9/29/2010
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Speed-limit patrols, lane restrictions ahead for I-84 travelers in Boise
The department has partnered
with Idaho State Police for enhanced patrols in the I-84 construction zone through
the Treasure Valley since 2008. Since then, ISP has issued thousands of
citations and warnings, and taken hundreds of drunk drivers off the road. The
crash rate also has dropped significantly in these patrol areas.
However,
as the construction projects continue, some drivers continue to ignore
the posted speed limit in these work zones.
In August, the speed limit
for westbound traffic dropped to 45 mph on the dedicated ramp lanes between
Broadway and Cole. The dedicated lanes carry traffic getting on or off
westbound I-84 in the construction zone.
"The construction crews
are paving the westbound lanes just a few feet away," said ITD Staff Engineer
Dana Weiss. "Speeding through this area is extremely dangerous for drivers and
workers, especially at night."
Rear-end collisions account for most work-zone
crashes. Following too closely,
The right-hand dedicated ramp
lane will be closed at night starting Thursday night. Overnight restrictions
will continue for the next several weeks during the paving operations.
Lane restrictions will
occur between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on weeknights, and between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
on weekends.
The speed limit for
through traffic is 55 mph between Broadway and Cole.
ITD is adding four new
lanes between Broadway and Cole. When the project is finished in summer 2011,
I-84 will be eight lanes wide in Boise.