JEROME, Idaho — Mark your calendars for next Wednesday, Aug. 23, when you’ll have the chance to review and provide comment on the selected design concept for the reconstruction of the Interstate 84 South Jerome Interchange.

On that day, the Idaho Transportation Department will host an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Idaho State Police regional office, 218 West Yakima Ave., Jerome. ITD and the consultant team will be available to answer questions and receive input.

“At the first public meeting, we shared several concepts and received feedback that indicated what people liked or didn’t like,” said Todd Hubbard, ITD project manager. “With that input, we took a fresh look at the goals for this project and developed a new concept that we believe will meet the interests of the community and the traveling public.”

According to the department,

the South Jerome Interchange (exit 168) includes an aging bridge that has been identified by ITD for replacement. In addition to replacing the bridge, ITD is redesigning the interchange to meet current standards and meet the following objectives:

 

  • Minimize the potential for collisions
  • Minimize the impact to properties and the natural environment
  • Provide fluid traffic flow on I-84, on/off ramps, Lincoln Avenue, E. Frontage Road North and Bob Barton Road
  • Safely accommodate pedestrian and bicycle travel
  • Reduce travel time
  • Increase efficiency in the movement of goods and services

Public input from the first public open house helped the project team develop a new concept, designed to meet the needs and interests of the community. The selected concept improves traffic flow and reduces traffic signals from earlier presented concepts.

The project is scheduled for funding and construction beginning in the fall of 2019. The 470-foot-long bridge was constructed in 1966.

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