8/19/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Traffic delays expected overnight Aug. 21-22 at the I-84, Franklin Boulevard Interchange in Nampa
BOISE - Motorists traveling on I-84 near the Nampa Franklin Boulevard Interchange between 9 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 21) and 5 a.m. Friday (Aug. 22) will be delayed for about 15 minutes, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Depending on conditions, the delay could be longer.
All lanes on I-84 under the Franklin Boulevard Bridge will be closed. Traffic will exit I-84 and re-enter it at the Franklin Boulevard Interchange using the on-ramps. Motorists on the bridge also can expect to be delayed for about 15 minutes.
The closure will allow crews to prepare a work zone for the I-84, Franklin Boulevard Bridge project. The east half of the bridge, built in 1965, will be reconstructed to match the west half rebuilt in 1999. The work is expected to be complete in summer 2009 and will allow future I-84 widening between the Franklin Boulevard and Garrity Boulevard interchanges in Nampa.
Beginning Friday (Aug. 22), traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction on the bridge. The I-84 speed limit will be 55 mph in the project area. Nighttime I-84 lane and ramp closures at the Franklin Boulevard Interchange will occur on occasion. Two lanes in each direction on I-84 will typically remain open.
Demolition and removal of the east half of the bridge is anticipated in late August. Nighttime traffic delays and increased noise in the project area are expected for about one week during demolition.
Concrete Placing Co. of Boise is the contractor for the $3.1 million bridge reconstruction project.
Future I-84 widening between the Franklin and Garrity interchanges in Nampa is anticipated to begin in late 2009 and will depend on funding through the GARVEE Transportation Program.
The I-84, Franklin Boulevard Bridge 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.