Memorial Day Travel Advisory for Treasure Valley residents

Memorial Day weekend is nearly upon us, and ITD is issuing the follow travel advisory to inform those planning to drive from the Boise area of conditions on and along the area highways.

Construction Impacts

Interstate 84

There are two projects active on I-84 to the east and west of the Boise area.

Bridge rehabilitation on the bridge over Purple Sage Road west of Caldwell has reduced the Interstate to a single lane in each direction. Speed limits are reduced and motorists should anticipate delays.

Pavement rehabilitation and construction of a third westbound lane are active east of Mountain Home. Motorists will be channeled into a single lane and speed limits are reduced.

U.S. 95

There are two construction projects that will have active impacts over the weekend. Both are bridge replacements that currently have only one travel lane. The first project is located approx. 10 miles north of Council. The second is the Little Rainbow Bridge, approx. 13 miles north of New Meadows. Both construction zones are controlled by temporary signals. Motorists should anticipate delays on this route.

Idaho Highway 55

One active project on ID-55 is the repavement of the highway south of Smiths Ferry. Work will be suspended starting Friday, May 24 and not resume until Tuesday, May 28. Motorists should use caution in the area and obey traffic signs. There will be uneven surfaces as the project remains partially constructed.

Another project on ID-55 in Canyon County is the bridge and road reconstruction in Marsing. Construction impacts will remain active over the weekend. Travel will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Motorists should expect delays in the area.

Travel Conditions

Prolonged rainfall and cooler temperatures mean the mountains are saturated. This increases the risk of rockfall and mudslides. Motorists should be aware of the possibility of hazards on the road and drive with caution. Remember to remove distractions and Drive Well, focusing on the important task of engaged driving.

Congestion is common on these mountain highways during summer holidays. In particular, the intersection of ID-55 and Banks-Lowman Road sees heavy traffic. To mitigate this increase, ITD will flag this intersection on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

ITD is encouraging vehicles traveling from the Sun Valley region to the Boise area consider alternate routes or travel outside the busiest times (noon to early evening) to avoid delays at the intersection of ID-55 and Banks-Lowman Rd.

Be sure to check 511 before leaving to see the latest road conditions and impacts. You can call, visit the website, or download the app for Apple or Android devices.

Innovative virtual public meeting allows Idahoans to comment on upcoming ID-55 project online

To maximize the public’s ability to provide input on upcoming construction, the Idaho Transportation Department is launching a virtual public meeting on proposed improvements for Idaho Highway 55 from Smiths Ferry to Round Valley.

You can view the project information and participate in the virtual public meeting by clicking here or visiting https://bit.ly/2BCNCzx.The Department will receive public comments until March 3. The online meeting tool allows visitors to interactively learn about the project and provide direct feedback to ITD.

The improvements will address existing safety concerns on the corridor by widening the road, adding ditches to catch rockfall and constructing shoulders and guardrail where appropriate. Additional work will improve wildlife habitat and passage under the roadway. The result will be a safer corridor with higher speed limits to improve mobility.

“This project will affect a diverse group of people from far and wide, including nearby residents and recreationists from around the region,” said ITD engineering manager Jason Brinkman. “This virtual public meeting allows us to effectively reach those groups and get their input to help us make well-informed decisions.”

Construction could begin as soon as the Fall of 2019. The work will require significant blasting and excavating of the hillsides adjacent to ID-55. To complete this work, regular closures of several hours will be enforced. ITD will conduct extensive public outreach to inform users of the highway about these impacts and work with them to mitigate the impacts of construction.

I-84 overnight closures as work begins to replace Cloverdale Road Overpass

BOISE – Construction is underway on improvements to the Cloverdale Overpass bridge and Cloverdale Road between Franklin Road and Camas Drive.

The Ada County Highway District and the Idaho Transportation Department transportation are joining together to replace and widen the damaged Cloverdale overpass bridge, and widen and improve the sections of road adjoining the bridge. Cloverdale Road will remain closed between Franklin Road and Camas Drive during construction, but one lane of travel in each direction will be open by June 15, 2019. Details of the improvements are listed below.

The public will experience immediate impacts of the construction as crews demolish the damaged bridge over Interstate 84. All eastbound lanes and two westbound lanes of I-84 will be closed overnight Monday (December 3) from 9 PM to 5 AM Tuesday morning. All westbound lanes and two east bound lanes of I-84 will be closed overnight Tuesday (December 4) from 10 PM to 6 AM Wednesday morning. Please refer to the map below for detour routes.

Idaho State Police will increase patrols to promote safe driving behavior in the work zone. The work zone may contain hidden hazards and the public is advised to stay out of the area. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic has been allowed to use the existing Cloverdale Overpass, but following demolition that route will be unavailable.

Throughout construction, access to local businesses and residences on Cloverdale Road will remain open. The work will include, but not be limited to: general construction noise, dust, equipment backup alarms and ground vibration. There may be some night work, but typical work hours on Cloverdale Road will be 7 AM to 8 PM.

This project will construct the following improvements:

Replace and widen the Cloverdale overpass bridge
Widen Cloverdale Road to two travel lanes in each direction with a center turn lane
A raised bike lane, curb, gutter and sidewalk on both sides of the roadway
Install an upgraded pedestrian signal at Emerson Drive and Cloverdale Road
Expand the bridge over the Ridenbaugh Canal

This joint project has been awarded to Concrete Placing Company, Inc. out of Boise for $10.3 million. Project information and the opportunity to sign up for email updates can be found online at: http://www.achdidaho.org/Projects/proj_road_cloverdale-road-franklin-road-to-camas-drive.aspx.

Cloverdale Road Overpass to remain closed for safety of the traveling public

Cloverdale Rd Overpass is closed for repairs following a fiery crash

The Cloverdale Overpass Bridge will remain closed indefinitely following a fiery crash on Interstate 84 late Saturday evening.

The fire significantly damaged a section of the overpass. ITD inspectors have evaluated the damage and determined the bridge is not safe to travel on. The bridge will remain closed until full repairs can be made. ITD has assessed it is safe for traffic travelling underneath the bridge on I-84.

ITD will develop an emergency contract to make repairs as quickly as possible. At this time, the department plans to remove and replace the damaged section. This is expected to take several months to complete. Details on the schedule, cost, and traffic impact of repairs will be shared as they are developed.

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.

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.

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.