---

Meridian interchange replacement groundbreaking Tuesday

The long-awaited replacement of the Meridian interchange kicks off Tuesday (April 15) with a groundbreaking ceremony at 1:30 p.m. in the Home Depot parking lot in Meridian next to Winco.

Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Jerry Whitehead will serve as event emcee, and speakers will include Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd, Lt. Gov. Brad Little, Roaring Springs General Manager Pat Morandi (head of the task force that gave input during the design phase of the project), Senator Chuck Winder, and former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, who brought the GARVEE program to Idaho during his tenure.

GARVEE (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle) bonding is one of the principal funding sources for the $50.8 million interchange replacement.

The project includes widening I-84 to four lanes in both directions under the interchange and rebuilding the freeway between Meridian Road and Five Mile. ITD will add a third travel lane in both directions on Meridian Road, as well as dual left-turn lanes for each I-84 ramp.

Concrete Placing Company, of Boise, is the prime contractor on the project.

Published 4-11-14