Busiest state highway gets needed relief

Eagle Road is one of the busiest highways in Idaho - it is the busiest non-interstate route in the Gem State - and a major commuter route in the Treasure Valley.

And it is only going to get busier. Within the next 20 years, traffic on Eagle Road is projected to double, from approximately 40,000 to over 80,000 vehicles per day. Eagle Road just got a much-needed relief in the form of a third southbound lane at its busiest point ­ where it meets the freeway.

The new southbound lane between Franklin Road and Interstate 84 became a reality in early October. The project also included adding sidewalk on the west side of Eagle Road from Franklin Road to I-84. This will help relieve congestion, increase capacity and enhance safety on this important corridor. New traffic-signal heads and pedestrian-crossing buttons also were installed at the intersections of Franklin Road, E. St. Luke's Road and I-84.

Idaho Sand & Gravel, of Nampa, was the contractor on this $1 million project.

Published 10-3-14