7/22/2010
I-84 widening in Nampa calls for lane reduction tonight (Thursday, July 22)
NAMPA - Traffic on I-84 will be reduced to one lane in each
direction between the Franklin Interchange and the 11th Avenue
Bridge tonight (Thursday, July 22), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The lane reduction will begin at 11:30 p.m. and continue
through Friday at 5 a.m. The reduction will allow crews to excavate and remove
existing lighting in preparation for widening activities.
When these improvements are complete, I-84 between the Franklin
and Garrity interchanges will be widened to three lanes in each direction, with
an additional auxiliary lane for eastbound traffic. The auxiliary lane will
allow motorists to enter I-84 at Franklin, remain in the lane farthest right,
and exit at Garrity - never having to merge with interstate traffic.
The project also includes replacement of the Union Pacific
Railroad and Phyllis Canal bridges. Bridge projects at Garrity and 11th are
already under way to accommodate the additional lanes on I-84.
Construction is expected to be complete by early summer 2012. Concrete
Placing Company, of Boise, is the contractor on this $22.2 million project.
The widening project is one of several interstate improvement projects in an 18-mile stretch of I-84 funded by the GARVEE Transportation Program. The program uses proceeds from Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to accelerate highway improvements throughout Idaho.
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.