4/22/2014
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Work on pair of Nampa bridges, including busy Northside structure, to begin in late May
BOISE
- The aging Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) E. Lateral Canal Bridge and the Northside Boulevard Overpass with Interstate 84 at Exit 35 will be improved in a project beginning in late May and lasting six months. Both bridges were built in 1966.
The bridge decks on the westbound UPRR bridge and the eastbound Northside structure will be replaced, while decks on the eastbound UPRR bridge and westbound Northside will be repaired and sealed with an epoxy overlay. Paint on the bridges also will be refreshed.
This project will feature unique traffic shifts through the construction zone (mileposts 34.9-35.2). Eastbound and westbound lanes have separate bridge structures, with two lanes in each direction. To safely conduct construction activities on the westbound structures, traffic will be reduced to one lane, shifting the other westbound lane to the eastbound bridge, separated from the two eastbound lanes by concrete barricades.
The reverse will occur when construction activities shift to the eastbound structures.
The Northside interchange is ranked 8th in the state in traffic volume, carrying 80,000 vehicles per day.
Click here for pictures of the westbound UPRR structure and eastbound Northside structure.
“The deck replacements will use an Accelerated Bridge Construction technique involving full-depth precast concrete deck panels that will be a first for Idaho,” said ITD Bridge Engineer Matt Farrar. “By doing this, we can reduce the time and impact to the traveling public, and extend the lives of these bridges.”
Click here for Farrar's sound bite.
Traffic will be maintained across existing or new lanes during the work.
Nighttime
and weekend work is anticipated. Some on- and
off-ramps will need to be detoured, but not closed, during part of the project.
Speed-limit reductions and vehicle-width restrictions will be in place during the project.
ITD will provide critical up-to-date information to the impacted public throughout construction. Project representatives will communicate with key stakeholders, businesses and property owners before and during the project.
Granite Construction, of Salt Lake City, is the prime contractor on this $4 million project.