9/25/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Lane closures at night on I-84 from Orchard to Vista to continue for New York Canal widening project
BOISE - Traffic on I-84 between the Orchard and Vista street interchanges will be restricted to one lane at night until Friday (Oct. 3), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
East and westbound I-84 will have single lane closures between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Monday through Friday, and between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekends.
The lane closures will allow crews to place concrete barrier along the shoulders near the canal, stripe lanes for a slight shift, and move equipment into the median. The work is part of the New York Canal widening project.
Crews are widening the I-84 bridge over the New York Canal just east of the Orchard Street Interchange to allow new ramp lanes at the Orchard Interchange and future additional lanes in the I-84 median.
The speed limit is 55 mph and highway shoulders are restricted on I-84 between Orchard and Vista. ITD advises motorists to be aware of trucks and equipment in the area.
These traffic changes are expected to continue through spring of 2009 when the bridge-widening project is complete.
Reconstruction of the Orchard Interchange is anticipated to begin in late 2008. I-84 widening between the Cole and Vista interchanges could begin as early as summer of 2009 and will depend on future funding.
The improvements are part of a series of interstate improvements planned for I-84 between the Cole and Broadway interchanges through the GARVEE Transportation Program. The program uses Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to accelerate highway improvement projects.
Concrete Placing Company, Inc. of Boise is the contractor for the $4.6 million New York Canal work.
TD and the Idaho State Police caution 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.