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Bid opened for I-84/Vista Interchange reconstruction

Central Paving Co. Inc. of Boise is the apparent low bidder for reconstruction of the Vista Avenue Interchange, one of the eight highway construction projects in Idaho that will use federal stimulus funds to create jobs, help boost Idaho's economy and upgrade our infrastructure for future economic growth.

The low bid was for $17.8 million, about 54 percent below the project's estimated cost of $39 million.

Bids on stimulus-funded highway projects in Idaho, including the Vista Interchange, have been coming in substantially lower than initial estimates, reflecting an extremely competitive bid environment and lower material costs. If the trend continues, ITD will review the savings and make a recommendation to the transportation board on how to reinvest the money on other highway construction projects.

Bids will open in late July or early August on the U.S. 93, Twin Falls Alternate Route, Stage 2 project. It will be the last of the eight highway projects using stimulus funds.

The Vista Avenue Interchange project, located off Interstate 84 near the Boise Airport, is expected to create more than 320 new jobs.

"The Idaho Transportation Department is delivering on my promise to put taxpayer dollars to work as soon as possible to create good jobs for Idaho families," Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter said. "This project supports economic recovery and improved safety. It also will incorporate an innovative design for Idaho that will move traffic safely and more efficiently."

The project will rebuild the I-84 Vista Interchange, which was constructed in 1969. The new interchange design will feature a Single Point Urban Interchange design, which places a traffic light at the center and allows for protected left turns in each direction. The new interchange will have two through lanes in each direction and dual left-turn lanes. On- and off-ramps will be widened and lengthened to improve traffic flow. The new bridge also will accommodate expansion of I-84.

Construction is expected to take about a year. ITD will use accelerated bridge construction methods to expedite the process and reduce inconveniences to motorists.

The Vista Interchange is vital to Idaho's economic health, providing access to and from the Boise Airport and serving as a major route to Boise State University. Improving the interchange will provide the capacity needed to meet growing commuter, business and airport needs through 2035.

Construction is expected to start in mid-July and be completed in early September 2010.

Idaho stimulus-funded highway projects
(dollars represent submitted bids)

U.S. 95, Moscow Mountain Passing Lanes - Debco Construction (Orofino, Idaho) $2.7 million
U.S. 2, Dover Bridge - Sletten Construction (Great Falls, Mont.) $21.6 million
U.S. 20, Henrys Lake Flat Passing Lanes - Gale Lim Construction (Blackfoot, Idaho) $2.2 million
U.S. 95, Top of Whitebird Hill Grade to Chain-Up Area - Knife River (Boise) $3.3 million
I-84, Vista Avenue Interchange reconstruction - Central Paving Co. Inc. (Boise) $17.8 million
I-86, Chubbuck Interchange to Pocatello Creek Interchange - Bid opening June 23
Idaho 48, Rigby High School to Yellowstone Hwy - Bid opening June 23
U.S. 93, Twin Falls Alternate Route, Stage 2 - Bid opening in late July/early August