12/1/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Additional signs make I-84 commute from Nampa to Meridian safer, more efficient
BOISE - The I-84 commute between Nampa and Meridian is being
improved with additional signs to encourage motorists to merge earlier and
avoid congestion in the Black Cat and Ten Mile area. That's where the Idaho
Transportation Department warns the highway narrows temporarily from three
lanes to two.
Construction on I-84 in the six-mile stretch continues. A
third lane was opened October 30 except for the one-mile segment from Black Cat to Ten Mile
under the existing overpass, which will remain closed until next spring during
construction of a new interchange at that location.
"Drivers need to merge sooner as they approach Black
Cat from the west and Ten Mile from the east," Jeff Morf, ITD resident
engineer, said. "If travelers could extend some courtesy toward their
fellow commuters when they merge, they could limit the slowdown that is
happening in the area and improve their safety and comfort at the same time.
The additional signs will be a reminder to these drivers, and can make the
commute both faster and safer."
When the majority of the third lane between Nampa and
Meridian was opened last month, there were two signs on the left side of the
road, along with the Portable Changeable Message Sign (PCMS) board and the
arrow board. In mid-November, those signs were replaced with different signs to
better convey the message of an impending lane change.
In addition to changing these signs, two additional signs were added to the
right side of the road, directly across from the signs on the left side.
Altogether, there are four signs, a PCMS board and an arrow board directing
traffic to merge.
Paving will be scheduled during warmer
weather early next year.
Until then, opening the remaining five miles of the third lane has several
safety benefits:
- It provides a dedicated lane for merging onto eastbound I-84 at the Garrity
Interchange, eliminating a serious bottleneck near the on-ramp.
- The new lane provides more storage area for vehicles, which relieves pressure
at the Garrity and Franklin interchanges.
- It alleviates congestion in the case of an accident.
It is ITD's goal to minimize inconveniences as much as possible throughout
construction. Motorists also need to be committed to safe driving behaviors.
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.