Drivers who commute know that traffic gets bad on I-84 when the interstate changes from three lanes to two at Franklin Boulevard in Nampa.
"Especially if there are any accidents or if someone gets pulled over," said Gabrielle Vandekop who commutes almost every day. "There are a lot of big trucks and people trying to go home or get to work, it can be very dangerous."
The Idaho Transportation Department hopes to alleviate some of that traffic with a project that starts on Wednesday, September 26.
The project will widen I-84 to three lanes between the Franklin Boulevard to the Karcher Interchange in Nampa.
"We are so excited that we are starting this project because it really is a project that has significant importance for the entire state of Idaho and the northwest region," said Jake Melder of the Idaho Transportation Department. "This corridor is a major freight corridor."
The fall ITD will widen the shoulder so that they can start the actual widening project in the spring of 2019, ITD has put a plan together to ensure that two lanes stay open during peak driving times.
To help with that construction crews will work mainly at night, Melder said that from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. drivers need to be aware that the Interstate may be down to one lane.
"It's going to depend on the phase and where we are at in the construction," said Melder. "But there are going to be times when we will see a single lane reduction."
Drivers also need to know that the speed limit will drop to 55 miles per hour and ITD asks drivers to be vigilant to make sure everybody on the road stays safe during the construction.
"You got to pay attention and drive as conditions allow," said Melder. "If you feel like you are going too fast and you feel like you can't safely operate go ahead and slow down."
The construction this fall will last until mid-November and drivers can check daily conditions on the ITD website or through the ITD's 511 app.
