The new Orchard Street Interchange will be built west of the old structure to improve traffic flow and reduce interruptions during construction. The new interchange bridge will be eight lanes wide with sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Turn lanes to the I-84 on-ramps will start sooner, reducing backups on Orchard Street.

The interchange ramps will be lengthened and widened to give motorists more room for merging on and off I-84.

This project includes extending the existing soundwall 1,110 feet along the westbound off-ramp to reduce traffic noise for residents.

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 project was identified in an environmental and planning study for I-84 from just west of the Orchard Interchange to the Eisenman Road Interchange (Isaacs Canyon).

The study also recommended replacing the existing pavement, adding lanes to the interstate, and reconstructing the Orchard, Vista, Broadway and Gowen interchanges to meet the future traffic capacity requirements.

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.

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.