1/15/2013
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Surveying and testing begin for I-84 interchange projects in Meridian and east Boise
BOISE – Over the next month, motorists can expect intermittent nighttime lane closures and shoulder restrictions on Interstate 84 in Meridian and east Boise as crews test soils and survey for the upcoming reconstruction of the Meridian, Broadway and Gowen interchanges.
Crews will be surveying the area and collecting geotechnical samples from the three interchanges, which are slated for reconstruction in early 2014.
In addition to reconstruction of the interchanges, work will include widening I-84 under the Meridian Interchange and adding a third lane between the Broadway and Gowen interchanges. Gowen Road will also be widened under I-84 between Eisenman and Federal Way.
Nighttime lane restrictions will occur between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and at least one lane will be open in each direction on I-84. In addition, intermittent nighttime lane restrictions will occur on Gowen Road from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Shoulders will be restricted during the day and night.
The Meridian, Broadway and Gowen interchange projects were selected last summer by the Idaho Transportation Board to improve mobility, safety and economic opportunity for Idahoans. The projects are being advanced through:
• Department efficiencies, cost savings and cash management
• Lower-than-anticipated costs in all of the department’s construction programs
• Inflation and interest savings
• A transportation board decision to issue GARVEE bonds totaling $80 million
Projects were selected based on readiness, pavement condition, congestion and safety factors. The cost for the projects on I-84 is anticipated to be $124 million.
Over the next year, ITD will finalize the designs for each project, identify and purchase needed land, and share information with the public regarding the interchanges. To learn more, visit http://itd.idaho.gov/projects/garvee/.