12/8/2006
Nampa Mayor Tom Dale, other dignitaries to dedicate Karcher Interchange at public ceremony Dec. 12
BOISE - A dedication ceremony on Tuesday (Dec. 12) will celebrate the newly completed Karcher Interchange in Nampa, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Nampa Mayor Tom Dale, Idaho Senate Transportation Committee Chairman John McGee and Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Frank Bruneel are among the speakers for the event, which will begin at 2 p.m. on the new interchange overpass. Dignitaries will install the final traffic sign before the interchange opens for traffic that evening.
The Karcher Interchange is the first major interchange built in the Treasure Valley since the Isaac's Canyon Interchange opened in 1997. It provides a link to Interstate 84 for commuters in southern Canyon County and improves access to Idaho 55 (Karcher Road). The five-lane interchange overpass realigns Idaho 55 at its intersection with Nampa-Caldwell Boulevard, preventing traffic delays at the railroad tracks. The north end of the overpass links to the new three-lane Karcher Connector Road that opened in August.
The 16-month project schedule required the contractor to complete a very large amount of work in a short period of time, said ITD project coordinator Jon Whipple. The project constructed approximately 17 new lane miles, including five bridges, five interchange ramps, a new Idaho 55 alignment and support roadways. The project also includes landscaping which will be completed in the spring.
Central Paving Co. of Boise was the contractor for the $30 million Karcher Interchange project.
"This project has brought tremendous economic development to Nampa, particularly at the new Treasure Valley Marketplace," Nampa Mayor Tom Dale said. "We look forward to the long-term positive effects the new interchange will have on the economic stability of our community, and the opportunities it brings."
Parking for the dedication ceremony will be available on the interchange overpass. Flaggers at the corner of Idaho 55 (Karcher Road) and Nampa-Caldwell Boulevard will direct attendees onto the overpass.
The Northwest Nazarene University jazz band ensemble will perform before and after the ceremony.
NOTE TO EDITORS: MEDIA TOURS OF THE NEW INTERCHANGE ARE AVAILABLE ON TUESDAY. ITD AND THE CITY OF NAMPA WILL BE ON HAND FOR INTERVIEWS. CONTACT ADAM RUSH AT 334-8881 TO ARRANGE A TOUR.