6/3/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Ramp, bridge work focus of I-84 widening between Franklin and Garrity
NAMPA - In the coming week, crews will be working overnight (10 p.m. to 5 a.m.) at the Interstate 84 Franklin Boulevard eastbound on-ramp in the ongoing freeway widening project. I-84 will be reduced to one lane in the area and the on-ramp will remain open to traffic, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
At the Franklin westbound off-ramp, traffic has shifted from the temporary asphalt off-ramp to the new concrete surface. Construction activity is ongoing at this ramp.
Paving of the eastbound Garrity off-ramp and westbound Garrity on-ramp is scheduled for completion later this month. Work is planned during daytime hours, and traffic will be shifted around the work zone.
In mid-June, crews will begin the process of removing sections of the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) bridge spanning the I-84 westbound lanes. Construction of two new bridges over the UPRR and Phyllis Canal will accommodate the additional lanes on I-84. Ongoing activity on the project to widen this stretch of I-84 includes building abutments and retaining walls for the bridges.
Motorists can expect ongoing, intermittent nighttime lane closures for both east- and westbound traffic as crews work to complete the project by early summer 2012. All I-84 lanes remain open during the day, and work may be weather dependent.
Concrete Placing Company, of Boise, is the contractor on this $22.2 million project.
Once these interstate improvements are complete, I-84 between Franklin and Garrity 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.