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ITD promotes work zone safety during final summer season
of I-84 GARVEE construction

ITD continues to stress how important it is for drivers using Interstate 84 to leave early, slow down and pay attention. As construction on I-84 in Boise and Meridian nears the final phase, traffic patterns will continue to change throughout the summer. A new public service announcement has been created by ITD and its Office of Highway Safety to raise awareness of safety in roadway-construction zones.

The work-zone awareness public service announcement will debut as a pre-movie advertisement Memorial Day weekend at the Village Cinema in Meridian and at the Edward's and Reel Theater complexes in Boise.

Click here for the video.

"Asking drivers to leave early, slow down and pay attention in work zones is critical to protecting motorists and construction workers alike," said ITD Director Brian Ness. "Preventing injuries and fatalities in our state's work zones is dependent upon everyone taking it upon themselves to drive responsibly."

The work-zone PSA will launch in local theaters as construction on I-84 in Boise and Meridian enters its final summer season. ITD is replacing the I-84, Meridian, Broadway and Gowen interchanges and widening I-84, which will complete the transformation of the interstate to a four-lane corridor through the valley. When complete, the improvements to I-84 will increase capacity, reduce congestion and provide safety improvements for many years to come.

"ITD appreciates everyone's patience during this last phase of construction on I-84 at the Meridian, Broadway and Gowen interchanges," said Ness. "These projects are all expected to be complete in about six months."

ITD employees and their children are featured in the public service announcement, urging motorists to slow down and drive safely through Idaho's work zones. The children play an especially important part by stressing that drivers need to use caution "so our parents get home safe at night."

"The contractors who work with ITD are committed to ensuring a safe environment for both the public and the hard-working Idahoans who build our roads and bridges," said Wayne Hammon, CEO of the Idaho chapter of the Associated General Contractors. "ITD is to be commended for encouraging drivers to slow down, pay attention and drive responsibly – these behaviors make our roadways safer and allow construction crews to return home to their families every night."