10/3/2008
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
I-84 nighttime lane closures will continue through Wednesday (Oct. 8) between Orchard and Vista for NY Canal widening
BOISE - Traffic on I-84 between the Orchard and Vista interchanges will be restricted to one lane at night through Wednesday (Oct. 8), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
East- and westbound I-84 will have lane closures between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., finishing Thursday morning.
The lane closures will allow crews to place a concrete barrier along the shoulders near the New York Canal, stripe lanes for a slight shift, and move equipment into the median. The work is part of the canal widening project.
The I-84 bridge over the New York Canal will be widened just east of the Orchard Street Interchange to allow new ramp lanes at the Orchard Interchange and 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.
ITD 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.