9/23/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Bridge demolitions Friday and Saturday launch reconstruction of 1964 overpasses at Robinson, Black Cat
BOISE - The I-84 bridges at Robinson Boulevard and Black Cat Road (circa 1964) will be demolished Friday and Saturday nights (Sept. 26 and 27), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The demolition is the first step in a four-month project to reconstruct both overpasses while new lanes are built on I-84.
Demolition of the Robinson Boulevard Bridge will begin at 10 p.m. Friday and end at 7 a.m. Saturday. At 10 p.m. Saturday, demolition of the Black Cat Road Bridge will begin. Residents surrounding the project area should expect loud noise during the demolition.
Interstate 84 will be closed and traffic detoured on both nights. Click here for map of the detour. Motorists are urged to avoid the interstate and choose alternate routes.
Flaggers will direct eastbound traffic off I-84 at the Garrity Interchange. Traffic will be detoured to Idaho Center Boulevard, Franklin Road and Main Street in Meridian, and re-enter I-84 at the Meridian Road on-ramp.
From the Meridian Interchange, westbound traffic will be directed through the reverse route to the Garrity Boulevard on-ramp.
The dual bridge reconstruction is part of a larger project to add lanes to I-84 between Nampa and Meridian. Bridge columns on both overpasses are spaced too closely for additional lanes to be safely added on I-84.
"Reconstructing both bridges at the same time will greatly expedite the I-84 widening project," said ITD District 3 Engineer Dave Jones. "The process is critical to relieving congestion in the Treasure Valley."
Starting Friday, north- and southbound bridge traffic will be detoured around the bridges via Franklin Road on the north and Victory Road on the south. The I-84 overpass at Ten Mile Road will be open throughout the project.
Motorists are encouraged to plan extra time and know their routes in advance.
Graham Construction and Management of Spokane is the contractor for the $8.5 million bridge reconstruction project. The project is funded through the GARVEE Transportation Program, which uses Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to expedite I-84 improvements.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Media representatives are invited to observe the Robinson Road Bridge demolition between 10 p.m. and midnight Friday, Sept. 26. A large excavator will break the bridges. ITD staff will be available for interviews. An ITD van will shuttle media representatives between the Nampa Gateway Shopping Center and the work site at designated appointment times. Meet in the northwest corner of the shopping center, at 1200 North Happy Valley Road. To reserve a time slot, call Reed Hollinshead at 334-8881. Hard hats, orange vests and safety glasses will be provided and required at all times. Closed-toe shoes are required.