A seven-mile stretch of I-84 between Nampa and Caldwell sustained significant damage due to winter storms and harsh weather conditions. Large potholes formed on both eastbound and westbound lanes causing accidents and serious property damage to vehicles. Vehicles sustained damage when they struck the potholes. Some went out of control and collided with other vehicles. The reported property damage included flattened tires, damaged rims and other serious types of damage, including injuries.
Potholes form after snow or rain seep into the soil under the roadway. With extremely cold temperatures, a few days of warmer weather, then the return of freezing and below temperatures, moisture formed below the pavement that caused the ground to expand, pushing the pavement up. A cavity then forms between the pavement and ground below it as the temperatures fluctuate. I-84 has a large volume of semi-truck and heavy vehicle traffic that travels on it each day. When vehicles drive over the formed cavity, the pavement cracks and gives way into the hollow space and a pothole forms.
Recognizing the safety hazards created, ITD crews have been making temporary repairs to the roadway. Exit ramps were blocked, lanes closed and speeds reduced to allow the repairs. This stretch of I-84 was scheduled to be resurfaced in 2018; however, the damage has caused ITD to advance their plans to an earlier date. The long term improvement project is budgeted for $15 million.
Car crashes of any type are disruptive to our lives. Even cautious drivers can be caught off guard by road conditions and find themselves being injured in an accident. The personal injury team at Racine Olson has experience and expertise to help those injured as a result of a crash. Contact our attorneys today at 208-232-6101 for a consultation.
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