The new Orchard Street Interchange was built west of the old structure to improve traffic flow and reduce interruptions during construction.

Improvements include:

• A new interchange bridge with eight lanes.
• Expanded on- and off-ramps.
• More turn lanes on Orchard Street.
• New sidewalks and bicycle lanes on Orchard Street, Victory Road and Wright Street.
• Wright Street and Victory Road will be shifted to improve traffic flow and reduce delays.

The Orchard Street Interchange is part of ITD’s larger vision for reducing congestion on the I-84 East corridor in Boise. The interstate, built in the late 1960s, is well beyond its expected service life.

The New York Canal bridge widening began in August 2008 and was completed in late April 2009. Work on the Orchard Street Interchange began in early April 2009 and is expected to be complete in spring 2010.

Project milestones include:

• Demolition of the old Orchard bridge in late fall 2009.
• Traffic shifted to first five lanes of new bridge in late fall 2009.
• New interchange ramps completed late fall/winter 2009.
• Wright Street will be paved by early 2010.
• Last three lanes of the new bridge completed in winter 2009/2010.
• Project is complete in spring 2010.

The project is funded through the GARVEE Transportation Program, which uses Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to expedite interstate improvements.

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.