I-84, Cole Interchange to Broadway Interchange Soundwalls

Construction Updates

Work is under way to prepare the project area for the new soundwall panels. Near the Cole Interchange, workers are demolishing the end of the existing wall so it will match the new panel height. Near the Vista Interchange, holes are being drilled for the wall foundation pieces. Work will begin soon on a temporary right-of-way fence between the Vista and Broadway interchanges.

Traffic Impacts

Traffic on the Vista and Orchard westbound off-ramps may be stopped briefly to allow construction vehicles to enter and exit the work zone.
The outside lane of westbound I-84 will be closed from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. July 30 and 31 (Wednesday and Thursday) between the Broadway and Vista interchanges.
The outside shoulder of westbound I-84 is closed to traffic between the Cole and Vista interchanges.
The speed limit on westbound I-84 is 55 mph in the project area.

Description

The new walls will connect with the existing soundwalls west of the Orchard Interchange. They will be constructed in three segments:

Segment 1 will start at the existing wall east of Cole Road and end west of Phillippi Street.
Segment 2 will start east of the New York Canal and end one-half mile west of the Vista Interchange.
Segment 3 will start 500 feet east of the Vista Interchange and end at the Broadway Interchange.

The walls will range in height from 14 to 16 feet on the motorist side. ITD determined the wall design and texture through an extensive outreach process. Renderings of the wall design are available to download on the right side of this page.

Segments 2 and 3 will be extended west as part of the Orchard and Vista interchange reconstruction projects in 2008 and 2009.

Background

The soundwalls between Cole Road and Broadway Avenue are a result of a multi-year study of I-84 between the Orchard and Gowen interchanges. The study recommended widening I-84 along this corridor and rebuilding several interchanges.

The Orchard to Gowen study included an Environmental Assessment that identified the need for soundwalls to reduce negative impacts to surrounding neighborhoods. The assessment was approved in 2007.

Schedule and Funding

Construction began in April 2008 and is scheduled to be complete in January 2009. Work will start on Segment 2 between the Orchard and Vista interchanges. Work on segments 1 and 3 will begin in June or July 2008.

This project is funded through the GARVEE Transportation Program. The program uses Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to construct needed highway improvements in less time than through traditional methods.

Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is committed to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related regulations and directives. ITD assures that no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any ITD service, program, or activity. The department also assures that every effort will be made to prevent discrimination through the impacts of its programs, policies, and activities on minority and low-income populations. In addition, the department will take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services for persons with Limited English Proficiency.

Contact

Contact
comments@itd.idaho.gov
Phone: (208) 334-4444
TDD: (208) 334-4458
ITD Projects Page

Renderings of Wall Design