3/22/2013
Public offers comments Thursday night on design of I-84, Meridian Road Interchange
BOISE – Comments submitted at a public meeting Thursday night (March 21) on the design of the new Meridian Road Interchange ranged from support for sidewalks to maintaining access during construction.
ITD will replace the current interchange with a Single-Point Urban Interchange (SPUI). The design uses one signal in the middle of the interchange for efficient traffic flow.
As part of the project, ITD will add curb, gutter, sidewalks and bicycle lanes on Meridian Road. I-84 will be widened to four lanes in both directions under the interchange.
Lisa Josleyn, a Meridian resident, said the new interchange will improve her commute.
“Sometimes I cross the interchange multiple times a day for errands or work,” she said. “I’m looking forward to saving time on my commute. And the sidewalks and bike lanes will be helpful.”
Other comments submitted Thursday expressed support for maintaining access across I-84 during construction to incorporating decorative features that identify the interchange as the gateway to the center of Meridian.
The $40 million project will be funded through savings in the GARVEE Transportation Program, as well as traditional federal funds.
Plans also are underway to replace the interchanges at Broadway Avenue and Gowen Road and add a third lane on I-84 between Broadway and Gowen.
ITD will present final design plans for all three interchanges this summer. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2014.
News Editors/Directors: For photos and video footage of Thursday’s meeting, please visit ftp1.idaho.gov. In the User Name field, enter itdcommu. The password is W39gy7D2. Click on the folder titled Meridian IC Thursday. The still photos are in the Meridian int 3 21 13 folder.