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Bus tour provides first-hand look at I-84 project
for legislators, local officials, media

An informational bus tour this week showcased several construction projects planned on Interstate 84 in Nampa and Meridian as part of the state’s GARVEE (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle) Transportation Program.

Nearly 30 Idaho lawmakers joined city leaders from Meridian and Nampa, local officials, and members of the Treasure Valley media on the bus tour Tuesday (March 4).

ITD’s project engineers presented information about several current and planned projects within the I-84 west corridor, including:

Current
1. I-84, Garrity to Meridian widening and reconstruction
2. I-84, Nampa Franklin Boulevard Interchange bridge widening and reconstruction

Future
1. Widening and reconstruction of the Robinson Road and Black Cat Road overpasses
2. Construction of a new I-84 Interchange at Ten Mile Road

“This tour is designed to give you a first-hand look at what the GARVEE program is doing and answer your questions,” Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Darrell Manning told lawmakers before the tour. “If we don’t know the answer right now, we’ll get them for you.”

ITD received so much interest in the tour, a second bus was added to accommodate more than 60 participants.

Some lawmakers expressed interest in ITD’s plan to expand I-84 enough to add a fourth lane in each direction in the future.

"Oftentimes government is accused of not looking forward enough," Sen. Transportation Committee Chairman John McGee said. "But I think in this case we have."

GARVEE bonds are used to design and construct needed highway projects in less time than through traditional funding methods. The bond program is based on future federal funding.

For more information about the program, visit itd.idaho.gov and click on GARVEE Transportation Program. For information about the projects, click on Southwest Idaho, then I-84, Caldwell to Meridian Corridor.