Idaho Highway 45 (12th Avenue) resurfacing in Nampa to begin next week

The Idaho Transportation Department will resurface a five-mile section of Idaho Highway 45 (12th Avenue) in Nampa beginning the week of June 18.

This maintenance is designed to seal and protect the roadway surface, and extend the life of the pavement.

Construction is scheduled from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. This schedule is designed to reduce impacts to the traveling public. The project will be complete in August.
The project limit extends from Deer Flat Road into downtown Nampa. Motorists are encouraged to slow down, pay attention, and watch for crews working in the area.

As part of this project, the city of Nampa will construct a median on the highway between Dewey Avenue and Lincoln Avenue. The median is designed to enhance safety and reduce the number of side-angle crashes in this heavily traveled location. A pedestrian signal was also constructed earlier this year in the vicinity.

Community open house to discuss I-84 Business Loop construction in downtown Nampa to be held May 31

The Idaho Transportation Department will host a community open house to discuss the construction plans for the I-84 Business Loop in downtown Nampa on Thursday, May 31.

The open house will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Nampa Civic Center, Casler Room, 311 3rd Street South in Nampa. Community members are invited to stop by any time to learn more about the construction plans and discuss the project. Construction work will include the following streets:

• Garrity Boulevard (11th Avenue North to Grant Street)
• 11th Avenue (3rd Street South to Garrity Boulevard)
• 3rd Street South (Northside Boulevard to 11th Avenue)
• 2nd Street South (Northside Boulevard to 11th Avenue)
• Library Square
• Northside/2nd Street intersection

Download the project fact sheet for more information.

Construction is anticipated to begin in June and be completed in late summer 2018. The project will resurface and reconstruct several roads in downtown Nampa to improve driving conditions and safety.

Business access will remain open at all times during the day. A majority of the work will occur at night between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. with some lane restrictions and detours necessary. Lane restrictions may also be necessary for curb and gutter work during the day.

Pedestrian ramps are also being replaced throughout the project area to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Pedestrian ramp work will occur during the day Monday through Friday and may require brief sidewalk closures.

To receive email updates about this project, text “NAMPA” to 22828 or email Jennifer.Gonzalez@itd.idaho.gov. Construction details also will be posted to itd.idaho.gov/d3.

Emerald Street Connector Overpass opens Saturday

Crews wrap up the repavement of the Emerald St. overpass along I-184

BOISE – Bridge preservation work on the Emerald Street overpass of I-184 (the Connector) between Cole Road and Curtis Road, is complete. The bridge reopens to all traffic beginning Saturday morning (May 19).

Preservation work on additional Treasure Valley bridges will continue this summer at the following locations:

I-84, Meridian Road Interchange
I-84, Broadway Avenue Interchange
I-84, Cole-Overland Interchange
I-84, Gowen Road Interchange
Broadway Avenue, Boise River Bridge

Unlike at Emerald, remaining work will not require full closures and most work will be completed at night. Motorists can expect lane reductions and reduced speeds.

“Bridge preservation work is intended to strengthen the bridge surfaces and extend the life of the pavement, reducing the need for additional maintenance at a later date,” said Crystal Grasmick, ITD Project Manager. “We appreciate the traveling public’s patience as we work through these important improvements.”

Cannon Builders, Inc. is the contractor on this $2.7 million project. For up-to-date traffic impact information, visit 511.idaho.gov.

Nighttime lane restrictions begin soon for Broadway, Front and Myrtle (US-20) repaving

Nighttime lane restrictions will begin in tonight, Wednesday May 16 on Front Street, Myrtle Street and Broadway Avenue in Boise as the Idaho Transportation Department prepares to repave all three roadways.

The project will include milling off the worn asphalt and replacing it with new pavement. Construction is anticipated to begin on Myrtle Street, then move to Front Street, and on to Broadway Avenue in late June or July.

The repaving work is expected to be completed in late summer.

Work includes:
• Myrtle Street between I-184 (Connector) and Broadway Avenue
• Front Street between I-184 (Connector) and Broadway Avenue
• Broadway Avenue between Rossi Street and the New York Canal north of I-84

The majority of construction will occur from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. All lanes will be open during the day. Occasional work will be scheduled on Friday and Saturday 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

During nighttime paving operations, two lanes will be open on Front and Myrtle Streets. One lane will be open in each direction on Broadway Avenue.

“To get construction updates, sign up for emails or text messages from the ITD Office of Communication,” said ITD Southwest Idaho Resident Engineer Jayme Coonce. “Dates and plans can change quickly due to unpredictable weather and other factors. ITD will send regular updates to keep motorists, residents and businesses informed.”

To request email updates, text US2026 to 22828. Updates also will be posted to itd.idaho.gov/D3.

