7/21/2009
I-84 construction near Bliss starting Wednesday (July 22) includes rest area, interchange closure
SHOSHONE - A rehabilitation project on Interstate 84 west of Bliss beginning this week will close the Bliss Rest Area in both directions and will limit use of the West Bliss interchange, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the westbound lanes beginning Wednesday, July 22.
One lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction. A 65-mph speed limit will be posted throughout the construction zone and a 14-foot width limit will be in effect for permitted over-sized loads.
The full-width rehabilitation project between mileposts 130 and 138 will remove cracking, rutting and pot holes, restore the surface smoothness and increase the structural value of the section.
For safety reasons, the Bliss Rest Area will be closed for the duration of construction, which is expected to be completed by Oct. 1.
The West Bliss/Pioneer Road exit will have closures to the on- and off-ramps. Area residents and travelers are asked to use the U.S. 26/East Bliss exit at milepost 141 or the King Hill exit at milepost 129. The Pioneer Road overpass will remain open to through traffic throughout construction.
The next rest area to the west of Bliss on Interstate 84 is near Boise, located at milepost 62.4. Eastbound travelers can access the rest area near Boise or the Jerome Rest Area at milepost 171.3.
Western Construction Inc. of Boise is the contractor for the $9.2 million rehabilitation 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.