6/3/2009
UPDATE: Interstate 84 improvements featured in new airport video kiosk
BOISE - Treasure Valley media outlets are invited to experience a new video kiosk at the Boise Airport on Thursday (June 4) from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. The kiosk, located on the airport's ground level near baggage claim, graphically illustrates changes coming to I-84 and shows motorists how to maneuver through traffic impacts as construction projects along that stretch of roadway go into high gear for the summer.
To see pictures of it click here:http://itd.idaho.gov/Projects/D3/Airport_Kiosk/index.html
The kiosk is the result of a partnership between the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and the Boise Airport. It includes computer-animated simulations of Interstate 84 construction projects scheduled over the next two years and features the design of a first of its kind in Idaho -- Single Point Urban Interchange -- at Vista Avenue to replace the existing interchange.
"This kiosk will accomplish the department's goal to educate the public on these changes and inform motorists of major traffic impacts as we begin one of the biggest interstate improvement projects in state history," said ITD Director Pam Lowe.
The video message and brochure pockets will be updated with new information as traffic patterns and construction impacts evolve.
"The Boise Airport is an ideal location for this resource kiosk," said Airport Director Richard McConnell. "An estimated 342,000 people who pass through the Airport monthly will be directly impacted by interstate construction, so informing our traveling public is critical."
The Vista Avenue Interchange is scheduled to begin reconstruction in mid-July 2009 and be completed by September 2010. Orchard Interchange reconstruction began in April and is scheduled for completion in spring 2010. Media kits explaining the construction details include the actual kiosk video, and will be handed out at the airport on Thursday. To schedule an interview, please call 334-8005, and ask to speak with either June Sparks or Reed Hollinshead.
On I-84 between Cole Road and Broadway Avenue, two lanes in each direction will be added. Construction is planned for September 2009 through December 2011.
Detailed project information plus the kiosk video is available at itd.idaho.gov (select Projects, Southwest Idaho).
Funding for these I-84 projects comes from the GARVEE Transportation Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) stimulus program.