6/12/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Weekly GARVEE southwest Idaho highway construction report for June 12-19
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, Orchard Street Interchange
Motorists can continue to expect north- and southbound lanes on Orchard Street to be shifted slightly west.
Shifting traffic allows all five lanes to stay open during most of construction on the Orchard Interchange.
The speed limit on I-84 is 55 mph and shoulders are restricted in the project area. The speed limit on surrounding roadways (Orchard Street, Wright Street, Victory Road) is 25 mph. ITD advises motorists to be cautious of trucks and equipment.
The project is expected to be complete in spring of 2010.
McAlvain Group of Companies Inc. of Boise is the contractor for this $15.1 million project.
WEST TREASURE VALLEY - Interstate 84, Garrity to Meridian widening
Motorists on Interstate 84 should expect lane and off-ramp closures next week near the Meridian Interchange, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
- The outside lane of eastbound I-84 (the passing lane, or lane closest to median) will be closed overnight (10 p.m. to 5 a.m.) Sunday (June 14) through Wednesday (June 17).
- The eastbound I-84 off-ramp at Meridian Road will be closed overnight (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) on Monday (June 15).
Signs will direct motorists to enter and exit I-84 at the Eagle Road Interchange during the off-ramp closure on Monday.
ITD is adding a third east- and westbound lane to I-84 between the Garrity and Meridian interchanges. Motorists can expect slight traffic changes over the next few weeks while the new lanes are paved.
The project is one of a series of improvements in the GARVEE Transportation Program, which uses Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to expedite interstate improvements.
Motorists are advised to use caution when heading westbound on I-84 near the Meridian Interchange. Construction trucks will be merging with traffic in this area. The I-84 speed limit is 55 mph.
In addition, these GARVEE projects will begin this summer and fall:
MERIDIAN - Interstate 84, Ten Mile Interchange construction
Construct interchange to replace current overpass at location. Project also includes improvements to local roadways.
Est. Start: Mid-July 2009
Est. Completion: May 2011
BOISE - Interstate 84, Vista Avenue Interchange Reconstruction*
Rebuild interchange to accommodate traffic and future I-84 lanes.
Est. Start: Mid-July 2009
Est. Completion: Sept. 2010
* Design for the project was funded by GARVEE, but construction will be funded by stimulus.
BOISE - Interstate 84, Cole Road to Broadway Avenue widening
Rebuild and widen freeway to add two new lanes, creating four in each direction.
Est. Start: Sept. 2009
Est. Completion: Dec. 2011
NAMPA - Interstate 84, Garrity Bridges replacement
Replace two bridges with a single, wider bridge to allow additional lanes on the interstate.
Est. Start: Sept. 2009
Est. Completion: Dec. 2010
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.