ITD estimates 30,000 vehicles travel on Myrtle, Front and Broadway each day. The U.S. 20 resurfacing project is expected to extend the pavement lifespan approximately 10-12 years.

Sunroc Corporation, of Boise, is the contractor for $3.14 million project.

Give ITD feedback on Mountain Home plans

The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking public comment on several long-range plans in Mountain Home.

The Department and the City of Mountain Home have worked together to create concepts for the interchanges at Exits 90 (Old US-30) and 95 (American Legion) as well as access control along American Legion Blvd (Idaho Highway 51 and US-20). You can see project details and leave a comment by visiting the project website.

The redesign on Exit 90 is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of the interchange. It also accommodates a future connection to NW Mashburn Road.

At Exit 95, ITD is asking for public comment on three alternative designs. Each design has its own advantages and trade-offs. Your input will be valuable in helping to determine the best choice.

The access study is a collaborative effort between ITD and Mountain Home to provide long-range guidance on safer configurations for American Legion Blvd. The design promotes safety while ensuring the public can access businesses along the corridor. Once finalized, this plan will provide up-front information for businesses seeking to develop in the area, enhancing the local economy.

The comment period for this study will end May 15, 2018.

Wet Paint: Striping crews hitting the Treasure Valley

The last pockets of snow are melting off the Boise Foothills – the annual sign that Spring is in full swing in the Treasure Valley. As you begin to de-clutter your garage and spruce up your yard, the Idaho Transportation Department’s Southwest Idaho office is out in force laying fresh paint on faded road stripes.

During these operations, ITD is asking motorists to use extra caution around the striping machines and the wet paint they are applying.

How the Process Works

Striping crews consist of four vehicles.

A lead vehicle to warn approaching vehicles of the wet paint ahead
A paint truck that applies the paint and reflective beads
A crash truck immediately behind the paint truck for protection and to warn motorists of the fresh paint on the road.
A trailing truck with a message board to warn motorists of the wet paint and the painting crew working ahead

When weather allows, striping crews will spend the Spring and Summer repainting all of the lane lines on the state highway system in southwest Idaho. The paint truck sprays two different materials almost simultaneously; the paint first and then retro-reflective beads. The combined materials help the lines remain visible under different conditions: daylight, nighttime, or rain.

Once applied, the paint cures quickly. In ideal conditions, it can be as soon as 30 seconds.

What to do if you drive on wet paint

Wet paint is considered a roadway hazard – similar to animals, debris, or potholes. It’s the responsibility of all drivers to look out for these hazards and try to avoid them.

If you do find yourself driving through wet paint and some of it splashes on your car, you can take immediate action to remove it. ITD suggests two options:

Test a small, hidden part of your car first to ensure no side-effects to the paint or finish. Spray the painted areas with Pam cooking oil. Let it sit for a few minutes. Spray off with pressure washer.
Use a chemical solvent, such as Goof Off (latex). Test a small, hidden part of your car first to ensure no side-effects to the paint or finish. Spray and wipe off small sections at a time. After you wipe off each section wash that section immediately.

Interstate 84 repaving in Caldwell begins in May; bridge replacement west of Caldwell to be complete this spring

Pavement rehabilitation on Interstate 84 from the Sand Hollow Interchange (exit 17) into Caldwell will begin in May.

The project will extend the life of the interstate and provide a smoother driving surface. During construction, traffic will be shifted into a crossover pattern and speeds will be reduced. Work will include reconstruction of the four ramps at the junction of I-84 and Idaho Highway 44 (exit 25). Paving is scheduled for completion this summer.

This project coincides with the ongoing bridge replacement at the Sand Hollow interchange. Bridge construction will wrap up this summer.

Work will occur during both day and night hours. Motorists are strongly encouraged to slow down and pay attention. Please check 511.idaho.gov for the latest impacts before you head out.

Preservation work on area bridges will require full closure of Emerald Street overpass in Boise for one month beginning in mid-April

Preservation work on numerous Treasure Valley bridges will begin this spring. Work on the Emerald Street bridge between Cole Road and Curtis Road over I-184 (the Connector) will require a full closure.

Improvements will protect and preserve bridge life.

Construction on Emerald is scheduled for mid-April through late May. During construction, the bridge will be closed to automobile traffic. Pedestrian and bicycle access will remain open over the bridge. Access to local streets, homes and business in the area will be maintained.

Schedule may change due to weather.

During construction, the detour for Emerald will be Fairview Avenue or Franklin Street via Cole and Curtis. Noise and light impacts are anticipated in the work zone. Overnight lane closures on the Connector will occur near the bridge.

