5/22/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
I-84 speed limits return to normal between Broadway and Eisenman interchanges as project wraps up
BOISE - Speed limits have returned to normal on a newly rehabilitated stretch of Interstate 84 between the Broadway and Eisenman interchanges, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The westbound speed limit returned to normal on Wednesday. Eastbound speed limits were raised this afternoon. The change signals the completion of a project to repair and pave 6.1 miles of I-84 that had deteriorated under rising traffic volumes. Work started in September 2007.
The project involved cracking the original concrete pavement and overlaying it with asphalt. The technique allowed the transportation department to keep two lanes open in both directions for daytime traffic in the heaviest-traveled part of the project.
The completed roadway has six inches of new asphalt pavement. Crews worked an accelerated construction schedule to lay the first four inches before winter. The project took just under eight months to complete, including a four-month winter shutdown.
ITD worked closely with Micron, Boise State University and other businesses along the corridor to avoid closing ramps during high-traffic times like shift changes and major football games.
The project is part of a series of I-84 improvements funded by Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds.
Western Construction of Boise was the contractor for the $12 million I-84, Broadway to Eisenman rehabilitation project.