12/2/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Southwest Idaho highway construction report for Dec. 2-9
BOISE - The following projects are part of the GARVEE Transportation Program in southwest Idaho, which uses funds from Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to expedite highway projects.
BOISE - Interstate 84, Cole Road to Broadway Avenue widening
I-84 drivers now have four eastbound and four westbound lanes, double the pre-construction capacity. The two-year reconstruction project in this area has included installing new drainage, replacing the original two-lane pavement from 1968, and adding two new lanes in both directions.
The speed limit has returned to 65 mph for the first time since construction started in late 2009.
Overhead signs will be placed in early 2012 near the Vista Interchange, completing the project.
Concrete Placing Co. Inc., of Boise, is the contractor on the $35.9 million project.
NAMPA - I-84 widening, Franklin to Garrity
In Nampa, the project to widen Interstate 84 between the Franklin and Garrity Boulevard interchanges is progressing toward completion in early 2012.
Work continues at two new bridges spanning the Union Pacific Railroad and the Phyllis Canal. Other construction activity to expect includes shoulder paving, and installation of guardrails, overhead signs and lighting.
In mid-December, crews will apply permanent striping to the on- and off-ramps in the project area. This work is temperature-dependent and is planned during daytime hours. Traffic will be shifted around the work zone. Motorists are advised to use extra caution in these tight work areas.
Intermittent nighttime lane reductions may be necessary on I-84. All lanes remain open during the day, and work may be weather dependent.
The I-84 eastbound on-ramp at Franklin Boulevard remains closed until the interstate widening project is complete. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route for eastbound interstate access, such as the Northside or Garrity interchanges - each is approximately one mile from the Franklin interchange. Drivers are urged to allow extra time as they adjust to the new route.
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.
Following is an update on non-GARVEE state highway construction projects in southwest Idaho.
BOISE COUNTY
East of Boise - Mores Creek Bridge upgrade
A project to update the Mores Creek Bridge (commonly known as the High Bridge) on Idaho 21 east of Boise is under way. The project should be done by the end of April 2012.
During this work, the bridge deck and joints will be rehabilitated and the bridge parapet and railing replaced. Work on the foundation during the low-water winter period will include a retaining wall, rock anchoring, slope armoring, and seismic retrofit. Portions of the structural steel will be painted along with other repairs on the structure.
Traffic across the bridge is controlled by signals at either end, with only one direction allowed to pass through at a time. Under normal conditions, the delays are expected to be 15 to 45 minutes in length.
Traffic has been switched to the east side. The nine-foot width restriction remains in place, and the contractor is doing work below the bridge on piers and at the footings. Workers may not be visible from the roadway, but they are present.
Work remains in a one-lane configuration.
RSCI, of Meridian, is the contractor on the $2.8 million project.
NEAR LOWMAN – Fish-passage project
A fish-passage project east of Lowman began June 15 and will continue through early December.
The bridge is in a one-lane configuration using a traffic signal.
This week, the contractor backfilled and paved the approaches to the bridge and is working on forming the closure pour. Crews hope to pour the curb and closure pour late this week or early next week.
Crews anticipate working a Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.
This project is being funded through the U.S. Forest Service.
Cannon Builders Inc., of Blackfoot, is the contractor on this $1.2 million project.
ELMORE COUNTY
EAST OF BOISE – I-84 repair
The ongoing project corrects severe pavement deficiencies between Boise and Mountain Home. Traffic has been diverted to the westbound side of I-84, with drivers in a single lane each way. Traffic will remain that way until approximately mid-December, when the project is finished.
Concrete Placing Co., of Boise, is the contractor on this $10.4 million project.
PAYETTE COUNTY
PAYETTE – U.S. 95, Payette River Bridge replacement
The project to improve the U.S. 95 bridge over the Payette River south of Payette is under way. It is expected to take about two years to complete, finishing in summer 2012.
Crews are replacing the existing northbound truss bridge (built in 1927) located on U.S. 95 between Fruitland and Payette.
The new bridge will be two feet higher off the water. It will have no overhead bracing or struts as the current one does and will be 84 feet in width, eliminating current safety concerns regarding both width and height restrictions.
The new bridge will be constructed next to, and will attach to, the existing southbound bridge. The project also includes minor roadway realignment to tie into the new bridge location.
U.S. 95 is the main route connecting northern and southern Idaho. About 18,000 vehicles use this portion of the highway daily. By 2026, the volume is expected to be more than 25,000.
The traffic switch to the northbound bridge and lanes has been accomplished. Work is proceeding on the old bridge and southbound lanes.
Guardrail demolition, asphalt removal and other clearing efforts are under way. Excavation for and construction of storm drain and manholes is under way.
JC Constructors Inc., of Meridian, is the contractor for this $6.17 million project.