7/13/2006
Karcher Road remains closed to through traffic; Nampa Police issuing citations
NAMPA - Karcher Road remains closed to through traffic during the Karcher Interchange project and the Nampa Police Department is issuing citations to motorists who drive through this construction zone, the Idaho Transportation Department and the city of Nampa announced.
Karcher Road has been closed to through traffic since March for construction of the new interchange. Motorists traveling to local businesses can still use Karcher Road.
"Many motorists are disregarding the road closed signs and are driving on Karcher, creating a dangerous situation and disrupting the work," Nampa Police Cpl. Joe Ramirez said.
Ramirez said he has witnessed several near misses between motorists and construction crews in recent weeks. The citation for driving through a construction zone is $91.50.
Karcher Road is scheduled to reopen in August, but it will no longer connect to Nampa-Caldwell Boulevard. Motorists on Karcher Road who want to reach the boulevard will turn onto Midland Road.
Karcher Road will form a cul-de-sac at Nampa-Caldwell Boulevard, allowing access to businesses.
Since Karcher Road closed in March, several improvements have been completed by ITD and the City of Nampa including:
- Retrofitting the bridge rail on the existing Karcher Road/I-84 overpass
- Realigning and constructing the Karcher Connector, which ties Karcher Road to the new Idaho 55/Karcher Road Connector
- Widening Karcher between Northside Boulevard and the Karcher Connector
- Installation of a traffic light at Karcher Road and the Karcher Connector