3/14/2013
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Open houses next Wednesday and Thursday provide information on Meridian Road Interchange replacement
MERIDIAN – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is planning to replace the I-84, Meridian Road Interchange in Meridian starting in spring 2014.
Residents can preview the project at either of two public open houses Wednesday or Thursday (March 20 and 21) from 4–6 p.m. at COMPASS (700 N.E. 2nd Street) in Meridian. During the open house, ITD will present preliminary design plans for the new Meridian Road Interchange, gather comments and answer questions.
A new Single-Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) will be built at Meridian Road. This interchange design offers efficiency by using one signal in the middle of the interchange and improves traffic flow and movement of vehicles. A similar interchange was built at Vista Avenue in Boise and Ten Mile Road in Meridian.
I-84 will be widened to four lanes under the structure. As part of the project, curb, gutter, sidewalks and bicycle lanes will be added on Meridian Road. ITD and the City of Meridian are working together to determine landscaping, lighting and other aesthetic features for the interchange.
Click here for video and interview with Amy Schroeder, ITD’s GARVEE Program Manager.
The current interchange was built in 1965 when approximately 10,650 vehicles traveled over, under and on and off the interchange each day. Today, that number has increased to over 128,000 vehicles. The new interchange design will improve traffic flow and the movement of vehicles on and off of I-84.
The Meridian Road Interchange replacement and the widening of I-84 will cost approximately $40 million. The new interchange is expected to serve traffic needs through at least 2035. Plans also are under way to replace the interchanges at Broadway Avenue and Gowen Road and add a third lane on I-84 between Broadway and Gowen.
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NOTE TO EDITORS: The video of Amy Schroeder can be accessed via the department's FTP site at ftp1.idaho.gov. In the User Name field, enter itdcommu. The password is W39gy7D2. The file is titled “meridian interchange.mp4.”