11/28/2006
Mollie McCarty
ITD Chief External Affairs Officer
208-334-8804
mollie.mccarty@itd.idaho.gov
Groundbreaking ceremony planned Dec. 1 for Franklin Interchange reconstruction in Caldwell
BOISE - A groundbreaking ceremony on Friday (Dec. 1) will celebrate the beginning of reconstruction for the Franklin Interchange in Caldwell, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas and Albertson College of Idaho President Bob Hoover will be among the speakers for the afternoon event, which is open to the public. The event will begin at 2 p.m. near the intersection of Specht Avenue and Franklin Road off of I-84.
An open house from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 30) will allow the public to ask questions and receive more information about the project. The open house will be held at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare building at 3402 Franklin Rd.
The reconstruction project will nearly double the capacity of the Franklin Interchange. The old overpass will be replaced with a new six-lane bridge over the interstate, including dual left turn lanes. All four interchange ramps will be improved and widened, and Franklin Road will be widened to five lanes between the overpass and Specht Avenue. The project will also widen and add a traffic light to Aviation Way.
The reconstructed interchange will accommodate 29,500 vehicles per day, greatly improving traffic flow and access to Caldwell and Albertson College. The college is located two miles from the interchange. Currently, 17,700 vehicles use the interchange daily.
Work is expected to be completed in the fall of 2008. I-84 will remain open and accessible during construction, except for occasional night closures for safety. Lane reductions may be necessary on Aviation Way and Franklin Road. Work to construct a new storm sewer will require 21st Avenue to be closed briefly. Flaggers will be used when necessary to redirect traffic.
Concrete Placing of Boise is the contractor for the $25 million project.
Parking for the groundbreaking ceremony will be available at the La Quinta Inn (901 Specht Avenue). From I-84, take exit 29, turn west on Franklin Road and then left on Specht Avenue.
The Albertson College of Idaho Chamber Singers will perform for the ceremony.