3/7/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Southwest Idaho highway construction report for March 7-14
BOISE - Following is an update on highway construction projects in southwest Idaho.
These two Ada County projects are part of the GARVEE Transportation Program, which uses proceeds from Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to fund needed interstate improvements in less time than through traditional funding methods.
ADA COUNTY
Interstate 84 Garrity to Meridian widening
Nighttime traffic changes are still in effect on Interstate 84 between Garrity and Meridian for milling work to remove ruts. The milling work is expected to be complete by March 31. I-84 is reduced to one lane in each direction from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. between the Garrity and Meridian interchanges.
During the daytime, all lanes of traffic will remain open. There may be daytime traffic delays when crews paint lane stripes. A reduced speed limit of 55 mph is in effect throughout construction.
Removing the ruts will prepare this segment of I-84 for construction-related traffic shifts during the I-84 Garrity Interchange to Meridian Interchange project. The project will widen and reconstruct 6.2 miles of interstate between the Garrity and Meridian interchanges.
Central Paving Co. of Boise is the contractor for the $1.1 million milling work.
After milling, the transportation department will begin construction of a third lane in each direction in the existing median. A permanent barrier will be placed between east- and westbound lanes.
When finished, the new six-lane divided interstate will reduce congestion and improve safety for motorists. The project is expected to be complete in 2010. It's part of a series of improvements planned for I-84 between Caldwell and Meridian.
The widening work also will allow the transportation department to add a fourth lane in each direction in the future. Additional environmental work, traffic analysis and overpass widening are needed before the fourth lane can be completed.
Crews also are extending a drainage structure that runs underneath I-84 and allows Ten Mile Creek to flow beneath the interstate just west of the Meridian Interchange. Ten Mile Creek is an irrigation drain that belongs to the Nampa-Meridian Irrigation District. The drainage structure must be extended through the median before the additional lanes can be built on I-84 between the Garrity and Meridian interchanges. The inside shoulders on east- and westbound I-84 have closed and the speed limit is reduced to 55 mph from milepost 42.5 to milepost 43.5. These traffic changes will continue through April 2008. ITD advises motorists to be aware of heavy equipment moving on and off the interstate while crews are working in the median.
Interstate 84 East improvements
Local utility providers are relocating lines underground on Panama Street in Boise in preparation for soundwall construction on I-84. Interstate 84 shoulder closures will be required until March 21. Shoulders will re-open during rush hours (6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.).
The utility work is the first step toward building the soundwall on the north side of I-84 from Cole Road to Broadway Avenue. The wall will range from 14 to 16 feet and will help reduce traffic noise for residents north of I-84.
The soundwall project is one of several improvements planned for the I-84 East corridor in the next two years, including completing I-84 rehabilitation between Broadway Avenue and Eisenman Road, reconstructing the Orchard Street Interchange, reconstructing the Vista Avenue Interchange and widening I-84 between Cole Road and Broadway Avenue.
The Broadway to Eisenman rehabilitation will be complete in late summer 2008. ITD expects soundwall construction to begin in late April 2008 and cost $11.5 million.
CANYON COUNTY
Interstate 84, Exit 29/Franklin Interchange rebuilding
The Exit 29/Franklin Road Interchange is being rebuilt to improve access to Caldwell from I-84, improve traffic flow and ease congestion. The current two-lane Franklin Overpass will be replaced with a six-lane bridge. The new overpass will have two through lanes in each direction and dual left turn lanes in each direction.
The interchange rebuilding, which started in early Decembr 2006, will enhance several aspects of the interchange. The interchange ramps are being lengthened and widened to two lanes at their intersection with Franklin. Construction is scheduled to be finished this fall.
The eastbound off-ramp is currently being rebuilt. Crews are working on roadway illumination and drainage.
The eastbound on-ramp, the westbound off-ramp and the westbound on-ramp are open to vehicles. There is some minor work remaining to be done on the westbound on-ramp this spring that won't impact traffic or that will be done at night to minimize impact.