1/24/2012
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
I-84 Franklin eastbound on-ramp in Nampa reopens as project nears completion
NAMPA - The eastbound on-ramp to Interstate 84 from Franklin Boulevard in Nampa reopened this morning (Tuesday, Jan. 24) after being closed since mid-September amid drivers' concerns, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The freeway speed limit in the area also will increase to 65 mph shortly.
The permanent ramp’s design provides a longer, tapered lane offering a better entry angle and sight-distance for the merge. The temporary on-ramp length and configuration was constrained by its proximity to the Phyllis Canal. However, the permanent on-ramp that opened this morning has no constraints - it extends on a new bridge over the Phyllis Canal and provides for a longer merging distance with I-84 traffic.
Here are "before" and "after" photos of the ramp.
“Work has progressed to the point that we can open the ramp and return the speed limits to 65 mph soon,” said ITD southwest Idaho District Engineer Dave Jones. “We appreciate the patience of the businesses and the public, and like them, have been looking forward to this accomplishment for some time now.”
The overall construction project is finishing ahead of schedule. Originally planned for completion in summer 2012, the project will be essentially finished by Jan. 31. Work may continue after that date, but with no substantial impact to traffic.
Once completed, all I-84 lanes will be open. Motorists can expect some traffic shifting around crews as they complete permanent markings and pavement grinding on the ramp in the coming weeks. Minor clean-up and utility work will also occur along the shoulder, as well as road striping on the west end of the project.
Despite ITD's efforts to improve safety last fall, some crashes and near-accidents prompted closure of the ramp. The need to ensure public safety outweighed the need to maintain freeway access and accommodate traffic flow, which ultimately drove the decision to close the ramp.
Closing a freeway access point almost always invites criticism. In this case, however, the response was near unanimous support of the decision. While a few businesses lamented the closure, most understood and supported the reasoning behind the closure - that safety trumps other interests like access or mobility.
In the news coverage of the closure, several residents expressed relief that the closure was being done. Similarly, ITD received several comments from citizens following the decision, and they were all positive.
Concrete Placing Company, of Boise, is the contractor on this $22.2 million project.
