7/16/2010
New Vista Interchange traffic signal to be activated overnight end of next week
BOISE - After a year of reconstruction and four decades under the old configuration, the Vista Avenue Interchange will begin operating as a Single Point Urban Interchange at 5:30 a.m. Friday (July 23).The entire project is expected to finish in early fall.
Vista Avenue, at the bridge, will be closed overnight Thursday (July 22)
while the Idaho Transportation Department activates the new 12-head, 125-foot-long, 13,000-lb. signal at
the center of the interchange. The signal will replace two smaller traffic
signals, which are used at most interchanges in the Treasure Valley.
Click here to access ITD's Facebook page with a detour map for drivers as well as a diagram for how to drive the new interchange.
One lane will be closed in both directions on Vista Avenue at 10 p.m. Thursday. All lanes across the bridge will be closed from 11:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. Friday morning.
On- and off-ramps will remain open all night, but
airport-bound travelers on westbound I-84 or southbound Vista Avenue will not
be able to cross the bridge. Flaggers will direct traffic.
A Single Point Urban Interchange is designed to move high traffic volumes within a small area. The Vista Interchange will be the first in the state.
Motorists are encouraged to pay extra attention during their first drive through the area. An educational fact sheet and video of the new interchange layout are available on the project's web page.
Lane restrictions in the area will continue while crews
finish paving the area and building the center islands.
Central Paving Company, of Boise, is the contractor for the $17.8 million 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.