New service to keep traffic flowing and improve safety in I-84 construction zone

Idaho State Police are working with the Idaho Transportation Department to help keep traffic flowing and improve safety in the busy construction zone on Interstate 84 between Nampa and Meridian.

Today, ITD announced a new Safety Service Patrol and courtesy towing service for disabled vehicles along the I-84 construction zone between the Karcher/Midland and Ten Mile interchanges. The service is meant to decrease congestion and the potential for injury-causing crashes.

There’s not a lot of room for disabled vehicles in a construction zone, and any delay or distraction can be a traffic hazard. That’s a big concern, especially in work zones as crews are often working just outside the roadway. If we can help remove disabled vehicles and keep traffic flowing smoothly, that increases safety for all of us,” said Lt. Matt Smith of the Idaho State Police.

When crashes do occur, troopers will respond as quickly as possible, assist those involved, and conduct a complete investigation. When the vehicles involved can be cleared, those vehicles too may take advantage of the courtesy towing service.

“Announcing this free towing service is an opportunity to remind motorists just how critical it is to be alert in construction zones. We all want to get where we’re going safely and we need to remember, the construction crews are working hard to improve our roads. They deserve a safe place to work. Safety doesn’t happen by accident,” said Lt. Smith.

Construction Zone Crash Stats:

According to the Federal Highway Administration’s workzonesafety.org, the number of crashes in construction and work zones have risen nearly 10% over the past five years. Rear end crashes are reported to the most common cause.

In Idaho, ITD reports crashes in work zones increased from 453 in 2017 to 630 in 2018. Sadly, the number of fatalities also increased from 9 in 2017 to 10 fatalities in work zone crashes in 2018.
ISP Has the following Traffic Safety Tips:

– Slow down in construction zones and work areas;
– Move over and slow down for emergency responders and road workers;
– Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you;
– Plan extra time. Construction zones and work areas can slow traffic. Be prepared and leave early if necessary.

The following was released this afternoon by the Idaho Transportation Department.

ITD introduces new Safety Service Patrol for I-84 construction zone in Nampa, Meridian

The Idaho Transportation Department will launch a safety patrol and courtesy towing service on Friday (Dec. 13) to assist disabled vehicles and keep traffic moving safely through the Interstate 84 construction zone in Nampa.

The Safety Service Patrol will operate Monday-Friday during the morning and evening commutes:

– 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. between the Karcher/Midland and Garrity interchanges, and
– 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. between the Ten Mile and Karcher/Midland interchanges.

Disabled cars, trucks or motorcycles will be towed to the Jacksons parking lot near the Franklin Boulevard Interchange (1407 N. Franklin Blvd.). Motorists will be responsible to arrange to retrieve their vehicles within 24 hours.

In the event of a crash, emergency services and police must first render medical assistance and gather information for an investigation before the scene can be cleared. Vehicles will be relocated to the Jackson’s lot as soon as that work is complete.

“Our top priority is to keep the I-84 work zone safe for everyone. Even a minor incident, like running out of gas, is likely to cause delay or create an unsafe situation for other people on the road,” said Mark Campbell, ITD’s GARVEE construction project manager. “The Safety Service Patrol will work closely with our state communications office and Idaho State Police to monitor road conditions, report incidents and clear disabled vehicles from the roadway as quickly as possible.”

Although the Safety Service Patrol will be out actively searching for disabled vehicles, drivers can still call 911 or *ISP in an emergency.

Idaho’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to move into the next lane for tow trucks, incident response vehicles and emergency personnel.

For more information about I-84 construction in Canyon County, listen to the Drive Idaho podcast or visit itdprojects.org/84corridor.