federal Way.

Nighttime lane restrictions will occur between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., but at least one lane will be open in each direction on I-84. In addition, intermittent nighttime lane restrictions will occur on Gowen Road from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Highway shoulders will be restricted.

The Meridian, Broadway and Gowen interchange projects were selected last summer by the Idaho Transportation Board to improve mobility, safety and economic opportunity for Idahoans. The projects are being advanced through:

Department efficiencies, cost savings and cash management
Lower-than-anticipated costs in all of the department’s construction programs
Inflation and interest savings
A transportation board decision to issue GARVEE bonds totaling $80 million

Projects were selected based on readiness, pavement condition, congestion and safety factors. The combined cost for all three projects on I-84 is expected to be approximately $124 million.

Over the next year, ITD will finalize the designs for each project, identify and purchase needed land, and share information with the public. To learn more, visit http://itd.idaho.gov/projects/garvee/.