9/3/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Franklin Boulevard Bridge demolition nears completion, reconstruction set to begin next week
BOISE - Demolition of the east half of the I-84, Franklin Boulevard Interchange Bridge in Nampa is expected to be complete by early morning Friday (Sept. 5), the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced. Reconstruction will begin Monday (Sept. 8).
Video footage of the demolition is available to media outlets. Please contact ITD's Office of Communications at 334-8881 to request a copy of the demolition footage.
The east half of the bridge is being cut into pieces and removed as part of the bridge reconstruction project. The project will reconstruct the east half of the bridge, built in 1965, to match the west half built in 1999.
Nighttime traffic delays and noise will continue tonight (Wednesday, Sept. 3) and tomorrow night.
During the project, motorists using I-84 or the Franklin Boulevard Bridge between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. can expect to be delayed for about 15 minutes each night. Depending on conditions, delays could be longer. The speed limit on Franklin Boulevard is reduced to 25 mph in the project area.
All lanes on I-84 under the Franklin Boulevard Bridge will be closed. I-84 traffic will exit and re-enter at the Franklin Boulevard Interchange. The I-84 speed limit is 55 mph in the project area.
Concrete Placing Company Inc. of Boise is the contractor for the $3.1 million bridge reconstruction project.
The project is expected to be complete in summer of 2009 and will allow future I-84 widening between the Franklin Boulevard and Garrity Boulevard interchanges in Nampa. The widening project is anticipated to begin in late 2009 and will depend on funding.
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.