8/27/2010
Westbound I-84 traffic shift in Boise will last six months
BOISE - Westbound I-84 drivers will have a new route for the next six months after this
weekend's traffic shift in Boise. The shift marks the halfway point in the
Idaho Transportation Department's project to widen I-84 between Cole and
Broadway.
Starting Friday
night (Aug. 27), westbound motorists will be driving on the eastbound side of
I-84 while crews rebuild the old westbound lanes. The lanes are expected to be
completed in January 2011.
Motorists bound
for the Vista or Orchard interchanges must move into the exit lanes after
Broadway up to two miles earlier than usual. These lanes also will serve
motorists getting on the interstate in the project area.
"It will be very
important to pay attention, watch for signs and equipment, and know your route
over the next six months," said
ITD Resident Engineer Daris Bruce. "These habits will keep traffic moving and
keep everyone safe."
A detour will
begin at 9 p.m. Friday while crews extend the westbound on- and
off-ramps. Westbound motorists in the exit-only lanes will follow a 35-mph
detour route until 5 a.m. Monday (Aug. 30).
The detour route
will take motorists off I-84 at the Broadway and Orchard interchanges. Flaggers
will direct traffic.
After the
weekend, the speed limit on the new exit-only lanes will be 45 mph. The speed
limit for east- and westbound I-84 will be 55 mph.
The I-84, Cole
to Broadway project will widen I-84 to four lanes in both directions. The
project is scheduled for completion in summer 2011.
Eastbound I-84
will be rebuilt in early 2011.
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.