5/30/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
I-84 lane closures tentatively beginning Sunday night (June 1) will prepare work zone for Garrity to Meridian widening project
BOISE - I-84 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Ten Mile and Meridian roads, tentatively Sunday night (June 1), to prepare a work zone for the upcoming widening project in that area, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Construction of the third lane in the existing median is expected to begin the week of June 9.
The inside lanes of east- and westbound I-84 will be closed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. through the second week of June. Lane closures will allow crews to place barriers along the inside shoulders of the interstate in preparation for the widening.
The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph between the Garrity and Meridian interchanges until the project is complete.
The transportation department will first expand the interstate between the Ten Mile Overpass and the Meridian Interchange. The second phase will continue the expansion west to the Garrity Interchange in Nampa.
Knife River Corp. of Bismark, N.D., is the contractor for the two-mile segment between Ten Mile and Meridian roads. The company's southern Idaho division, based in Boise, will construct the $30 million project.
The project will also reconstruct existing lanes. When complete in 2010, the interstate will be a six-lane, divided highway from Meridian to Nampa, with reconstructed overpasses at Black Cat and Robinson roads.
The entire interstate expansion and reconstruction is expected to cost approximately $113 million. Widening will allow for a fourth lane in each direction. Additional environmental work and traffic analysis are needed before the fourth lane can be completed.
The I-84 Garrity to Meridian project is part of a series of interstate improvements planned for I-84 between Caldwell and Meridian through the GARVEE Transportation Program. The program uses Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to expedite interstate improvements.
ITD and the Idaho State Police warn motorists to slow down and pay attention when driving in work zones, where increased speeding fines and other penalties apply. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov for driving information on the state highway or interstate system.