4/30/2010
REMINDER: Motorists merging onto I-84 urged to drive cautiously while in construction zones
BOISE The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) reminds
motorists that construction activities and changes in traffic patterns at Interstate 84
interchanges in the Treasure Valley require increased alertness and cautious
driving practices.
Interchanges such as the I-84 Garrity Interchange in Nampa
are getting rebuilt to provide additional travel lanes and increased capacity.
Until construction is complete, motorists are asked to navigate through a
changing landscape of orange construction barrels and concrete barriers.
Merging onto I-84 is more difficult due to shortened ramp
lengths and narrower shoulders at Garrity. The eastbound on-ramp no longer has
a dedicated lane on I-84 and must merge into through traffic. Advanced warning
signs are in place on I-84 to alert drivers of the merge, however, interstate through
traffic has the right of way and merging traffic must yield or adjust their
speed to merge safely. The speed
limit has been lowered to 55 mph on I-84 through the construction zone.
The project is expected to be completed by summer 2011, with
three lanes open in each direction over the bridge, eventually connecting with
a fourth lane in each direction east of the interchange. The fourth lane will
be dedicated to motorists merging on to eastbound I-84 from Garrity.
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.