7/10/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Weekly GARVEE southwest Idaho highway construction report for July 10-17
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.
WEST TREASURE VALLEY - Interstate 84, Garrity to Meridian widening
ITD is adding a third east- and westbound lane to I-84 between Nampa and Meridian.
A traffic switch is scheduled for Sunday and Monday (July 12-13). The eastbound I-84 off-ramp at Meridian Road (Exit 44) will be closed from 8 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday while traffic is shifted to new pavement.
Eastbound traffic will be reduced to one lane from 10 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday.
Motorists are advised to continue to use caution when heading westbound on I-84 near the Meridian Overpass. Construction trucks will be merging with traffic in this area. The I-84 speed limit is 55 mph.
BOISE - Interstate 84/Orchard Street Interchange
Work continues on a project to reconstruct the Orchard Street Interchange in Boise.
The eastbound lanes of I-84 near the Orchard Interchange will be closed overnight from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday (July 10) and Monday (July 13) while crews place girders.
Orchard Street will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night.
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.
McAlvain Group of Companies of Boise is the contractor on this $15.1 million project, which is expected to finish in spring 2010.
BOISE - Interstate 84/Vista Avenue Interchange Reconstruction*
Work is under way to rebuild the interchange to accommodate traffic and future I-84 lanes.
Overnight lane restrictions will be in place on I-84 near the Vista Interchange starting Sunday (July 12) and continuing through July 22 while crews widen and pave the passing lanes.
The east- and westbound passing lanes will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning.
Central Paving Co. Inc. of Boise is the contractor on this $17.8 million project, expected to be complete in early September 2010.
* Design for the project was funded by GARVEE, but construction will be funded by Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, part of the American Recovery Reinvestment Act (stimulus).
In addition, these GARVEE projects will begin this summer and fall:
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
MERIDIAN - Interstate 84, Ten Mile Interchange construction
Construct interchange to replace current overpass at location. Project also includes improvements to local roadways.
Est. Start: Late July 2009
Est. Completion: May 2011
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
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.