6/27/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
New I-84 Garrity Interchange to open in time for God & Country on Wednesday
BOISE – The Interstate 84 Garrity reconstruction project is finishing just in time for the massive influx of vehicles expected for the God & Country Rally at the Idaho Center Wednesday (June 29).
All lanes on the newly completed Garrity Boulevard will be open for the event. However, at the request of event organizers and law enforcement, and to help traffic flow, the westbound Garrity off-ramp from I-84 will close about the time the fireworks show begins.
The 17-month construction project removed two bridges on I-84 at the Garrity Interchange and replaced them with a single bridge that accommodates three lanes in each direction on the interstate, and removed the old bridge piers under the Garrity Interchange on Garrity Boulevard/Idaho Center Boulevard. In cooperation with the city of Nampa, the project included pedestrian sidewalks along the east side of Garrity Boulevard and incorporated a free running right turn lane at the westbound on-ramp for Garrity southbound traffic to relieve congestion at peak times.
“We are excited about the completion of this project,” said Nampa Mayor Tom Dale. “Citizens appreciate traffic no longer backing up during rush hours. It not only transforms the commute, it also makes it easier for people to drive to Nampa to shop, conduct business and attend events at the Idaho Center and Idaho Horse Park.
“We are grateful for ITD’s hard work and the funding from the state legislature that allowed this project to be completed,” added Dale.
The project also reconstructed the interstate about a mile east of the interchange to tie into the widening of I-84 between the Garrity and Meridian interchanges allowing for three lanes in each direction on I-84 over the bridge, and connecting with a fourth lane in each direction east of the interchange.
This project is a part of ITD's plans to improve I-84 from the Franklin Interchange to Meridian. The completed improvements include three lanes in each direction from Franklin to Garrity interchanges, and four lanes in each direction from the Garrity Interchange to Meridian.
The Garrity Interchange serves about 24,000 motorists a day. Construction began in January 2010. Motorists can expect to see some off–roadway construction work near the eastbound on-ramp as crews complete the project, but there will be no impacts to traffic.
Concrete Placing Co. Inc., of Boise, is the contractor on the $15 million project.
MEDIA NOTE: ITD's Reed Hollinshead will be available from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday (June 29) at the project site for media interviews about the project completion. Please call Hollinshead at 334-8881 to set up a specific time for an interview.