MERIDIAN – Beginning Monday, the Idaho Transportation Department will permanently close three left-turn locations on Eagle Road (State Highway 55) between Interstate 84 and State Highway 44 (State Street) as part of a pilot project to improve safety along the corridor.
The changes are based on traffic safety data and community input gathered during a recent safety study. By reducing conflict points these adjustments are expected to lower crash rates along one of Idaho’s busiest highways.
Left turns will be removed at the following locations:
- The two-way left turn between Island Woods Drive and the north channel of the Boise River
- Northbound left-in at Baldcypress Street
- Southbound U-turn at Bourbon Street near Ustick Road
Later this year, ITD will also install variable speed limit signs between Franklin Road and Chinden Boulevard. These signs will reduce speed limits to 45 mph during peak congestion. Additional improvements will include speed feedback signs and signs warning of stopped traffic at key locations.
“These Highway 55 operational changes reflect a commitment to safety for the more than 50,000 drivers daily, by listening to public feedback and studying crash trends, we’ve identified ways to reduce risk for everyone traveling this 7-mile corridor,” Dan McElhinney, ITD Chief Deputy and Chief Operations Officer said.
Microsurfacing maintenance
In addition to the safety upgrades, ITD will begin microsurfacing Eagle Road from SH-44 (State Street) in Eagle to I-84 in Meridian on Monday. Microsurfacing is a preventative pavement sealcoal that extends the life of the roadway and reduces the need for more extensive repairs.
Construction will begin at I-84 and progress north to SH-44. All work is expected to be completed by late September.
During construction:
- All lanes will be open during the day
- One lane will be open in each direction at night
- Nighttime work runs from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Drivers may encounter rough surfaces and loose gravel during the day. Please use caution.
“Crews will work one section at a time,” ITD Project Manager Josh Nisson said. “Drivers may see rough surfaces during the day until crews are able to finish that section at night. We appreciate the public’s patience during this project.”
To learn more or sign up for updates:
- Text EagleRoad to 1-866-483-8422
- Visit: itdprojects.idaho.gov/pages/55-69maintenance
- Sign up for emails: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/pI5SwgY
For real-time travel impacts, visit 511.idaho.gov or use the Idaho 511 app.