3/28/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Southwest Idaho highway construction report for March 28-April 4
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 funds from Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds for needed interstate improvements faster than through traditional funding methods.
ADA COUNTY
Interstate 84 Garrity to Meridian widening
Nighttime traffic changes remain in effect on Interstate 84 between Garrity and Meridian while crews finish removing ruts. Milling work is complete, and minor pavement work is expected to be completed next week. When crews are working, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., I-84 is reduced to one lane in each direction 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. Traffic changes are expected to last through April 4.
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.
The transportation department will begin construction this spring 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, part of a series of improvements planned for I-84 between Caldwell and Meridian, is expected to be complete in 2010.
Widening 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.
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 April 2. 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 this summer. Traffic impacts for this project begin Monday (March 31) soundwall construction will begin in late April 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 December 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.
The project also involves widening Franklin Road from two to five lanes between the overpass and Specht Avenue. The new road will have a curb, gutter, sidewalk, bicycle lanes and shoulder.
Aviation Way will be widened at the intersection with Franklin Road. A new traffic signal also will be added. Lanes may be reduced temporarily on Franklin Road and Aviation Way during the widening.
Aviation Way will close north of U.S. 20/26 this spring for concrete paving work. Paving work will be done at night, with restrictions that include a minimum temperature of 40 degrees. One or both lanes of I-84 may be closed between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. for safety while crews replace the overpass, and traffic will be detoured. This closure is tentatively slated for two weeks, starting April 7. However, it is weather- and temperature-dependent, so the start date may move as conditions dictate.
Concrete Placing Co. is the contractor for the $25 million project.
PAYETTE COUNTY
Snake River View Rest Area
The Snake River View Rest Area, closed since Jan. 25 for renovations, will undergo new landscaping, new fixtures in the men's and women's restrooms, a repaving of the parking lot and sidewalk improvements to increase handicapped access. A patio area that overlooks the Snake River also will be renovated. Walls and a window will be added to make the patio more comfortable for year-round use.
Work inside the rest area to remove old fixtures is currently underway, and should be completed by early April. The original rest area was built in 1966, and refurbished in 1987.
King Excavation of Caldwell, Idaho, is the contractor for the $995,500 project. The rest area, on the eastbound side of Interstate 84 on the Idaho side of the Oregon border, is scheduled to re-open this summer.
The eastbound off-ramp from Interstate 84 to the rest area is closed, and posted signs inform motorists of the closure.
For current driving conditions on Idaho highways, dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov.