8/8/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Southwest Idaho highway construction report for Aug. 8-15
BOISE - Following is an update on interstate and state highway construction projects in southwest Idaho.
ADA COUNTY
Interstate 84 East improvements - Soundwalls
Work is under way to build a soundwall north on I-84 from Cole Road to Broadway Avenue. The wall will range from 14 to 16 feet high on the motorist side and up to 24 feet high on the property owner side, and will help reduce traffic noise for residents.
The outside shoulder of westbound I-84 is closed to traffic at all times, and the speed limit is 55 mph. Flaggers on the westbound off-ramps of the Broadway, Vista and Orchard interchanges may stop traffic briefly for construction vehicles.
Next week (Aug. 11-15), crews will continue installing temporary fences along properties that border the work zone between the Vista and Broadway interchanges. Fences are already in place along the rest of the project.
Record Steel and Construction Inc. (RSCI) of Meridian is the contractor on this $9.6 million soundwall project.
The soundwall is one of several improvements planned for the I-84 East corridor in the next two years, including reconstructing the Orchard Street and Vista Avenue interchanges and widening I-84 between Cole Road and Broadway Avenue.
ADA & CANYON COUNTY
Interstate 84, Garrity to Meridian widening
Widening work is under way in the I-84 median between the Garrity and Meridian interchanges. Crews are working day and night to construct additional lanes on I-84.
Motorists can expect nighttime lane closures on I-84 between the Black Cat Road Overpass and the Meridian Interchange to continue through August.
The lane closures will allow crews to grade the median and begin paving. The new pavement will allow all I-84 traffic between the Locust Grove and Black Cat overpasses to use the eastbound side of the interstate while crews begin widening and reconstructing westbound lanes this fall.
Two lanes of traffic are open in each direction during the day (5 a.m. to 10 p.m.). At least one lane of traffic is typically open at night (10 p.m. to 5 a.m. weekdays, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekends). The I-84 speed limit is reduced to 55 mph between the Garrity and Eagle interchanges. Inside shoulders are closed in the project area.
A third lane in each direction will be built in the median and a permanent barrier will be placed between east- and westbound lanes. The project also will reconstruct existing lanes between the Garrity and Meridian interchanges. Construction is expected to be complete in 2010.
The project is part of a series of improvements planned for I-84 between Caldwell and Meridian. A separate project will rebuild the overpasses at Robinson Boulevard and Black Cat Road to accommodate four lanes in each direction on I-84. Overpass reconstruction is expected to begin this fall and be complete next year. Construction of a new interchange at Ten Mile Road is anticipated to begin in summer 2009 and be complete in summer 2011.
The above projects are part of the GARVEE Transportation Program, which uses funds from Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to expedite interstate improvements.
PAYETTE COUNTY
IDAHO/OREGON STATE LINE - Snake River View Rest Area
The Snake River View Rest Area is receiving new landscaping and irrigation, new fixtures in the men's and women's restrooms, a repaved parking lot and sidewalk improvements to increase handicapped access.
The rest area, on the eastbound side of Interstate 84 on the Idaho side of the Oregon border, is scheduled to re-open in mid-August. A patio area that overlooks the Snake River was renovated. Walls and a window also were added to make the patio more comfortable for year-round use.
Before reopening, the final work on the project includes the interior of the rest area building being painted and cleaned.
The rest area was built in 1966 and refurbished in 1987.
King Excavation of Caldwell is the contractor for the $995,500 project.
The eastbound off-ramp from I-84 to the rest area is closed, and posted signs inform motorists of the closure.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
WEISER - Snake River Bridge replacement
The Snake River Bridge on the U.S. 95 Spur in Weiser is being replaced and widened. The bridge connects Annex, Ore., to Weiser.
Three girders were placed this past week, and upcoming work involves placement of the new bridge deck. Once that is completed, the project will be about 50 percent finished.
A bridge was built in 1903, with an additional span added in 1911. Traffic signals were added in 1949. In the 1950s, the bridge was replaced, and that is the one being rebuilt today. Once completed, the bridge will be 16 feet wider and able to carry greater traffic volumes. In addition, the road on both sides of the bridge will be reconstructed.
New curb, gutter and sidewalks are being reconstructed on the Idaho side of the bridge.
Lane closures are in effect on the west ramp on the Idaho side of the bridge. Motorists will use the east ramp in both directions to access and exit Old Highway 70 at the bridge.
The speed limit is reduced to 25 mph on the Oregon side of the bridge.
Sletten Construction of Boise is the contractor on this $10 million project. The project is expected to be completed in Fall 2009. It was originally slated for completion in 2010, but crews are significantly ahead of schedule.
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 information on the state highway or interstate system.