12/1/2006
Construction work starts on Locust Grove Overpass - ceremony scheduled for Dec. 5
BOISE - Work starts next week on a new overpass that will connect Locust Grove Road and offer an extended route over Interstate 84 between Eagle Road and Meridian Road, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Currently, Locust Grove Road south of Interstate 84 ends near the interstate. The north side of Locust Grove Road also ends near Interstate 84.
A groundbreaking event to celebrate the anticipated project will take place Tuesday (Dec. 5) at 2 p.m. on Locust Grove at the south side of the interstate.
The new overpass, scheduled to be finished in the spring of 2008, will consist of two lanes in each direction, sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides of the overpass. "This project is crucial to provide north-south connection for the city of Meridian and improve our emergency response services," said Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd.
Mayor de Weerd, Idaho Senate Transportation Committee Vice Chairman John McGee, Ada County Highway District Commission President John Franden and Idaho Transportation Board member Monte McClure will be among the speakers on hand for Tuesday's celebration.
Utility and irrigation work is scheduled to start the week of Dec. 4, and continue through January and February. Construction on the overpass will start in the spring.
Minimal impacts to traffic are anticipated during construction. Girders, placed during the night-time hours, may reduce interstate traffic to single lanes.
Concrete Placing Company Inc. of Boise is the contractor for the $5,845,000 project.