5/2/2011
Caldwell slip ramp work to begin May 16
CALDWELL - Construction of a slip ramp is expected to begin May 16 on westbound I-84 in Caldwell, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The project is expected to be completed in late July.
The slip ramp - a lane that starts and ends between an on-ramp and an off-ramp - will run between the 10th Street Interchange and Franklin Road Interchange. The mile-long slip ramp will allow motorists to enter I-84 at Franklin, remain in the lane farthest right, and exit at 10th - never having to merge with interstate traffic. A similar auxiliary lane is expected to run eastbound on I-84 between Franklin and Garrity boulevards when that project is completed in 2012.
Click here for a map of the location.
I-84 westbound in the area will be unable to accommodate loads over 14 feet in width. Oversized loads headed west on I-84 will be detoured at Exit 29, up the ramp to Idaho 20/26, east to Middleton Road on Idaho 20/26, north to Idaho 44 on Middleton Road, and then west on Idaho 44 back to I-84.
"This is yet another good example of road construction that will improve traffic flow here in the Treasure Valley," said former Senate Transportation Chairman John McGee, who was the chairman when this project was first identified and proposed.
"Canyon County drivers will especially benefit from this slip ramp," McGee added.
McGee noted that by 2009, westbound travel between Nampa and Caldwell on I-84 had increased from about 14,000 in 1995 to just over 20,000 vehicles per day.
Concrete Placing Co., of Boise, is the contractor on the $1.16 million project.
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