1/27/2012
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Southwest Idaho highway construction report for Jan. 27-Feb. 3
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
Five weeks of east- and westbound interstate lane closures began Jan. 9 between the Orchard and Broadway interchanges.
The lane closures will be in effect until mid-February while crews work on overhead sign foundations. Motorists can also expect intermittent overnight restrictions, reducing traffic to two lanes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Eastbound I-84 will be reduced to three lanes and one ramp lane between the Orchard and Vista interchanges.
- Westbound I-84 will be reduced to three lanes and one ramp lane between the Broadway and Vista interchanges.
The speed limit will be 55 mph during the five weeks of lane closures.
A map of the lane closures is available here.
The lane closures are part of a project to widen I-84 to four lanes in both directions between Cole/Overland and Broadway. The widening was completed in the summer of 2011.
Concrete Placing Co. Inc., of Boise, is the contractor on the $35.9 million project.
NAMPA - I-84 widening, Franklin to Garrity
The project to widen Interstate 84 between the Garrity and Franklin Boulevard interchanges is nearing its Jan. 31 substantial-completion mark, months earlier than originally planned.
If weather allows, there will be a reduction to one lane in each direction while crews paint pavement markings overnight tonight (Friday, Jan. 27), beginning at 10 p.m.
The eastbound Franklin on-ramp opened Tuesday morning, after being closed since mid-September amid drivers’ concerns with the ramp length and angle of entry for a safe merge.
Motorists can also expect ongoing daytime lane reductions while crews complete a series of final tasks, including: mounting fence on the Union Pacific Railroad bridge; installing intelligent transportation systems, which link into message boards and include roadside traffic cameras; and putting up roadside signs. Two lanes will remain open in each direction during the day.
Additional construction activity may continue into February as crews continue with minor clean-up and utility work along the shoulder.
The speed limit in this area will remain at 55 mph. Lane reductions are required in this active work zone, and the lower speed limit is a safety precaution for motorists and for crews who work just feet from moving traffic. The speed limit will be restored to 65 mph once lane restrictions are no longer required – likely in the first few days of February.
Concrete Placing Co. Inc., 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.
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, delays are expected to be 15 to 45 minutes in length. In addition, a nine-foot width restriction is in effect.
Work is being performed at the bottom of the canyon to drill for rock anchors and to complete the installation of the slope armoring. Water levels are anticipated to rise over the next few months.
RSCI, of Meridian, is the contractor on the $2.8 million project.
NEAR LOWMAN – Fish-passage project
A fish-passage project east of Lowman is in winter shutdown mode, as the bridge has been reopened to traffic and the speed limit returned to 55 mph. The contractor will return in the spring to re-seed the work area and resume approach work.
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.
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.
Crews are sawcutting and jackhammering to remove the old bridge deck. They will be fixing a cracked and leaking concrete irrigation line under U.S. 95 in the near future.
JC Constructors Inc., of Meridian, is the contractor for this $6.17 million project.