3/14/2013
Public offers comments Wednesday night on design of new I-84, Broadway Avenue Interchange
BOISE – Comments offered at a public meeting Wednesday night (March 13) about the design of a new Broadway Avenue Interchange ranged from support for the design to suggesting that a soundwall on the north side of Interstate 84 be extended.
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) held the open house. Business representatives and homeowners in the vicinity of the interchange were among the attendees. Click here for a picture.
“I really like the on-ramp from Broadway that takes you to Vista,” said Noel Heisey, referring to the dedicated westbound lane for drivers. “I won’t have to merge into other lanes.”
Heisey also likes the addition of a third lane on Interstate 84 between the Broadway Interchange and Gowen Interchange. He used to commute from Boise to Mountain Home for work before retiring, and observed congestion on I-84 during his morning commutes.
“Early in the morning, eastbound traffic would back up to pull off at Gowen,” he said. “I think the third lane is going to be a big, big help.”
Other attendees said they would like to see a soundwall on the north side of Interstate 84 extended to the north, along Broadway.
“We’d like to see a retaining wall along Broadway for the noise,” said Wayne Clements, who lives close to the Broadway Interchange.
The interchange replacement and work on railroad bridges east of the interchange will cost $53 million. The new interchange is expected to serve traffic needs through at least 2035. Plans also are under way to replace the interchanges at Meridian Road, Gowen Road and add a third lane on I-84 between Broadway and Gowen.
This summer, ITD will hold a public open house to present final design plans for all three interchanges to the public.
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News Editors/Directors:
For photos of Wednesday’s Broadway Interchange meeting, please visit ftp1.idaho.gov. In the User Name field, enter itdcommu. The password is W39gy7D2. Click on the folder titled Broadway Interchange.