Preservation work on other bridges elsewhere will not require full closures. Motorists can expect lane reductions and reduced speeds in the following locations, April through May:
– I-84, Meridian Road Interchange
– I-84, Broadway Avenue Interchange
– I-84, Cole-Overland Interchange
– I-84, Gowen Road Interchange
– Broadway Avenue, Boise River Bridge

Cannon Builders is the contractor on this $2.7 million project. For up-to-date construction information, visit 511.idaho.gov.

Pavement restoration to begin from Payette to Weiser in April

Pavement restoration on 12 miles of US-95, from the Payette north city limit to the Weiser River Bridge, is set to begin early April 2018.

Completion is anticipated by June. The project will extend the life of the road and provide for a smoother ride.

Construction crews plan to complete the project in two phases. In early April (Phase 1), traffic will be reduced to one lane with a pilot car leading motorists through the work zone. Traffic will return to normal conditions in mid/late April.

In early May (Phase 2), crews will return to complete the restoration. Traffic will again be reduced to one lane with a pilot car. During both phases, motorists should anticipate delays of 15 minutes or more.

Work is scheduled Monday-Friday, 24 hours a day. Night work is anticipated. Saturday work is permitted, although not anticipated. During weekends, traffic will return to normal conditions with reduced speeds.
Area businesses and residents may experience construction-related noise and lights.

Western Construction is the contractor on this $6.1 million project.

For up-to-date construction information, visit 511.idaho.gov.

Child Pedestrian Safety projects start in spring

BOISE – A dozen sidewalk and pathway projects benefiting child pedestrian safety will be built this year across the state beginning this spring.

There were 71 eligible project applications requesting more than $12M in funds to consider in this year’s funding cycle (there was just $2M in funding available). The maximum award is $250,000. Construction must be completed before the end of the year.

The projects are thanks to collaboration between the Idaho Transportation Department and the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, after a legislative effort last year. They are funded with general fund surplus money approved by the Idaho Legislature during the 2017 session.

The following 12 projects were approved for funding:

Location Amount
Ashton $250,000
Title: Main Street sidewalk improvements
Description: This project will provide new sidewalk and lighting improvements along Main St. (ID-47) to connect with the existing pedestrian system at the high school.

Blackfoot $171,000
Title: Ridge Crest Elementary Safety Improvements Project
Description: This project will provide a 575-foot section of sidewalk along Airport Road to extend the sidewalk from Ridgecrest Elementary to the park. Additional safety improvements include a pedestrian crossing at East Airport Road.

Burley $191,000
Title: Highland Avenue and East 19th Street Sidewalk Connection
Description: This project will provide nearly a half-mile of new sidewalk and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps that connect two schools along Highland Avenue. The schools are White Pine Intermediate and Dworshack Elementary.

Caldwell $109,446
Title: Sacajawea Elementary School Project
Description: This project will provide new sidewalk, updated ADA curb ramps, bike lanes, and streetlights, and a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon along Illinois Avenue to provide a safe route to school for children travelling to Sacajawea Elementary.

Carey $154,640
Title: Crosswalk Signage and Pedestrian Improvement Project
Description: This project will provide new curb, gutter, and sidewalk along ID-26 and a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians walking across the state highway.

Driggs $125,000
Title: South 5th Street Pathway
Description: This project will provide approximately 1,600 feet of 10-foot-wide multiuse path and ADA ramps along South 5th Street, connecting four schools to residential areas. This project extends an existing safe route to school.

Firth $250,000
Title: Children Pedestrian Improvements
Description: This project will provide new curb, gutter, and sidewalk along Center Street from Main St. (ID-91) to the elementary school. Additional safety improvements include a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon signal on Main St.

Idaho Falls $240,000
Title: Iona Street, Riverside Drive and Bush Elementary Connections
Description: This project will provide new sidewalk along Iona Street and a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon for safe crossings at Riverside Drive (a busy street near an interchange). A second location includes sidewalk connections to Bush Elementary.

Marsing $35,326
Title: ID-55 Sidewalk Project
Description: This project will provide new sidewalk along ID-55, connecting the public library and downtown with the elementary, middle, and high schools.

Moscow $250,000
Title: Third Street Corridor Improvements
Description: This project will provide about 970 feet of new sidewalk along 3rd Street, connecting two elementary schools and the high school along a safe route to school. Additional safety improvements include adding center medians, curb extensions, vertical tube delineator (high-visibility markings), and school-zone lighting.

Shelley $135,000
Title: Locust and US-91 Improvements
Description: This project will install a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon at the intersection of ID-91 and Locust Street to provide a safe pedestrian crossing for students going to the school or library.

Teton $28,000
Title: Child Pedestrian Safety Project
Description: This project will install Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons at two intersections along ID-33 south of Teton Elementary to provide safe crossing for students going to and from school.