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.

New signal feature installed at Eagle and Ustick

There’s a new feature on two signals along Eagle Road in Boise that’s sure to grab your attention: LED signs that light up to display a “no right turn” message.

Yield to U sign — *A static sign reads “Yield to U-Turns”*

Two signs have been placed on the intersection of Ustick and Eagle. It can be seen by the cars traveling the east-west Ustick corridor. The signs light up when cars on Eagle have a green left arrow light. The purpose is to prevent collisions between traffic making legal U-turns on Eagle and cars turning right off of Ustick.

While no crashes have been reported in this area, a number of near misses have been observed.

“This should eliminate those,” said ITD traffic engineer Erika Bowen. “We’re looking at doing a pilot for it. If this is successful, ITD plans on installing them up and down the Eagle Rd. corridor.”

Currently, many intersections on the corridor feature a sign advising those turning right to “Yield to U-Turns.” The new signs actively turn on and off only when necessary. The hope is the change will grab a driver’s attention and induce safer behavior.

The pilot program is a partnership between ITD and the Ada County Highway District.

Eagle Road to open for Thursday morning commute

UPDATE at 5 p.m., Wednesday Feb 7

The Idaho Transportation Department plans to completely open a section of Eagle Road (Idaho Highway 55) near the Village at Meridian in time for Thursday’s morning commute.

Emergency repairs to a broken water main forced the busy road to be closed late Monday night. Meridian Public Works, the Meridian Police Department, Ada County Highway District, and ITD partnered together to fix the pipe, patch the road, and safely divert traffic.

Final paving and striping is expected to wrap up around 10:00 p.m. tonight. When the work is done, the road will immediately open to traffic.

ITD was able to open limited access on the affected area Tuesday night into Wednesday to alleviate congestion during the a.m. commute. The section was closed again at 9 a.m. Wednesday to make final repairs during the day.

This section of Eagle Road sees 49,000 trips on average. Combined with the nearby traffic on Fairview Ave., this intersection is the busiest in Idaho with an average 76,000 daily trips.

UPDATE at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7

Crews have closed Eagle Road to make final repairs.

Laying Pavement on Eagle — *Crews lay pavement to patch Eagle Road*

They are currently laying pavement to patch nearly 70 feet of road length on five lanes and two approaches into nearby businesses.

Work is expected to be completed tonight, in time for the road to open for Thursday morning’s commute.

The asphalt is spread in several layers to promote uniform curing. When paving is done, the patch will have lines painted on it. The road will open to the public when the asphalt and paint has cured and is cool to the touch.

UPDATE at 7 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7

The section of Eagle Road south of Fairview Avenue, closed Monday after a water pipe break, is reopened temporarily until 9 a.m. this morning. The temporary access will be closed this morning at 9 to allow crews to repave the roadway.

The Idaho Transportation Department has reopened the route to limited access. This involved laying gravel down and building ramps on the edges of the pavement that have been removed.

This requires a speed limit reduction to 25 mph. The public is still advised to avoid the area.

Depending on weather and the cure rate of the fresh asphalt, ITD estimates Eagle Road will be fully open by Wednesday evening.

UPDATE at 5 p.m., Tuesday Feb. 6

BOISE – A section of Eagle Road south of Fairview Avenue remains closed as crews make repairs following a burst water pipe.

Exploratory digging — *Crews remove asphalt to check for erosion under road bed.*

A half-mile section of Eagle Road between Pine and Fairview avenues was closed late Monday night after a broken water main flooded the roadway. The Idaho Transportation Department is working to open limited access on the stretch this evening. This effort involves laying gravel down and building ramps on the edges of the pavement that have been removed.

A limited access will require a speed limit reduction to 25 mph. Should access be opened, the public is still advised to avoid the area. Any access opened Tuesday will be closed by Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. to allow crews to repave the roadway. Depending on weather and the cure rate of the fresh asphalt, ITD estimates Eagle Road will be fully open Wednesday evening.

Work today has involved emergency repairs by Meridian Public Works to the water line and excavation by ITD of the road around the flooded area to fix erosion of the road bed.

ITD will post after-hours updates on 511 and its Twitter account, @IdahoITD

Original Story

Burst water line — *A crack in the a water pipe closed Eagle Rd. Tuesday.*

Eagle Road will remain closed during repairs. Currently, it is estimated the road will re-open Wednesday afternoon. Access to area business remains open. Detours are in place at Fairview Avenue, Pine Avenue, and Franklin Road.

Crews have dug a trench ten feet wide, 40 feet long, and eight feet deep to access the broken pipe. Once the pipe is repaired, ITD crews will repair the road. That includes backfilling the trench, removing broken asphalt around it, and repaving the section.

Meridian Public Works and Meridian Police Department are on scene assisting.

Interstate 84 lane closures between Karcher and Franklin will begin Dec. 4

Interstate 84 looking west from Franklin Blvd. Interchange

BOISE – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has scheduled overnight lane restrictions on Interstate 84 in Nampa next week (Dec. 4-8) to complete geotechnical tests for upcoming improvements to the Interstate. This geotechnical work is one of the first steps of designing substantial improvements to I-84 between the Karcher Interchange and Franklin Boulevard Interchange.

Weather permitting, one lane of east- and westbound I-84 will be closed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Dec. 4 to Dec. 8.

ITD is planning to widen the interstate, redesign the Northside Interchange and replace the Karcher Overpass and bridges over the railroad and Mason Creek. Improvements are expected to improve safety, capacity and traffic flow in Canyon County for many years. Construction could begin as early as the fall of 2018.

For more information about the I-84, Franklin to Karcher project, visit the project webpage.