6/27/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
New traffic-control measures in place for God & Country Rally at Idaho Center
NAMPA - The Idaho Transportation Department is
coordinating with the city of Nampa Traffic Division and Nampa Police
Department on a traffic plan for the God & Country Rally Wednesday (June 29) — the biggest annual event held in Nampa, with
15,000 to 25,000 total spectators.
More than 15,000 people usually attend the event at the Idaho Center (gates open at 3:45 p.m.) and thousands more watch the fireworks display that concludes the event from nearby streets and roads. A plan has been formalized to help clear traffic out of the Idaho Center Parking lot. Some of the traffic-control plans are similar to those used in the past. However, it is worth noting that some new traffic patterns are planned this year.
Please click here for traffic-flow map from the city of Nampa:
The city of Nampa reports that:
New this year, when fireworks start, traffic leaving the Idaho Center by E. Franklin Road will be directed eastbound and can access Interstate 84 at the new Ten Mile Interchange (Exit 42). Traffic entering Idaho Center Boulevard from the parking lot will be directed either northbound or southbound, based on the exit location – C1, C2 or C3.
Southbound traffic on Idaho Center Boulevard will not be able to turn east onto Franklin Road. Northbound traffic coming from Garrity Boulevard must turn right on Franklin Road. During that time, Birch Lane will be open to local traffic only between 11th Avenue North and Idaho Center Boulevard.
While the Garrity/Idaho Center Boulevard interchange construction is expected to be completed in time for the event, a plan similar to last year will be in place for I-84. Just before the fireworks presentation starts (approximately 10:15 p.m.), the westbound I-84 exit ramp for the Idaho Center/Garrity will be closed. This will accommodate southbound traffic leaving the Idaho Center, and it will ease the northbound traffic on Idaho Center Boulevard.
Westbound I-84 traffic will be limited to the inside lane between the off-ramp and the on-ramp to allow a clear path for traffic leaving the Idaho Center needing to access westbound I-84.
Eastbound I-84 traffic using the exit ramp at Garrity/Idaho Center Boulevard will only be allowed to turn right (southbound) onto Garrity. Traffic leaving the Nampa Gateway Center will only be able to turn south on Happy Valley Road.
Police officers will direct traffic leaving the Idaho Center, and additional officers will be flagging traffic at E. Franklin Road and Star Road, Star Road and Cherry Lane, Cherry Lane and 11th Avenue North, and 11th Avenue North and Ridgecrest Drive.
Please contact Sharla Arledge at the city of Nampa for more information. Arledge, the city Public Information Officer, can be reached at 468-5411 or pio@cityofnampa.us