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ITD introduces new kiosk to inform motorists
of major construction projects on I-84

With as many as six major highway construction projects expected to be under way on Interstate 84 by late summer/early fall, getting the word out to motorists about traffic impacts is crucial to maintain public safety.

That’s why ITD partnered with the Boise Municipal Airport to design and build a video kiosk that informs travelers of what to expect along the busy corridor … and when.

“The Boise Airport is an ideal location for this resource kiosk,” said Airport Director Richard McConnell. “An estimated 342,000 people who pass through the airport monthly will be directly impacted by interstate construction, so informing our traveling public is critical.”

The kiosk, located on the airport’s ground level near baggage claim, features animated graphics depicting how to best maneuver the new Vista Avenue Interchange once completed. The interchange includes a new design for Idaho called the Single Point Urban Interchange. One lighted panel at the center of the 12-lane interchange will control all traffic.

The kiosk also will have information about every highway project along I-84 as well as estimated construction schedules.

“This kiosk will accomplish the department’s goal to inform the public about these changes and let motorists know of major traffic impacts as we begin one of the biggest interstate improvement projects in state history,” said ITD Director Pamela Lowe.

Thursday (June 4), the ITD communications office invited members of the media to view the kiosk and provided copies of the animated graphics. The idea for the kiosk originated with The Langdon Group, a consulting firm hired by ITD for public outreach during the design phase of the Vista Interchange. ITD public information specialist June Sparks voiced the kiosk video that was editedproduced by ITD media specialist Dave Tuttle.

Reconstruction of the Vista Avenue Interchange is scheduled to begin in mid-July and be completed by September 2010. Orchard Interchange reconstruction began in April and is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2010.

Two lanes in each direction will be added to I-84 between Cole Road and Broadway Avenue. Construction is planned to begin in September and continue through December 2011.