Ceremony Marks Opening of I-84 Locust Grove Overpass

New overpass is expected to greatly alleviate traffic with an expected volume of 20,000 vehicles daily.

The I-84 Locust Grove Overpass in Boise opened four months ahead of schedule November 28, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced.Idaho Transportation Board member Monte McClure was be joined by Senate Transportation Committee Chairman John McGee, Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd and Ada County Highway District Chairman John Franden, as they officially opened the overpass by crossing it in a Meridian fire truck.

"We have been committed to this project for many years and are thrilled to celebrate its completion," said de Weerd. "This is a huge step forward in addressing our residents' high expectations. Not only will this new connection ease traffic on existing roadways, it will improve emergency response times." Currently, the nearest interstate crossings are at Eagle or Meridian roads. An estimated 20,000 vehicles are expected to use the new Locust Grove Overpass each day when it opens."Projects like this one are crucial to address the explosive growth we are experiencing in the Treasure Valley, and to ensure a vital economy for the future of our communities," said Sen. John McGee, R-Caldwell. "Our challenge is to meet other growing transportation needs in the face of limited resources and skyrocketing inflation costs," the Senate Transportation Committee chairman said.Constructed by Concrete Placing Company of Boise, the $5.8 million project was sponsored by ACHD and administered by ITD using federal funds. ACHD began the first phase which consisted of widening Locust Grove from Fairview to Franklin. ITD completed the overpass as the second phase of the overall vision.

HDR Project Wins Idaho Smart Growth Award

Boise office for the city of Meridian, Idaho, has been honored with an Idaho “Grow Smart” Award. The annual awards program recognizes the successful use of smart growth principles to encourage vibrant communities through sensible growth.

The project was honored for proactively defining the manner in which a 2,800-acre area will be developed for an interchange where Ten Mile Road meets I-84. The plan examined land use, transportation and design, and envisioned a transit center and mixed-use residential and commercial districts to ensure vitality and connectivity. Plan development included a public process that involved more than 500 people and close cooperation with other agencies. The city adopted the plan in June 2007.

HDR’s urban planning group helps communities around the nation use smart growth principles to improve the quality of life for their citizens. The group produces a free newsletter, Community Connection, which explains trends and uses case study examples. It can be found at hdrinc.com under the Publications link.

New Ford Dealership in West Valley Completed (w/ ford dealership rendering)
Cut: Rendering of new Henry Day Ford dealership in West Valley City.

Smith Layton Architects of Salt Lake City announced the completion of a new state-of-the-art auto sales and service dealership for Henry Day Ford, the largest Ford dealership in Utah.

Located in West Valley City, Utah, the $6 million 53,000 sq. ft. facility is the first Ford dealership in the West that features the "new-concept" sleek and contemporary interior design. It is also the only dealership in Utah with Ford's Quick Lane Service Center.

According to project architect Roger Smith, the high level of technology is almost futuristic in its approach. "Customers will notice it from both an aesthetic and convenience standpoint,” he said.

JRD Mixed-Use Condo Project Under Construction

JRD Condominiums, a major retail and mixed-use development in Draper, Utah is currently under construction. This two-phase project is estimated to cost about $17 million, and sits on a 12-acre site.

Newport Construction is the general contractor for this project. This multi-use building is a wood frame structure with various finishes including stucco and stone due to the nature of the various users of the premise. The four-story project, which was designed by Lloyd Architects of Salt Lake City, is estimated to be completed in August 2010.

Intermountain Healthcare conducted a grand opening celebration in October to introduce its new Women’s and Newborn Center to the Cache Valley community.

Logan Regional Hospital was built approximately 30 years ago, soon after the creation of Intermountain Healthcare and the divestiture of LDS-owned hospitals in Utah. In the past three decades, the economic vitality and population of Cache Valley have increased significantly. In recent years, the existing hospital maternity unit has delivered more than 2,500 babies annually. The new Women’s and Newborn Center will be able to accommodate 3,500 births.

Ground was broken for the center in April 2006 by Layton Construction Company of Sandy, Utah. The three-floor, 100,000 sq. ft. facility was designed by HKS, Inc. of Salt Lake City. Intermountain Healthcare invested $44 million in the center, including $35 million for the Women’s and Newborn Center and $9 million for a Central Utility Plant.

The first floor includes the Budge Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology physician offices, mammography services, childbirth education classrooms, other maternity support services and a gift shop.