2/13/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Weekly GARVEE southwest Idaho highway construction report for Feb. 13-20
BOISE - The following projects are part of the GARVEE Transportation Program in southwest Idaho, which uses funds from Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to expedite highway projects.
BOISE - Interstate 84 East improvements - New York Canal widening
A brief lane closure on westbound I-84 is planned from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday (Feb. 15) while crews move equipment east of the Orchard Interchange. The outside westbound lane will be closed during this time.
The project involves widening the I-84 bridge over the New York Canal just east of the Orchard Street Interchange. It will allow new ramp lanes at the Orchard Interchange and future additional lanes in the I-84 median.
The speed limit on I-84 is 55 mph and shoulders are restricted in the project area.
The project is expected to be complete in spring of 2009.
WEST TREASURE VALLEY - Interstate 84, Garrity to Meridian widening
Overnight traffic restrictions on the Meridian Road overpass scheduled for this week have been halted to accommodate the 2009 Special Olympics Idaho World Winter Games, and will resume Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 16-17).
Lane restrictions on the overpass will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. This work will allow the interchange to accommodate another lane on I-84.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction at night on the overpass.
Widening and reconstruction of I-84 from Garrity to Meridian is expected to be complete in 2010. The transportation department reminds motorists to use extra caution while traveling in the area.
NAMPA - Interstate 84, Franklin Boulevard Interchange Bridge reconstruction
Motorists should expect traffic delays Tuesday night (Feb. 17) on the Franklin Boulevard Bridge over I-84 in Nampa. Weather permitting, flaggers will direct traffic onto new lanes on the reconstructed bridge.
Delays are expected between 7 p.m. Tuesday night and 5 a.m. Wednesday morning during the traffic switch. One lane will remain open in each direction on the bridge.
The switch is part of a project to reconstruct the east half of the bridge, built in 1965, to match the west half built in 1999. The project is expected to be complete in the summer of 2009 and will allow future widening on I-84.
Concrete Placing Company Inc. of Boise is the contractor for this $3.1 million project.
WEST TREASURE VALLEY - Robinson Boulevard and Black Cat Road bridge replacement
Work continues on the new Robinson Boulevard and Black Cat Road bridges over I-84. Concrete was poured last week for the new bridge decks. The bridges are expected to be open to traffic this spring.
Investigations are still under way to determine the cause of the Oct. 27 collapse of one of the bridge decks. These investigations will not interfere with progress on I-84.
The contractor for this $8.5 million project is Graham Construction & Management, Inc. of Spokane.
Robinson Blvd. is closed from Franklin Road to Stamm Lane. Black Cat Road is closed between Franklin Road and Overland Road.
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.