7/29/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Speed limit on westbound I-84 in Caldwell goes back to 65 mph after tonight
CALDWELL - The speed limit will return to 65 mph in a stretch of westbound Interstate 84 near Caldwell after tonight (Friday, July 29), the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The concrete barrier separating the work area and live traffic was removed Wednesday morning. On Thursday morning the westbound on-ramp to Chinden Blvd. (U.S. 20/26), the westbound slip ramp and the westbound outside lane were all opened to traffic.
About 1,600 feet of solid median concrete guardrail will be installed in three to four weeks. In September, the area will be re-seeded.
Drivers are reminded that until posted otherwise, the speed limit remains 55 mph.
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.
Westbound travel between Nampa and Caldwell on I-84 had increased from about 14,000 in 1995 to more than 20,000 vehicles per day by 2009.
Concrete Placing Co., of Boise, is the contractor on the $1.16 million project.