8/1/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Traffic delay expected on eastbound I-84 Sunday morning (Aug. 3) for Garrity to Meridian widening project
BOISE - Eastbound traffic on I-84 between Nampa and Meridian will be delayed for approximately 30 minutes sometime between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 3), the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced.
The right lane will be closed and motorists will be delayed between the Franklin Boulevard Interchange in Nampa and the Meridian Road Interchange. During the delay, flaggers will stop traffic on the eastbound on-ramps at the Franklin and Garrity interchanges for about 30 minutes. Pilot cars will slow eastbound through traffic to 25 mph.
The traffic delay will allow crews to remove the 124-foot long conveyor tube that hangs 17 feet above the eastbound lanes. The conveyor tube was used to safely transport construction material into the median during without disrupting traffic for the I-84, Garrity to Meridian widening project.
Motorists can also expect a nighttime lane closure on westbound I-84 between the Ten Mile Overpass and Meridian Interchange on Sunday morning. All lanes are expected to be open by 7 a.m.
The speed limit is reduced to 55 mph and highway shoulders are closed in the Garrity to Meridian project area. At least one lane of traffic in each direction is typically open at night. Two lanes in each direction are open during the day.
The I-84, Garrity to Meridian project will result in six lanes and a median barrier between the Garrity and Meridian interchanges. Widening began in June 2008 and is expected to be complete in 2010.
The project is part of a series of improvements in the GARVEE Transportation Program, which 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.