6/5/2014
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
UPDATE: I-84 lanes under Meridian interchange reopen
NOTE: All I-84 lanes under the interchange have reopened:
MERIDIAN – A transport truck struck the Meridian Road Interchange today (Thursday, June 5), causing one northbound lane on Meridian Road to be closed through 5 a.m. Friday as repairs proceed.
Idaho State Police dispatchers received a report at approximately
9:22
a.m. saying a vehicle traveling westbound and hauling heavy equipment struck the Meridian Road
Overpass. According to ISP, the excavator arm was extended and
hit the overpass beam, causing damage to the overpass. The debris caused
damage to three other vehicles, they said. ITD sent teams immediately to assess the damage to the structure.
ITD
is making repairs, cleaning debris from the strike on the bridge, and shored up the affected bridge area to keep loose material from
falling.
Maintaining safety for the public, motorists, and workers is the paramount concern for Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) crews responding to the incident.
“ITD is committed to providing the
safest work zone for everyone, including all drivers and crews,” said
Jayme Coonce, ITD project manager. “We are still assessing the situation
and determining what, if any, impacts there may be to the ongoing
construction of the Meridian Road Interchange.”
In addition,
drivers can expect lane restrictions on the Meridian Road bridge over
I-84 tonight. Lanes will be restricted between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. on the
bridge. At least one lane will be open in both directions all night.
Crews will be restriping the traffic lanes to accommodate safer
construction access on the west side of the bridge.
Lane widths across the bridge will be restricted to 10 feet beginning tomorrow morning at 5 a.m.
ITD is reconstructing the interchange and improving I-84 between Meridian and Five Mile roads.
Concrete Placing Company, of Boise, is the contractor for the $50.8 million project.