10/28/2005
Speed limit to be reduced on I-84 near Karcher Interchange project, effective Sunday (Oct. 30)
NAMPA - Construction of the new Interstate-84 Karcher Interchange will require a reduced speed limit on a two-mile section of the highway beginning Sunday (Oct. 30), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph from the sugar beet processing plant for two miles to the west. The new speed limit will remain in effect through the duration of the project, which is expected to be the winter of 2006.
Highway shoulder widths may be narrowed or eliminated in that two-mile stretch to provide crews safer working conditions. Motorists are advised to observe the new speed limit and dive carefully through the work zone.
Also on Sunday, I-84 will be reduced to one lane in both directions, beginning at 7 a.m. All lanes will be open by 5 a.m. Monday.
The interstate will be fully open by Monday at 5 a.m.
The Karcher Interchange project includes several major features:
-- A five-lane overpass carrying Idaho 55
-- Five bridges three over Indian Creek, one over the Union Pacific railroad tracks and one over I-84
-- A new five-lane roadway extending from the interchange to Karcher Road/Idaho 55 past Edwards Cinemas
-- A two-lane roadway, called the Karcher Connector, will link Karcher Road with the overpass at a junction with Midland Road
-- Bike lanes, curb, gutter and sidewalk
Central Paving Co. of Boise is the contractor on this $30 million project.