11/10/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Overnight I-84 lane restrictions expected in Nampa tonight for bridge girders
NAMPA - Tonight (Thursday, Nov. 10), both east- and westbound Interstate 84 motorists can expect lane reductions between the Franklin and Garrity boulevard interchanges, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The restriction will be in place from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday while crews set five girders for a new bridge spanning the Phyllis Canal.
Late next week, a similar overnight lane restriction is planned as girders are set in a different section of this same bridge. An eastbound traffic switch may occur next week as well. Other ongoing bridge work includes pile driving, building abutment and constructing retaining walls.
The I-84 eastbound on-ramp at Nampa's Franklin Boulevard closed earlier this fall and will remain closed until early 2012, when the project to widen I-84 between the Franklin and Garrity interchanges is complete.
Motorists are advised to use an alternate route for eastbound interstate access, such as either the Northside or Garrity interchange - each is approximately one mile from the Franklin interchange. Drivers are urged to allow extra time as they adjust to the new route.
The temporary on-ramp length and configuration is constrained by its proximity to the Phyllis Canal. However, the permanent on-ramp will have no constraints - it will extend on a new bridge over the Phyllis Canal and provide for a longer merging distance with I-84 traffic. Crews are currently working on reconstruction of the new bridge.
Motorists may experience intermittent nighttime lane reductions on I-84. All lanes remain open during the day, and work may be weather dependent.
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 farthest right lane, and exit at Garrity - never having to merge with interstate traffic.
Concrete Placing Company, of Boise, is the contractor on this $22.2 million project.