4/23/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Motorists should watch for lane restrictions on Orchard Street through May 1
BOISE - Motorists traveling north on Orchard Street should watch for posted signs announcing lane restrictions over the next week as crews relocate a water line. This work, which started April 16, is a necessary part of the Idaho Transportation Department project to realign Orchard Street and begin work on the new interchange.
North- and southbound traffic on Orchard Street will be restricted to one lane 300 feet north of I-84 through May 1.
Work hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. All lanes will be open on the weekend.
Speed limits on Orchard Street, Wright Street and Victory Road are 25 mph in the project area.
The Idaho Transportation Department is building a new bridge and ramps at Orchard to replace the 1965 structure and make way for new I-84 lanes underneath. The project includes reconfiguring parts of Wright Street and Victory Road to improve traffic flow south of the interchange.
Traffic updates will be posted to www.itd.idaho.gov under Projects, Southwest Idaho and I-84, Orchard Street Interchange.
Construction is expected to be complete in Spring 2010.
The project is funded through the GARVEE Transportation Program, which uses Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to expedite interstate improvements.
McAlvain Group of Companies Inc. is the contractor on the $15.1 million Orchard Street Interchange project.
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.