The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) announced that the long‑awaited Linder Road overpass project in Meridian has officially entered phase two, beginning construction of the overpass that will span Interstate 84. The update, reported by KIVI TV, marks the transition from the completed first phase to the building of the overpass and the connection of Linder Road between Franklin and Overland.
Phase one, which involved preliminary work and utility relocations, is now finished. Phase two will focus on erecting the overpass itself while keeping both lanes of the existing roadway open, a measure ACHD says addresses neighborhood concerns about access. “We’ve had concerns about, you know, the H‑O‑A’s around here being able to access Franklin when the project starts, but we’re requiring the contractor to keep both lanes open so we have the access open for them at all times,” said Matthew Chaney, an ACHD spokesperson, as cited by KIVI TV.
The overpass will cross I‑84 but will not include freeway ramps. ACHD noted that the decision on ramps rests with the Idaho Transportation Department, explaining that adding another interchange between Ten Mile and Meridian could create additional traffic problems on the interstate.
For families who travel across the freeway for school, the new connection promises a shorter commute. “It’ll be a lot easier for them to get their kids to school instead of going to Ten Mile or Meridian, so it cuts two miles out of their commute,” Chaney added.
Local resident Kelty Forman, who has lived on Linder Road her whole life, expressed mixed emotions about the construction. “My whole life I’ve lived on Linder Road when it’s just been like a small town and I’ve loved Meridian,” Forman told KIVI TV. She noted the inconvenience of tree removal and limited neighborhood access during construction, but also shared excitement about the long‑term benefits. “I’ve always dreamed of Linder Road being connected and now that it’s happening, I tear up. I’m like why am I sad about this? But I’m excited too,” she said.
ACHD projects the overpass to be completed in the fall of 2027, providing Meridian residents with a permanent, safer crossing of I‑84 and a more direct route for daily travel.
What’s next: Construction will continue through the coming years, with regular updates from ACHD. Residents can expect ongoing lane closures and tree removal as the overpass takes shape, but the district has pledged to keep both lanes open throughout the project. The anticipated fall‑2027 completion date remains the target for delivering the finished connection.
Sources: kivitv.com, kivitv.com
