5/7/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Motorists should watch for traffic shift on Orchard Street Friday overnight
BOISE - The north- and southbound lanes of Orchard Street will be shifted slightly west from 10 p.m. Friday (May 8) to 5 a.m. on Saturday (May 9), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Flaggers will direct motorists during the initial transition, and barrels will guide motorists through the new lanes while crews stripe pavement.
The Idaho Transportation Department is building a new bridge and ramps to replace the old Orchard Street interchange and make way for new lanes underneath on I-84.
Shifting traffic allows all five lanes to stay open during most of construction.
The project includes reconfiguring parts of Wright Street and Victory Road to improve traffic flow south of the interchange.
Speed limits on are 25 mph on Orchard Street, Wright Street and Victory Road, and 55 mph on I-84 in the project vicinity.
Construction is expected to be complete in spring 2010.
The $15.1 million 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.
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.